Municipal elections and PFD time

We are now well in to election season, and it is time for us to exercise our civic responsibility to vote.   Below you will find information about elections and voting in District 33 communities. 

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
October 4, 2016 Polls Open from 7am to 8pm

HAINES 
Haines Borough registered voters will be electing...       SAMPLE BALLOT

• two assembly members with 3-year terms, and
• two school board members with 3-year terms

JUNEAU
CBJ registered voters will be electing...       SAMPLE BALLOT

• three assembly members with 3-year terms,
• two school board members with 3-year terms,
• proposition 1: tax on sale of marijuana and marijuana products,
• proposition 2: extend temporary 3% sales tax, and
• proposition 3: make the temporary 3% sales tax permanent beginning July 1, 2022

Skagway
Skagway registered voters will be electing...       SAMPLE BALLOT

• two assembly members with 3-year terms,
• two school board members with 3-year terms, and
• proposition 1: $6,000,000 general obligation bonds for senior center & apartment facility

REGISTER TO VOTE FOR THE GENERAL ELECTION  - Deadline October 9, 2016

While it is not too late to register to vote in the municipal elections here in our district, there is still time to register to vote for the upcoming General Election.  If you want to make your voice heard by casting a ballot in November, please be sure toregister to vote!  The deadline to register for the upcoming November 8th general election is this Sunday, October 9th.

Please pass along this reminder to your family, friends, and neighbors.  Anyone who wishes to vote MUST be registered to vote by October 9th.  I also want to remind our younger citizens that anyone who will turn 18 by November 8th can also register to vote, even if their birthday is after October 9th.  If you are a college student, please remember to register to vote in Alaska.  If you register to vote in a different state you risk losing your PFD!

STATEWIDE GENERAL ELECTIONS
November 8, 2016 Polls Open from 7am to 8pm

DISTRICT 33
Other than candidates, District 33 registered voters will be voting on...

• ballot measure 1: an Act allowing qualified individuals to register to vote when applying for a Permanent Fund Dividend,
• proposition 2: allow debt for postsecondary student loans (Constitutional Amendment)
• judicial retention: shall the following be retained
• Justice Bolger – Supreme Court, 10 years
• Justice Maassen – Supreme Court, 10 years
• Judge Allard – Court of Appeals, 8 years
• Judge George – First Judicial District, Superior Court, 6 years
• Judge Pallenberg – First Judicial District, Superior Court, 6 years
• Judge Nave – First Judicial District, District Court, 4 years

You can learn more about the initiatives by visiting: http://www.elections.alaska.gov/ei_general_bm.php

You can learn more about the Judicial Council’s recommendations and reviews by visiting:
http://www.ajc.state.ak.us/2016-retention-election

SOUTHEAST CONFERENCE

Robert Venables addressing the AMHS Executive Committee at Southeast Conference.

The Southeast Conference Annual Meeting took place September 20-22 in Petersburg.  One of the main topics of discussion was the Alaska Marine Highway System and how to secure long term viability.  Southeast Alaska is dependent on marine transportation for our economic existence, and the health of AMHS is vital to economic development in the region.  With recent cuts to the state budget, our ferry system, as it currently exists, may be in danger.

During the conference, several changes were recommended.  These changes included forward funding for the ferry system budget, transferring ferry system human resources from the Department of Administration to the ferry system, and looking into other ways to boost revenue.

The executive steering committee is also drafting a new mission statement for the ferry system.  They will meet again this fall to approve it and come up with a recommendation for a new governance structure in time for the upcoming legislative session. I will continue to work hard for our region to ensure the long term viability of the ferry system.

MICHAEL J. BURNS BUILDING

The Goldbelt Place Office Building that houses the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation and the Alaska Department of Education was renamed last week as the Michael J. Burns Building.  Joe Kahklen, retired President and CEO of Goldbelt, Inc. gave a brief history of the building.  Click here to read a transcript of his speech.

September 28, 2016: Renaming the Michael J. Burns Building in Juneau.

PFD TIME

With October comes the distribution of PFD checks to all Alaska citizens who properly applied and are eligible. Applications that were assigned ‘eligible’ status by September 23rd may have checks distributed electronically to their bank accounts Thursday, October 6th.  A second round of PFDs will be distributed on October 27th.  If you have questions about your eligibility status, when you’ll receive your check, or how to apply for a PFD, check out this helpful website.

BOARD POSITIONS

The Alaska Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors is seeking applications for the 2 Board seats: Public Member (Vacant), and Electrical PE (appointment in March 2017).  If you or someone you know meets the requirements and is interested in a seat, please contact Lindy Irwin with Boards and Commissions at 907-269-7450 or lindy.irwin@alaska.gov.

E-NEWS WILL BE BACK AFTER THE ELECTION

In order to ensure full compliance with state ethics guidelines, this will be the final e-news I will send until after the general election.  Even though you will not be receiving information from me, please remember my office is always open for you to stop by, call, or email.

With Regards,

Sam Kito III