Op-Ed Article

Published in the Alaska Star 04-16-98

by Representative Fred Dyson

Our State Senators Rick Halford and Randy Phillips tell me that we have the privilege of representing the finest group of people in the State. I believe they base this on the level of maturity of folks in Chugiak/Eagle River and the almost total lack of grumbling and complaining that other legislators are beset with. The people in our area are incredibly well informed and consistently vote in elections. The letters and calls that we get are generally specific to real problems and are looking for practical solutions. The Citizens of Eagle River and Chugiak have an extensive understanding of both our form of government and the dilemmas facing Alaska. All of this makes my job easier than many other legislators.

We recently sent out a questionnaire to the people in District 25 and received a high number of responses. The results of this survey are summarized below. Many of you also attached questions and comments that we will respond to individually. Although I do not form my opinions and vote merely on the basis of polls, the questionnaire responses are helpful because many of the issues are not strictly a matter of principle, but are sensible attempts to pick the best choice of several options. Thanks for the help …

1. If fish and game are in short supply, harvest should be restricted
   on the basis of:

1. Rural vs. Urban = 6%
2. Native vs. non-native = 4%
3. Proximity to fish and game = 10%
4. Need for basic life support = 80%

2. Which would you have your legislator choose?

1. Protect constitutional right to equal access = 52%
2. Prevent a federal takeover = 48%

3. Majority’s Budget Plan

1. Favor the Legislature’s five year plan to balance the budget = 84%
2. Oppose the Legislature’s five-year plan to balance the budget = 16%

4. Governor’s Budget Proposal

1. Favor the Governor’s proposed budget increases = 15%
2. Favor funding "Quality Schools Initiative" and "Smart Start" = 13%
3. Favor balancing the budget before looking at new programs = 72%

5. Permanent Fund

1. The excess earnings from the Permanent Fund be used to close the fiscal gap = 28%
2. The excess earnings from the Permanent Fund be or reinvested in the principle = 72%

6. Education Endowment

1. Favor the creation of an education endowment from the Permanent Fund earnings? = 38%
2. Oppose the creation of an education endowment from the Permanent Fund earnings? = 62%

7. Deferred Maintenance

1. Favor setting aside up to $1.5 billion from the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund to pay for deferred maintenance of Alaska’s current infrastructure and capital construction. = 73%
2. Oppose setting aside up to $1.5 billion from the Constitutional Budget Reserve Fund to pay for deferred maintenance of Alaska’s current infrastructure and capital construction. = 27%

8. Capitol Move

1. Favor convening the Legislative Session in Anchorage. = 86%
2. Oppose convening the Legislative Session in Anchorage. = 14%