Lazy approach to public policy remains the status quo

To the editor:

Senate Bill 26 is terrible public policy that drastically alters the sale, exchange, permitting and use of state lands/water. It passed the House under its sister bill House Bill 77. Obviously, the Governor has this on the fast track. Why? One might ask.

Approximately 223,205 people (AKDOL, R&A, US Census 2010) — one third of the total state population, live in unorganized places all across the state. How will this legislation impact their lifestyles and/or livelihoods? Has this been studied?

An appeal process is poorly addressed and hardly fair. May any decisions throughout the appeal process be resolved at the local government level before going to the highest (the only) level, which is Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner, or in some cases a DNR Division Director? Does city, borough or tribal governments have any role in the administration and/or appeal processes? It doesn’t say so. What about lands in trust under the Alaska Native Claims Act that may want to swap land with the state? These complex land use issues are not addressed in this bill.

SB26 gives much too much authority to one person — the Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources. To appeal a Commissioner’s decision is futile. One must appeal to the same Commissioner that wrote the first decision. The Commissioner of DNR is not even required to reply in writing. This is poorly thought out.

SB26 shows an absence of fair appeal, mentions no public impacts, and offers a minimal public comment opportunity. This combination makes for bad legislation. To add insult to injury, the accompanying fiscal notes say it won’t cost anything. That’s a fantasy.

Contact your Senator before it becomes the law of the land. Get the word out. Let elected leaders know we want smarter public policy! I can’t believe it passed in the House. We don’t need sloppy, lazy, legislation and we deserve much better.

Tara Jollie, Director (retired)

State Division of Community and Regional Affairs