To Alaska lawmakers: Cut the gloom and do the job

Where are the big, bold and impressive ideas? Where is the optimism, courage and leadership? Where is the Happy?

Years of doom and gloom is getting old; news of the fiscal crisis ad nauseam, propaganda saying the Permanent Fund dividend is the only solution, and finally — an economic recession. Gray clouds abound.

• The fiscal crisis is a result of a bloated, overspending state government and lack of creating diversified revenue streams. Downsize more. Get frugal. Live within your means. Create fair and balanced revenue streams. A right-sized government is one where spending is equal to revenues — that's it. The state is still spending about $1.5 billion more than it expects in revenue. Downsizing is needed. New revenue is needed. It is a math problem, not doomsday!

[House, Senate need closers for budget deal]

• The PFD restructure and raid is the current political environment lawmakers have been trying to create for years. I don't buy it. I don't support any permanent change to the PFD without a vote of the people. A raid hurts low to moderate income families much more than wealthier families and it's just not right. Also, PFD spending is a huge boost to local economies. When the PFD checks are reduced, the impact on smaller-than-Anchorage cities and villages across Alaska is terrible. This devastating impact has gone under-reported. PFD raiders make your case to the public, take a vote, and live with the consequences.

[Legislative budget tricks and false promises imperil state economy]

• A recession can be minimized by job creation. Consider, for example,  moving some money into one big capital project. One that most benefits the entire state and creates the maximum number of jobs (not the gasline or other boondoggle).  Or, consider moving some funds to a statewide program like the old Coastal Zone Management program. This program created many local jobs which injects revenue directly into small economies. Do something bold. Think big. Be fearless.

Alaskans are known for their resilience, and love of family, their neighbors and their state. I'd like to see this spirit rise up and out of Juneau. I'd like to see elected leaders join in an effort to lift all Alaskans. A tall order, but badly needed. It is doable. Without guts, there will be no glory.

Tara Jollie writes LeadDog, an independent blog where this piece first appeared. She was a longtime state employee, now retired, and lives in Juneau.

The views expressed here are the writer's and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@alaskadispatch.com.