Dear Editor

Reading former Governor Hammond's contradictory column in Sunday’s Daily News and his "apology" in Wednesday's letters section, I'm struck by his ongoing campaign to traduce freedom, individualism and the traditional Republican idea of less government. He calls for spending the Permanent Fund (with his resurrection of "POMV"), while simultaneously apologizing for unfairly injuring VECO. He wrote, "In my zeal to protect the Permanent Fund, I sometimes get carried away."

Hammond is inconsistent. He shouldn't claim to "protect the Permanent Fund" while at the same time encourage pilfering the Fund through POMV. I’ve noted and refuted Hammond's suggestions for years, which amount to various proposals to enrich government at the expense of my constituents. He continually promotes a state income tax too. In his words, "...even one (income tax) capped at no more than your dividend."

Hammond has no justifiable reason to wax against VECO, a company that has contributed significantly to Alaska's economy for decades, while beating the drum for more government through schemes that spend other people’s money. He gives a low priority to free markets, private enterprise and the notion of limited government that protects individuals' rights (and wallets).

We can cut government instead of spending the Permanent Fund or imposing an income tax. We will have to pursue these all-important virtues sans our former governor.

Sincerely,

Rep. Vic Kohring
Alaska State Legislature

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