Editorials

"An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"

"conflicts of interest, closed meetings, "gentleman's agreements"....

By Justin Roberts.  January 27,2004

Tired of being left out while lobbyists and politicians make backroom deals?!?

As you probably already know, during this past legislative session, the Alaska legislature deregulated lobbyists, doubled campaign contribution limits, and held closed caucus meetings on a daily basis outside the view of the public.  And although we elect our officials to represent us and vote in our best interests, the number of legislative conflicts of interest and "gentleman's agreements" decided behind closed doors continues to grow.  Already this session, Rep. Bob Lynn (R), Anchorage, has been punished for not voting the party line.

In an effort to restore true democracy to Alaska, we are proud to announce the launch of Alaska Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fair, open and accountable government.

"Let's open the political process to all Alaskans!  Join me
in supporting Alaska Common Cause as we challenge both
Democrats and Republicans to rid Alaska of secret meetings
and the destructive influence of special-interest money."

-Vic Fischer
(Former state senator, territorial legislator, and delegate
to the Alaska Constitutional Convention)

As the newest of the 39 state chapters of Common Cause (http://www.commoncause.org), Alaska Common Cause will track legislation through the 2004 Alaska legislative session, research potential conflicts of interest, and send out e-mail action alerts on issues involving:

    * closed caucuses
    * conflicts of interest
    * public notice
    * campaign finance reform
    * special interest legislation and
    * lobbying activity

Alaska Common Cause also will fight for stronger ethics and open meetings guidelines and issue "Defenders of Democracy" Awards at the end of the session based on the voting records and committee practices of legislators.

Show your support for a fair, open, and accountable government, and join the Alaska Common Cause activist network today at http://www.alaskacommoncause.org/activistnetworkakv.html

(We respect your time and will try our best to limit alerts to urgent and important issues.  We will NEVER share your email address or other information.)

We also need your help to send the Alaska Common Cause staff to Juneau for the session.  Chellie Pingree, the president of Common Cause, is coming to Alaska for kick-off parties in Anchorage on Friday, February 20th and in Juneau on Monday, February 23rd.  We will be sending out invitations in the next few weeks and hope to see you at one of the events.  You also can donate to Alaska Common Cause at http://www.commoncause.org/support/state.html.

Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

- Justin, Nathan, and Alex
 The Alaska Common Cause team

The message above and other services are provided free of charge through the generous support of donated staff time and monetary contributions.  If you agree with our project please consider a donation in one form or another.  Alaska Voters Organization, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation and in most cases your donations of cash or in kind are 100% tax deductible.

Secure electronic transfers from your bank account or credit card are available using the PayPal button above.  If you prefer to send a check, bank draft, or money order, please make them payable to the Alaska Voters Organization;  and mail to PO Box 3293;  Kenai, Alaska;  99611-3293.

Please contact our office with any questions or comments. 

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