Don’t be deceived by Prop. 1

Thank you to your paper for running the informative article “Battle lines drawn over Prop.1” in the Aug. 26 newspaper.

This proposition provides no revenue to pay for the actions taken once it is in place. The Matanuka-Susitna Borough’s only revenue source is property tax paid by property owners to provide services. I would be much more supportive if the proposition had a revenue source.

Mr. Oakland also says he doesn’t see an increase in borough staff. I strongly disagree. Additional staff will be needed to respond to the complaints or requests filed. Ultimately, more attorneys will have to be hired to cover the increase in litigation. I see the attorneys lining up as this is their dream legislation. And we, the property taxpayers, will be paying the bill.

Mr. Oakland is quoted saying, “All they [the Borough] have to do is not pass extreme regulations.” I am certain Mr. Oakland and I could debate what regulations are extreme or not ad infinitum.

I detest the scare tactics used by this group. This is the same group that shot down rational zoning supported by total untruths that you would not be able to have a garden or a greenhouse on your property. Mr. Oakland now states that “it will get so bad you can’t build a dog house on your property without getting a permit.”

Mr. Oakland is very familiar with borough government and knows full well the Mat-Su Borough system is complaint driven only. The Mat-Su Borough does not have the staff to go looking for violations of regulations. A complaint has to be filled by a resident and an investigation follows.

The ballot measure is titled the Private Property Protection Act. I know of no one who is not in favor of the protection of private property rights. The Borough assembly and administration are fully supportive of protection of your private property rights, and public process is in place to do exactly that.

Voter, please investigate what you are told in ads or by word of mouth. Call or e-mail the Borough staff or your assembly member. Ask them to find out if the information you are given (i.e. the building of doghouses) is accurate.

Mary Kvalheim

Wasilla