I just finished reading the editorial, “The law change that would keep Alaskans in the dark about government dealings.” As I was reading the article, I realized I was unaware of the online Public Notice System mentioned in the article — happy to have been informed about that. I decided to give it a try to read about the bill addressed in the article. To be clear, I’m no tech wizard, but at the ripe old age of 74, I’ve been around and worked with computers and “i-devices” for a number of years now, and I’m reasonably savvy in their use.
After poking around on that website for a bit, I became starkly aware that the article was spot on as I was unable to find any information about the bill in question. Perhaps it hadn’t been posted yet because it hasn’t fully passed through the government system. However, I would rather know what the state is trying to do before the fact rather than after it becomes law.
I agree strongly with the editorial board that posting public notices in the local paper(s) should continue. I really can’t imagine the average Alaskan thinking “I should go onto the state’s public notice website and see what they’re up to,” but just about everyone has access to the paper. Whether it’s by subscription, purchase, restaurant table, doctor’s office, work breakrooms, or public bus seats, wherever it is, the state should continue to put notices in the paper for public awareness.
— Volpe Vincent Sr.
Sutton
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