On Saturday, October 1, I attended an all-day Fiscal Policy Summit sponsored by Alaska Common Ground. Subjects included: (1) Our Fiscal System and Deep Structural Deficit; (2) Impacts of Fiscal Solutions on Jobs and Incomes; (3) Oil and Gas Tax Credits; (4) Scenarios for Fiscal Solutions; (5) the Anchorage Economy; (6) the Case for Budget Cuts, and related topics.
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Please join me for a Neighborhood Forum this Wednesday, September 28th from 7 to 9:00 p.m. at Central Middle School. Share your thoughts, and let’s talk about the issues that concern you most. I and Tax Division Director Ken Alper will present some information on our staggering deficit, as well as the options for action that must be taken to fix it. And let’s talk schools, public safety, and what you want to see for this state and the next generation.
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We have all been shaken by a crime spree that has made many people feel unsafe across Anchorage. The same holds true for many communities across Alaska. While police protection is largely a city issue, and I believe the Mayor wants to address the issue, there is a state role for state legislators too. I was not, and am not, happy with legislation passed last year by conservative leaders that massively cut the amount of help communities receive from the state for things like police and firefighters. Public safety isn’t free, and I voted against that legislation, which will cut the help Anchorage receives for these basic services by roughly 67%, or $9 million over two years.
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This Sunday, August 28th, I hope to see you at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new skate park located at the Polar Bear Park! In 2012, the Anchorage Park Foundation received a $250,000 State Legislative Grant for the project and began working closely with northeast residents to identify an appropriate site for the new skate park. Construction began this June and concluded at the beginning of August. The new skate park has quickly become the popular new skateboarding hub. I am proud to say that the Russian Jack Community Council was a strong champion for the new skateboarding facility. They are excited that North Russian Jack Springs Park will continue to promote healthy lifestyles and activities, as well as serve as a venue to encourage youth to safely pursue their interests. I hope you can make it, and don’t forget your skateboards!
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This is the first week of school for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District and next week marks the first day of classes for the University of Alaska.
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