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Spotlight on Juneau "An Informed Voter Is The Best Defense Against Bad Government"
"Spotlight on Juneau" January 24, 2004
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NEW GROUP FORMS TO PROTECT THE PERMANENT FUND
A coalition of Alaskans from around the state will file papers with the APOC Monday morning. Calling themselves "Alaskans, Just say No!", this organization will work with individuals and organizations from all over Alaska to counter efforts by politicians wishing to take the Permanent Fund. Complete details are outlined in their press release. The future of Alaska is at stake and everyone is encouraged to join the debate. Stay tuned to the "Spotlight on Juneau" for future developments. _______________
PERMANENT FUND LEGISLATION TO BE HEARD THIS WEEK
No Permanent Fund legislation has been scheduled for hearings this week. This situation could change without notice so keep an eye open for special editions of "Spotlight on Juneau" during the week. Consider having some letters "in the can" ready to send on short notice.
Have you sent a letter to the legislature and governor in opposition to the POMV scheme? Send us a copy of your letter and maybe we will use it on the web site! Click here to see the most recent public provided letter. Sign and send as is, or write your own. Its fast, easy, and helps remind the legislature how you feel about YOUR PERMANENT FUND!!!
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KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH ASSEMBLY FAILS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO POMV SCHEME
During the January 20 Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting a Resolution in Opposition to SJR 18 the Percent of Market Value scheme was debated and ultimately defeated by a vote of 5 to 4.
Both the Resolution and Sponsor's memo outline questions raised by the POMV legislation. Members of the public were asking the KPB Assembly to find answers before such a plan could be seriously considered. An article in the Peninsula Clarion details the debate and resulting vote.
If you are not sure how the different proposed legislation will affect the Permanent Fund visit a comparison chart developed by the Alaska Voters Organization. Hyperlinks at the bottom will lead to official source documents for those wishing to do additional research. Everyone is encouraged to take a few minutes and become familiar with the options. Remember the "devil is always in the details"!
Since the resolution raised questions, the Assembly should seek to find answers. If the Assembly fail to pursue this issue to a logical conclusion, a new resolution may need to be introduced that will.
Every resident of the Kenai Peninsula Borough should send a message to ensure the outcome of future Assembly debate is in line with your wishes. Click here to contact Assembly Members. _______________
LONGEVITY BONUS VOTE
Last week we had the Representative Lynn article, but omitted the actual vote results of that issue. Because it is important that everyone know how our representatives are voting in Juneau, we are linking the results here! Speaking of results, 217 people responded to last week's home page survey questions which revealed the following:
1. Did Representative Bob Lynn do the right thing by fulfilling a campaign promise made to his constituents? Yes: 70% No: 25% Don’t Know/Not Sure: 5%
2. Was the House Republican Caucus justified by stripping Representative Lynn of his leadership roles for voting his conscience? Yes: 28% No: 60% Don't Know/Not Sure: 12%
3. Should the current system of "caucus" and closed door meetings be allowed to continue? Yes: 28% No: 68% Don't Know/Not Sure: 4%
4. Would you prefer that all of the people's business be conducted in the open for all to see? Yes: 68% No: 23% Don't Know/Not Sure: 8%
This non-scientific survey was conducted online between January 17 and January 25, 2004. Click here and take the new home page survey of the week.
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PERMANENT FUND BOARD TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO "EDUCATE" THE PUBLIC ABOUT THEIR POMV PLAN
The Permanent Fund Board of Directors outline expensive marketing plan to "sell" the POMV to unsuspecting Alaskans. Total cost of this educational effort could cost millions of dollars. Once again the government is using our money to get MORE of our money! Take a few minutes now and tell the legislature what you think about this plan.
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Please forward this message to everyone you know in Alaska, and ask them to do the same. Everyone is welcome and strongly encouraged to join AK Voters. It is absolutely FREE to join, and each member automatically receives future issues of the "Spotlight on Juneau ". Working together we CAN and WILL make a positive difference for Alaska's future! _______________
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