Assembly member rebuts accusations

A Spectrum by Sara Jansen

I want to thank Fred Agree for the kind words he included in his letter to the editor printed Sept. 4, 2001. He's right, I do hold myself and others to high standards.

For over 20 years, I have enjoyed serving on the boards of numerous organizations in the Valley. My compassion stems from my belief that we are human beings first, with our jobs and positions taking second place.

I was deeply honored to find the support of so many people as I dealt with health problems six years ago and the recent death of my husband.

From there however, Mr. Agree verges sharply from the truth.

I have always been a supporter of Hatcher Pass development. In the '80s I served as the secretary/treasurer of the nonprofit ASHAP Now, (Alpine Skiing at Hatcher Pass). Several members of the Palmer Chamber of Commerce can also attest to the fact that I have always supported this project.

Once developed, it will provide great winter recreation and help our economic development.

What I didn't support was the previous borough administration's attempt to spend up to $1.8 million of the public's money on developing Hatcher Pass without so much as a public hearing on the matter.

In the beginning of my term, I was skeptical about the Port. Good assembly members take the time to ask questions throughout the community, learn about topics that will affect the well-being of the borough, and look to the future. After doing just that, I now enthusiastically support further development of our port.

With the support from both Mayor Anderson and the current assembly, Borough Manager John Duffy has been successful in entering negotiations with VECO to place some of their future development at Port MacKenzie.

I support the voters' right to voice opinions about instituting a sales tax. As Mat-Su continues its phenomenal growth, local government should use all possible measures to gauge public opinion about revenue sources.

Putting the sales tax on the ballot will do just that. What I absolutely support are lower property taxes, capped at a maximum of 11 mills. Sales tax would make that possible, and would capture revenue from tourists who use our basic infrastructure. It is entirely up to voters to decide.

I proudly support education. If we do not invest in the future, why do anything at all? After listening to three years of public testimony about the shortage of textbooks, overcrowded class rooms, and dwindling course offerings, I and an overwhelming majority of the assembly voted to increase school funding.

School board members also attended those hearings and responded to those concerns. We have an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the increased funding in April and May 2002.

As to the test scores, let me point out the Mat-Su Borough School District scores were among the best in the state. High school students scored better than all other students in large districts. Our elementary students scored equally as well or better than their peers in other large districts.

A large number of people in the Valley do support moving the Legislature. I don't apologize for wondering what might happen to the state's third-largest city if the Legislature moved.

Leaders need to look at the larger picture. The important fact here is my vote, which was to support the resolution moving the Legislature. I voted to represent my constituents' viewpoints, and will do so again.

Lastly, the previous letter speaks to redistricting. Constitutionally we don't have much of a case. Lawsuits are not won on emotional arguments. Our House districts fall within the acceptable population margins. The state's process deals with the population as it exists now, not an extrapolation into the future.

The Senate districts are poorly drawn. I believe the assembly will vote to file a friend of the court brief soon, with a not to exceed cost of $30,000. Considering the price tag of this amicus brief it is unreasonable to think a lawsuit would not have cost the taxpayers at least $200,000. That is money that should be spent providing essential services to our communities.

This is the record. I am proud to stand by it and invite any of my constituents to contact me at any time with their questions or concerns. I set my sights on serving my district, my community and the entire borough.

I ask for your continued support Oct. 2. Together we can make our home a better place. Thank you.

Assembly member Sara Jansen is running against Palmer real estate agent Kevin Sorensen on Oct. 2.