Join friends, neighbors and vote ‘yes’ on 1

To the editor:

SB 21 is not a partisan issue. Citizens from all parties and political leanings came together to sign or carry petitions. The preponderance of the almost 700 signatures I gathered were from strong Republican districts.

Oil ads inundate our daily lives with their wants, but little about what’s in it for Alaska.

So why would you vote “no” on 1?

The 17th billion barrel of oil just passed down the pipeline, yet ACES is blamed for decline of this non-renewable resource. Duh!

BP profit — $2 a barrel in Iraq, vs. $28 a barrel in Alaska. (Alaska Dispatch Feb. 14, 2014)

Conoco experimented, developed, and perfected techniques in our oil fields that are now seen as a resource to bring millions of additional barrels to their worldwide production.

In Eagle Ford Conoco purchased profit-churning acreage at $300 per acre, (from the unknowing?). They now seek similar lucrative deals. Next target: Alaska? (Conoco analyst meeting 2-28-13)

So why would you vote “no” on 1?

Both our state and local governments are continually forced to spend thousands of dollars in litigation to obtain our fair share of taxes and revenues.

Promises made are promises forgotten. Lest we forget Valdez, many still wait, others have died while waiting, for fair reimbursement of losses.

So why would you vote “no” on 1?

Budget shortfalls have already effected our schools and universities. College tuition may soon be beyond the reach of the average student.

Seniors face a five-year wait for pioneers home. Elderly are forced out of state or city due to assisted living shortage. Financial fraud and other abuse of vulnerable adults continue, Yet, APS does not have sufficient staff to investigate.

So why would you vote “no” on 1?

Are legislators conspiring with oil companies? I would hope not. They have educated opinions. But putting down many educated and sound opinions of 52,000 signers is an exercise in disrespect. Constituents must have a voice and legislators must listen.

Yet, today they fail to do so.

So why wouldn’t you join friends and neighbors voting “yes” on 1?

Betty Rollins

North Pole