Weekly Star Editorial for March 26, 1998

By Representative Fred Dyson

When the people of Eagle River and Chugiak voted to combine the city and borough of Anchorage into the present Municipality of Anchorage, we ensured the concept of local SERVICE AREAS. This allowed for areas like ours to have some control over local services. The concept has worked exceptionally well for us. We are able to manage our roads and parks and recreation more efficiently with lower taxes than any other area in the Municipality. We elect local boards through our Community Councils who, in turn, manage the services by utilizing really excellent local staff.

The fans of big centralized government have always fought against the Service Area concept and practice. It seems to offend their sensibilities to allow local citizens to control local services. The big centralized government advocates in Anchorage have mounted several assaults on the service areas. I believe they will continue efforts to take over our roads, parks, fire service, building inspection and anything else they can get their hands on.

Senate Bill 208, sponsored by my long-time friend Sean Parnell, stops this hostile take over process at the ballot box. SB 208 makes it illegal for the Anchorage Assembly to take away our service areas WITHOUT AN AFFIRMATIVE VOTE BY US. This bill provides for an enormous protection for the voter and taxpayer of Chugiak/Eagle River. I think that our entire delegation will support it enthusiastically but it needs support from Anchorage-area legislators. If you have contacts with these other legislators, please call them directly and also send Public Opinion Messages by calling the Anchorage Legislative Office (LIO) at 258-8111 (TTY 258-8173). The LIO can also provide you a copy of SB 208.

We are eager to be of assistance to people in our area in dealing with state agencies. If you are having trouble or need help, I can be reached by phone, (800) 342-2199 or (907) 465-2199; by mail, State Capitol Building, Room 428, Juneau, AK 99801; or via the Internet, Representative_Fred_Dyson@legis.state.ak.us.