I read the recent commentary by writer Charles Wohlforth, “Alaska’s endless fiscal crisis: How’d we get here?”“The economic and social disintegration pulling our state apart,” in my opinion, is less about who gets elected to a government office than it is about who sits at the table after the election — all of the unions, large businesses, special interests, etc.
Here is who does not sit at the table: many of the disabled, especially individuals with a mental illness; low-income workers including cannery workers; and individuals that are homeless, often with dual diagnoses — mentally ill with substance abuse addictions.
Alaska has never granted the disadvantaged the rights they need in law to have their voices heard. The disadvantaged have never been given an adequate seat at the table. Alaska would have a better economic and social outcome for its citizens if Alaska would improve the rights in law for those with low incomes, the disadvantaged and the disabled.
— Faith Myers
Anchorage
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