I was born in Anchorage some 65 years ago and have had the opportunity to see and experience Alaska's ups and downs.
In a July 18 letter, George Donart went through the scenario of the financial problems we face and wanted our elected officials to "do something" about it. He also goes on to say we have been counting on the oil industry for our money, which I agree. What can our elected officials do with so much opposition? There has to be an alternative to oil; we have the prospect of a mine that would bring in money to the state.
I saw another letter to the editor on July 16 from Dennis Smith regarding our governor opposing Pebble mine and the mining industry in general that they are not welcome in Alaska. Like him, I am fed up with our "do nothing" administration. We are presently fortunate enough to have a president who knows an entity — state, federal or business — can't stay in a good financial position if development is needed. We just may need to let Pebble develop. I would venture to say the state had no problem taking Pebble's permitting funds.
What we need badly, as a state, is the development of all industries responsibly — aviation, fishing, service-oriented businesses and, yes, mining. I am sure when the Creator put the resources there, He expected us to use them responsibly.
— John Alsworth
Anchorage