ANCHORAGE SPECIAL ELECTION - NOVEMBER 25TH

Don Smith
From ALASKA DIGEST EMAIL NEWSLETTER
119th ISSUE
Anchorage, AK
November 3, 2003

The Anchorage Assembly - in it's wisdom? - has called for a "Special" Election on November 25th. They are trying to dupe the voters into breaking the TAX CAP and giving them the opportunity to reach into your back pockets and take $3 Million!

You need to consider that........

The Municipality of Anchorage has over $200 MILLION set aside in various fund balance accounts. These funds could be tapped to make up the money needed to fund the Fire Department.

The Assembly has NOW asked Begich for a budget that will include the 23 firemen - regardless of the vote on November 25th.

During the vote on the "Special Election" several Assemblymembers made it clear that they would find the money to fund the 23 firemen's positions - regardless of the VOTE.

Begich's initial budget calls for an INCREASE in his staff for the Mayor's office - while cutting elsewhere! Last Year Mayor Wuerch had 8 positions in his office in the Budget. Our new mayor is asking for 16 employees!!!

KTUU TV held one of their on line polls right after the Assembly vote - 74% of those responding said they would be voting NO on November 25th!

The Assembly should look at the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau Budget of $5.5 million - if they need to find a place to CUT!

BE SURE TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 25TH - ASK FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT.......THIS ELECTION WILL SEE A VERY LOW VOTER TURNOUT. YOU CAN COUNT ON THE UNIONS TO GET THEIR MEMBERS OUT......DON'T LET OUR LIBERAL MAYOR AND ASSEMBLY BREAK THE TAX CAP.......THEY NEED TO LIVE WITHIN THE CURRENT BUDGET ALLOCATION. THE TAX CAP ALLOWS FOR A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE THIS YEAR OVER LAST YEAR'S BUDGET.

FINALLY....DON'T FORGET THAT THE MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE IS $1.6 BILLION IN DEBT. ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE IS NOW $176 MILLION PER YEAR!!!!!

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The special election was cancelled by the Anchorage Assembly at the request of Mayor Begich on Nov. 7, following a large outcry from many Anchorage voters, even if the Mayor denies it).