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Alaska State Legislature House and Senate Democrats |
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http://www.akdemocrats.org Mike Doogan, Press Secretary (907) 465-3842 or 723-2572 (907) 465-5125 press@akdemocrats.org |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · April 6, 2004 |
Senate Democrats Stand Up for Local Control
SCR12 forces mandatory boroughs, takes away local control
JUNEAU – Senate Democrats today strongly argued against adoption of Senate Concurrent Resolution 12. Sponsored by Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks), SCR12 forces mandatory borough incorporation on four of the least populated areas of Alaska.
"I would prefer that boroughs incorporate voluntarily," said Senator Georgianna Lincoln (D-Rampart). "SCR12 imposes a new level of government on people without their consent. I urge the Senate to vote against this ill-advised bill."
"The people of my district don’t appreciate government crammed down their throats," said Senator Donny Olson (D-Nome). "Nobody who is affected by SCR12 asked for it. When you don’t have local support, the people feel bullied."
"A vote for this bill generates more government, a whole new layer of government," said Senator Lyman Hoffman (D-Bethel). "A vote against this resolution is a vote for less government."
"Here is yet another example of this legislature taking away local control," said Senator Gretchen Guess (D-Anchorage).
"American government is supposed to be 'of, by, and for' the people," said Senator Hollis French (D-Anchorage). "This resolution fails on all counts. It’s not 'of,' 'by,' or 'for' the people. It is, in fact, the opposite."
Senators Johnny Ellis (D-Anchorage), Kim Elton (D-Juneau) and Bettye Davis (DAnchorage) also voted against the resolution. Senate President Gene Therriault (R-North Pole) joined with Democratic legislators in opposing SCR12, but the measure passed 11 to 9 and now heads to the House of Representatives.
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