Comments

Foggy Notion wrote on Aug 14, 2009 3:40 PM:

" If WELLS isn't sure then why did he support the idea in the first place?
What no....., Mr Wells? We need to look elsewhere for a replacement, but wehat are they offering? I'd pass on all of them. Turner and Colver are no better. Lets get a write in for that district. We couldn't do much worse that what they are pushing at us. "




North Su wrote on Aug 14, 2009 10:29 AM:

" I'm an owner of several properties.

I'm completely against ANY new taxes.

You CANNOT ever trust any politician's "word", they lie as easy as we breathe.

What part of NO don't you people understand?

NO SALES TAX!

NO NEW TAXES OF ANY KIND!

NO!

NO!

NO!
(and Kluberton you are SO gone in the next election). "




Another Day wrote on Aug 14, 2009 9:28 AM:

" Wel, now your electricity will cost more adn then add another 3 % for the Duffy crowd!
Gasoline is already over $3.00 a gallon and add another 10 cents to that. We already work until mid August to pay our heavy tax burden now they want us to donate all that we make. Are they (the Obamaites) gonna provide us with total life support from cradle to coffin?
STAND UP FOR YOUR FREEDOM AND RIGHTS !
We have had enough! "




Dennis O. wrote on Aug 12, 2009 9:45 PM:

" A spineless weasel made the last entry using my name, like the coward he/she is. Of course, I know you all knew that already..

Maybe he/she will grow up someday... There's always hope! "




Option 4 wrote on Aug 12, 2009 2:33 PM:

" Hey lets just tax the cities. Let them collect it and give the borough money. "




Dennis O. wrote on Aug 12, 2009 9:24 AM:

" Thank you, assembly, for standing up for the property owners of the borough. It's long past time to diversify the tax base. A sales tax, with reductions in property taxes, is just the ticket. I appreciate your hard work on this issue. "




Big Lake wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:11 AM:

" Do you trust the assembly to keep your property tax's lower next year? if we vote this in they can do what they want it wont be up to us next time around? It will take a new department to collect the money and they will spend all they get their hands on, they always do. NO NEW TAX'S stop spending!! the Assembly is high on opium "others peoples money" get a grip and live in your budget NO NEW TAX'S ! "




Tired of Corrupt Politics wrote on Aug 11, 2009 5:27 PM:

" The Borough definetely needs to change how it does business, starting with ousting Mr. John Duffy. As far as I'm concerned, if Duffy is in charge, the Borough will never function in a way that actually serves the people. "




Mis-conception wrote on Aug 11, 2009 10:04 AM:

" The sunset clause in the sales tax measure allows the Assembly to continue the sales tax beyond the 3 year period WITHOUT any vote by the citizens. Cleaver move Bettine and Church, but we are smarter than you !
In October, Church will fade into the other sunset and the measure will go down in fire!
We have had enough of your tactics, Michelle Obama Church and Big Property Owners Bettine. "




Dennis O. wrote on Aug 11, 2009 6:22 AM:

" Obviously, the only thing to do voters, is to vote out the incumbents this October. Vote for their opponents. You can get the list from the Borough website. And don't think putting Colver back on the Assembly is going to make any difference, he can squander with the best of them. This stuff will never end until YOU, the voter gets their attention! You do that by voting out the spenders, one at a time if necessary, then fire the mis-Manager. This Borough Government needs an attitude adjustment and you are the people who can do it this October "




Pearl wrote on Aug 10, 2009 6:52 PM:

" ITS time to take back are rights as land owners ! vote NO!!!! ,and time to VOTE them All out of assembly office starting with Duffy, we the people should have the last vote on everything that is up for vote; not the assembly as a group, no more of their bull!!. "




property owner wrote on Aug 10, 2009 11:10 AM:

" NO BOROUGH PROPERTY TAX. I WANT TO OWN MY LAND, THANK YOU.

SALES TAX YES! NO EXEMPTIONS.

REDUCE THE BOROUGH STAFF. SMALLER LOCAL GOVENRMENT. "




Right on Tony wrote on Aug 10, 2009 8:55 AM:

" Well said, right now these same outside intrests are bank rolling a ad campain to sway the voters. Name one tax that was taken off the books after it was in place. Tony may be allot more of us long time Borough folks moving, thanks for all your past service to the community. "




Tony Pippel wrote on Aug 9, 2009 2:04 PM:

" You guys are missing the obvious. Revenue flat, property taxes reduced by amount of sales tax receipts. Huge tax break for non-resident propertyowners. Fifty top propertyowners/taxpayers in Boro are large outside corporations. They don't pay sales taxes; local residents do. Clearly if they get a huge break, the total taxes paid to the Boro by residents must go up substantially. I still own a fair amount of propertyin the Boro, but no longer live there. Thanks for the tax break. "




To Big Lkae wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:39 AM:

" Sure it is a good deal for you!
The word Big Lake explains it all. Big houses and property have big taxes!
Think of all of us in this mix.
Seniors are getting it every way they turn! And "it" is not a tax break! The average "joe" can not afford more taxes nor do we need more taxes.
Duffy and Asssemby cut your budget! Live within your means. We all have to do it. Face the facts that in spite of Washington,money does not grow on trees in Alaska. "




To Mr Thrift wrote on Aug 9, 2009 5:33 AM:

" You are Wrong !
EVERYTHING is taxed! Gasoline adds 9 cents a gallon! Food also. The wide sweeping "change" leaves you with none !
WE need more evidence that this scheme will be a wash! No not hardly. The politicians will make out and the citizens will PAY more as usual.
Balance the budget every year, just as I have to do with what I have. While it is not the White House/Congress way, it is the Alaska family way!
It is called being RESPONSIBLE ! "




Disgusted wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:47 PM:

" Get rid of Bettine what a mess she is. Tired of having her represent my district. A sales tax just stinks and I for one won't vote for that. "




Same Old Yuck wrote on Aug 8, 2009 4:42 PM:

" Kuberton is a chicken..Wells is beyond hope, Pete Huston has no business wasting air and space and as for those old tootsies on the assembly its like Duffy's harem UGH "




To Big Lake Wrote wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:41 PM:

" Take out your calculator, they are $3 and do the math. You must be either be living in Anchorage and have a $500,000 home on the lake or living in a shack that is worth $20,000. This tax will rape the middle class, working poor, renters, and elderly in a home appraiised at under the $150,000 value excepti by the state for people over 65 will now pay over $600. This will save the box stores , deveplovers, and milionaires and pass, their saving on to us working class Vote NO and read the tax. Mark Ewing "




Mr. Thrift wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:08 PM:

" The idea is good to diversify the taxes, lower property taxes and if the thing doesn't work it goes away in 3 years. Food is exempt. It may not be perfect, but it's better than what we've got now. Time to give it a try. "




Big Lake wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:46 PM:

" Take a pencil, a piece of paper and figure this out for yourself, do not listen to VI's and their kool-aid friends. This is a no brainer. This is a good deal. "




Interesting.. wrote on Aug 7, 2009 11:39 AM:

" All these so called emails that Bettine and Church claim they received must have come directly to their personal address BECAUSE the MSB website was DOWN all last WEEK.
Now that leads one to wonder who has their personal email addresses? Why naturally their friends and family. Of course favorable voices will be received that way.
We found out that the MSB wrbsite was all screwed up all week.
Maybe like most of the Assembly persons.?? Like maybe ?? "




Ignored wrote on Aug 7, 2009 10:55 AM:

" I don't believe any Assembly person who says that most e mails favor at tax. My friends and I have sent e mails to many of them on this issue only to be ignored. Could it be called filtering? Ignore those who oppose your view? That is definitely the situation.
Only Mark Ewing responded and then 17 times, one to each of us, his constitutes. He cares what we think.
Well, Now its our turn. Ignore, Wells and Church on the ballot! Get responsible representation ! "




jp wrote on Aug 7, 2009 9:43 AM:

" on this same ballot, will the assembly elections be on there , so we can vote them all out??? i certainly hope so! "




To lee wrote on Aug 7, 2009 8:38 AM:

" So because the property taxes in Hawaii are cheaper than ours, you think it's cheaper to live there? Have you allowed for the cost of living there? It's the highest in the nation, more that 48% higher than ours. But I'm not begging you to stay by any means. We really don't want you here anymore with that attitude towards progress. Oh, and by the way, you spelled MORON wrong. And that's pretty funny. "




Property owner wrote on Aug 7, 2009 1:33 AM:

" Hey! This will be on the upcoming ballot this fall. You'll get to vote whichever way you'd like... and in the meantime you can try to persuade others to see things your way. You can write letters to editors and Assembly people, speak at Assembly meetings, put up flyers, etc. etc. "




Les wrote on Aug 6, 2009 10:06 PM:

" Tax the right things. I hate the tax on food. Food should not be taxed. Tax everything else but 100.00 at the store for food plus 5.50 tax. Get real folks. Not everyone owns property in fact just the opposite. Why should I pay for their housing. "




Ferry Port Crap wrote on Aug 6, 2009 9:48 PM:

" We have a Ferry, We have Hatcher pass, We have a Port, WE HAVE NOTHING, that can pay it's own way. Fire those that come up with these idiotic schemes and we won't need sales taxes. Reward stupid decisions and this will last for generations.
The Port made money, says the borough, My A__ Hold someone accountable and this will end. "




Perfect wrote on Aug 6, 2009 9:16 PM:

" Wasilla raising water and sewer
The Borough wants a 3% sales tax
I’ve had to freeze wages
I’ve had to lower prices
My employees do not have health care
My Customers have cut back
The Borough, City administration e employment with no threat of wage freezes, benefits decreasing.
Shortfalls, proposing taxing private sector

Perfect "




shopper wrote on Aug 6, 2009 8:00 PM:

" How many assembly members own a lot of other property than their homes or businesses. They get the break and the rest of us pay the bill. If you are going to hold on to property, pay your dues, not pass it off on people buying groceries! "




Lee wrote on Aug 6, 2009 7:55 PM:

" to the Lee..Morron? are you even a adult just some simple minded little kid,,moving from Alaska yeah I am moving, been here way to long watching to many yuppies turning into another California..Lower taxes, you might want to look at Hawaii, has a statewide sales tax but there property taxes are low,,but that is because there not fleecing there residence like Alaska does,,this Borough is a joke, has been and will continue to be,,after 36 years here yeah I can say that.. "




Gregg wrote on Aug 6, 2009 4:57 PM:

" No Sales Tax on anybody. And to the person who said people aren't going drive to anchorage to save 3% sales tax? Most of are retail is in city limits making the new tax rate 6% in palmer and 5.5.% in wasilla. Yes Anchorage would get a bump. Use your head!!! "




John wrote on Aug 6, 2009 4:52 PM:

" Assembly members are acting like washington liberals. 6% in Palmer,
5.5% in Wasilla. It's like a Welcome to Anchorage to shop kinda tax! No Sales Tax. Your going to kill jobs in the city of Palmer and Wasilla. Dumbest idea assembly has ever come up with. Get rid of all of them besides Ewing!!!
"Don't Tread On Me" "




To lee wrote on Aug 6, 2009 4:40 PM:

" You're moving out of Alaska to get away from taxes?!?! good luck, moron. The rest of the US has WAY higher taxes than anywhere in Alaska. You'll wish you were back here in a second. "




Heres the great part wrote on Aug 6, 2009 4:39 PM:

" While you all sit back and complain, complain, complain - you're not realizing the BIG PICTURE: you get to VOTE on this! They're not just implementing it. They're giving us a chance to decide ourselves. Hopefully more than THREE percent of voters will turn out for this ballot! Instead of spending time on here complaining, take the time to instead make a note on your calendar reminding you to vote on election day. Then, if it goes the other way than what you wanted, you can complain legitimately because you actually tried to change something. Think, people. "




Cora in Big Lake wrote on Aug 6, 2009 4:21 PM:

" Ordiance 09-57
ADOPTED by the Borough Assembly this 21 day of April 2009.
Assembly members shall receive $13,300 ($6,000) per year. Reimbursement shall be provided for mileage and expense which are resonable and necessary in connection with assembly meetings and necessary in connection with assembly meetings and regular assembly functions. Assembly members shall be included in the borough employee health insurance plan, life insurance plan, and, unless a waiver executed by the assembly member is in effect, in the borough retirement plan.
Your TAX dollar at work.
Voters should approve a pay raise. They WORK for US. "




Cora in Big Lake wrote on Aug 6, 2009 3:23 PM:

" The Mil-rate of 7.3 only applies to the AREAWIDE. Now add in Non-Areawide, Fire Service, Road Service, Cities, Flood Control and Water/Sewer Districts NO MIL CAP !! Most common comment used by Assembly during July 28th meeting "When Assesments go UP." Pay attention to what all is being taxed. Food, Phone, Electricity and Gas & Diesel, over the counter medicine and Services. Read the Ordiance only 41 pages and be informed. Wasilla will pay 5.5% 1st. $500 and 3% for next $500.00; what a deal........ not "




SET wrote on Aug 6, 2009 2:08 PM:

" "Many assembly members noted that..... e-mails and phone calls they have received have mostly expressed pro-tax sentiments."
I am going to say it as plain as I can. You are a bunch of d**n liars!
Thank you Mark Ewing, for being the ONLY one there with any sense of responsibility. And Kluberton, you should hide under the bed or somewhere dark, after that cowardly change of vote.
You money grubbing ***s! You were put there to do things with the money given you. Not hold us up for more! "




Again..... wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:35 PM:

" 1. No property tax.

2. Sales tax with no exemptions.

3. Smaller Borough government.

A,B,C, easy as 1,2,3

Of course the smartest people do not represent us.

My golden retriever is smarter and does more than Cindi Bettini. "




HOW ABOUT wrote on Aug 6, 2009 11:16 AM:

" SMALL BOROUGH GOVERNMENT? "




Hogwash wrote on Aug 6, 2009 10:50 AM:

" Is it right to give well to do property owners a tax break at the expense of the seniors and fixed income citizens ?
Is it right to tax low income people at the expense of those others?
Remember our community is mostly in that category.
Leave well enough alone.! More Taxes, More government, means LESS freedom!
Just look at Washington DC for example.
Our nation is going BUST because of irresponsible government.! The MSB is following suit. "




Puzzled wrote on Aug 6, 2009 10:45 AM:

" I ask 2 questions followed by more.
1 Where is this tax measure benefiting the masses?
2. Where is it benefiting the MSB government ?
3. Who is paying for its implementation ?
4 .Why should this cost come to play if we see no $$ benefit for having sales tax?
5.Spend money to shift revenue sources, and why?
6. My savings is costing someone somewhere.! "




Cindy Bettineand and Pete Houston wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:18 AM:

" Thank you for giving borough residents the opportunity to choose they would like to (pay), i.e. to be taxed in order for the borough to provide the services that are required by law. Letting us vote on it is fair. The personal attack on those two assembly persons are cowardly. I bet Ms. Bettine and Mr. Houston knew ahead of time that they'd be sticking their necks out. They are stand-up representatives that don't care about popularity but they care about doing what's right. "




to Mat-Su wrote on Aug 6, 2009 12:17 AM:

" Take a deep breath and concentrate reeeeeal hard; this is obviously a tough concept for you. Are you ready? Here it is:..."BUDGETING"! (Ooh! Such a big word, huh?) Look it up. Study it. Ask your friends about what it means. Then, if you're able to grasp this concept...you'll start to see what the rest of us think the borough ought to be doing with the money they get. "




Lydia wrote on Aug 5, 2009 11:35 PM:

" yeah right positive pro-sales tax emails, someone's fibbing....
the valley is still conservative
you'd have to be crazy to think your tax liability would go down in the years following this huge tax hike and YES I am a homeowner I'd love some relief there our tax bill has gone way up! "




Bushmaster wrote on Aug 5, 2009 9:42 PM:

" To be fair I think sales tax would be a better form of revenue for the bourough, because it would spread the burden to all residents, not just the property owners. However, I am not crazy about the idea of having BOTH! And, according to ADN, the 7.3 mil propery tax cap wouldn't apply to people in a fire/ road service area. "




Jim wrote on Aug 5, 2009 9:19 PM:

" A couple of questions to ask of the borough - how much money do you give up in property taxes versus how much do you expect to collect in sales tax? How much will it cost to institute and collect the tax and how does it get redistributed to the areas that collect tax already? At least property taxes "hit" all people, even those who own property but don't live in the state whereas sales tax is a regressive tax and "hits" the not so rich harder "




Big Lake wrote on Aug 5, 2009 7:25 PM:

" This is a great way to spread the tax burden across the board, not just property owners!!! THANK YOU Cindy and the other assembly folks! "




lee wrote on Aug 5, 2009 6:57 PM:

" after living in Wasilla 36 years, soon I will be leaving this joke of a State and Pathetic borough,,tax tax tax, hey a flipping idea trying living within the means you already have, I have to maybe the Borough aught to try it. "




Mat-Su wrote on Aug 5, 2009 5:48 PM:

" The computer tough guys are at it like they are going up against Palin...HAHAH,,,Cindy Bettine?? Just because she introduced a bill to attempt to get some Borough projects paid for with new money,, instead of the same ole property owners being taxed more??? An opyion? She has been pretty open about her intentions. You want better services or better representation? Get off your butt run or come up with some kind of a solution to our woes, instead of pointing fingers and whining. SUBMIT A PLAN, Be careful you don't get slammed though. "




One of those emails wrote on Aug 5, 2009 5:11 PM:

" to Cindy. Make it 2 from our household. We are property owners, we want better road services and to live in civilization.
Are you loony to think people are going to drive to anchorage to save 3%. Gas, time vs a small sales tax. The travel isn't worth a 3% sales tax. "




angermisplaced wrote on Aug 5, 2009 5:04 PM:

" many of the previous comments imply that the assembly members voted to impose a sales tax. that is not true. they voted to put the sales tax on the ballot so the people could vote on it. this is the American way and these elected officials are only asking voters to approve or not approve another source of revenue. the choice is ours on Oct. 6. "




Gundog wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:47 PM:

" This Tax Proposal will be shot down just like the rest. Every time they put a sales tax on the ballot. The MSB will NEVER cut the property tax rates no matter how much sales tax they bring in. The MSB is greedy beyond belief. They lie constantly to the people to get there own way. If the MSB would set a low tax cap and stick to it then a slaes tax would be fair, I pay alot of taxes to them and get nothing for it. VOTE NO on TAXES! "




alaskan10 wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:46 PM:

" Shame on you Cheryl wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:13 PM:" You are funny Cheryl. Perhaps if Cindy Bettine was your teacher she would grade your posting down for incorrect spelling. I believe you wanted to refer to the five other assembly members as traitors and not traders. "


WHAT ARE YOU THE SPELLING PATROL OFFICER HIRED BY BETTINE? "




Jim Adams wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:42 PM:

" Times are hard and are going to get worse in the near future. The borough is worried as to how they are going to pay for services. Now is a poor time to try and get any tax up and running. No one has mentioned a tax cap on property raxes. You can bet your last dollar that if they get a sales tax it won't be long before people's property is reassessed to a higher amount. Has anyone recently seen a government that was totally honest with we, the tax payers??? "




Cheryl Brooks wrote on Aug 5, 2009 4:30 PM:

" Shame on you Cheryl wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:13 PM:
" You are funny Cheryl. Perhaps if Cindy Bettine was your teacher she would grade your posting down for incorrect spelling. I believe you wanted to refer to the five other assembly members as traitors and not traders. "
--------------------------------------------------------

I meant TRADERS.Traders are people who would trade away someone else's assets with no regard to the consequences. If I needed someone to correct my English it wouldn't be either one of you. "




again....and again....and again.... wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:27 PM:

" This is not hard to get:

1. Eliminate property tax.

2. Shrink the Borough government by 1/2.

3. Sales tax on all goods and services, no exemptions.

There. "




Try this.... wrote on Aug 5, 2009 3:03 PM:

" Put something on the ballot that gives the voters a choice between either a sales tax or a property tax. NOT BOTH. Then see what happens. Come on, I dare you. No guts no glory! "




Bert wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:53 PM:

" This sales tax would be easy to live with and diversify the revenue base if Wasilla and Palmer were left out of the mix. Don’t add to and increase their taxes, make it so it does not apply in their areas. "




Property Owner Taxpayer and Voter wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:18 PM:

" After watching the smoke and mirrors debate(if you can call it that) I really doubt any of the Assemblydrones saw the out pouring of protax sentiment they claim. It is more about ego and an attitude of superiority they feel over the people. Having attended these meetings and seeing the operation of the Assemblydrones I feel no sense of trust or respect for them except for Mr. Ewing who sees the folly of this tax. On October 6 we will kill the tax and defeat Wells and Church. Recall proceedings must begin agaist Bettine immediately. "




see you later wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:14 PM:

" After the next election, we'll see you later, Cindy! (But not in the Assembly!) "




Shame on you Cheryl wrote on Aug 5, 2009 2:13 PM:

" You are funny Cheryl. Perhaps if Cindy Bettine was your teacher she would grade your posting down for incorrect spelling. I believe you wanted to refer to the five other assembly members as traitors and not traders. "




wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:52 PM:

" Cindy was a teacher???? "




allisaw wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:49 PM:

" it's up to the people to vote this silly thing down. who cares if grandma lives tax free, seniors have been taxed their whole lives. could the assembly at least try to be more productive? "




yep wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:09 PM:

" As a property owner (of many properties)...I'd rather have a say on how I'm taxed. No one likes taxes, but I'd rather have them spred out among everyone than have just property owners pay a huge load once or twice every year. At least it's spread out to more than property owners and renters.
Thx assembly for letting us vote on how we are taxed. "




jp wrote on Aug 5, 2009 1:04 PM:

" it should be quite easy now to get an entirely new assembly come election time!
Stand up people, do your civic duty, and clear your conscience.
Vote out these idiots, they've really proved their arrogance, and ignorance. "




GREAT CHANCE wrote on Aug 5, 2009 12:57 PM:

" The October election offers one the the greatest opportunities a citizen of the Vally has had in years.
VOTE NO ! right down the line. Sorry we can not get Bettine this time, but her time will come.
Our best interest can only be served by person who have compassion for the tax payer and not the self serving politician and Mr Duffy agenda.
At a time when unemployment has cut into our disposable assets, the MSB Assy wants to take all of our disposable assets and dispose of them in their own way.
GET MAD and Show em ! "




Cheryl Brooks wrote on Aug 5, 2009 11:38 AM:

" I'd like to see those emails, I think Cindy Bettine is a little foggy. How many did she get? 10 from the friends of Matsu, to swing her vote. Start looking for another job Bettine or go back to grading your school papers. Hope you are better at grading school papers then being in charge of peoples lives here in the valley. You get no vote from me to support you and the other five traders, I was there at the meetings and I am aware something stinks at the borough. "