As a true Alaskan of the Grover Norquist persuasion, I totally agree with Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s view that individual Alaskans can spend money more wisely than can the government. Here’s my own plan of action. Since I strongly believe in a strong educational system, uninterrupted ferry service, smooth highways and medical care for the indigent (since Medicaid will vanish), I will use my Permanent Fund dividend as follows: I will visit my granddaughter’s Soldotna school for one day, accompany her to her classes and hand her teachers envelopes stuffed with cash. The same goes for my other, older granddaughter at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I will purchase a dozen drums of fuel for the ferry and take them to Whittier one at a time in my Toyota RAV4.
I resurfaced my driveway last summer and feel confident that I can fill holes in the Glenn Highway. With a bunch of patching material from Lowes and a few friends to act as flaggers, it shouldn’t take more than a few weekends. As far as medical care for indigent patients, even though I retired four years ago, closed my practice, let my medical license lapse and am a bit rusty, I’m sure I can lease some office space, hire a staff, renew my license and provide free medical care.
I was considering volunteering as a game warden to catch poachers, but without a boat, snow machine, four-wheeler, pickup, sidearm, uniform, badge or training, I quickly scrapped that idea. I’m willing to spend my PFD in this manner. There are still a few logistical details to iron out. A little help here, governor?
— David P. Werner
Palmer
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