Since ex-Gov. Bill Walker, with the support of Alaska’s Supreme Court, was allowed to ignore Jay Hammond’s system of dividend distribution (that I thought was law), the Permanent Fund dividend distribution has become a political football. Not only has the distribution amount the citizens receive become a decision of whatever party is in power with their egos to know they can ignore existing law and the will of constituents, it also costs the state of Alaska additional funds for special sessions.
Either Hammond’s system, the governor’s 50-50 split or another system has to be established and set in stone, or this debate and battle will continue. As a friend of mine said, they — the Legislature — will do what they want. The citizens have spoken, but we are not heard.
— Randy Van Sickle
Kenai
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