While I enjoyed and agreed in spirit with the ADN’s editorial of Dec. 9, “Lets be honest …” it didn’t go far enough. Yes, the “cut to bone” mantra and prioritizing of the Permanent Fund dividend by Gov. Mike Dunleavy has led to the poor road maintenance. But it’s also led to the hollowing-out of our state. We have fewer ferries with less frequent service. We have fewer teachers, less school funding. Fewer corrections officers and fewer Alaska State Troopers.
I sometimes feel maybe most Alaskans haven’t lived here very long, so they don’t know, but this was not always the norm. First and foremost, we used to have elected officials who actually fought to get more for Alaska, not less. I’m talking specifically about our resources. Sen. Ted Stevens was held on a pedestal because of the largesse he would bring; now Sen. Lisa Murkowski is doing the same and hardliners in her own party are trying to boot her out; talk about a self-inflicted wound.
Our governors once actually had a plan or at least talked about growth; when have you ever heard Dunleavy talking about growing anything? My city of Anchorage used to be an interesting, thriving place to live; now it is dying on the vine with long-established businesses closing up shop and schools that don’t have enough teachers. Stop voting for lies and rhetoric and start voting for people who want to at least bring us back to where we were a decade ago.
— Shawn O’Donnell
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.