HB 77 would impact Mat-Su

To the editor:

I am writing in response to the Jan. 10 article, “Water rights debate on again.” This article gives focus to the public reaction and review of House Bill 77, a bill that would remove Alaska citizens from Alaska decisions.

Silencing Alaskans seems like a perfectly good technique to opening up resource development across the state, right? As long as our mouths are covered and our ears are plugged, we are open for business to the highest bidder looking to make a quick buck. HB 77, as discussed by proponents, is believed to generate efficiency, but the wording is vague and can be interpreted a number of ways, many of which the aforementioned bidders can take and use to their advantage.

I have gone door to door talking to fellow Alaskans in their entryways in regards to Parnell’s proposed HB 77. You’d be surprised by the conversations had when making the connection between silencing Alaskans, streamlining the permitting process and resource development. Keeping these three things in mind, we in the Mat-Su Valley would be affected by the passage of this bill as there are three proposed coal mines between Palmer and Chickaloon.

I look forward to hearing from more concerned citizens at the HB 77 public forum at the Palmer Depot from 6 to 8 p.m., Jan. 21.

George Pletnikoff

Palmer