Legislators should take risks

State Sen. Lyda Green and state Rep. Beverly Masek: As my elected legislators, I ask for your support on several issues of importance to all Alaskans.

First, I heard on KFQD 750 AM News Radio, Thursday morning, Feb. 24, a disturbing comment attributed to Senate President Drue Pearce. She reportedly indicated if the Legislature approved money to support the recently negotiated state employee contracts, it would come at the expense of much-needed programs like Medicaid, education funding and municipal revenue sharing.

I know you understand Sen. Pearces statement will only come true as a direct result of legislative action. And you surely recognize the effect of her inflammatory statement is to pit the recipients of the mentioned programs against state employees. Ive drawn my own conclusions as to her intent.

Im anxious to witness your actions.

I ask you to refrain from such irresponsible comments and discourage your fellow legislators from making them. For Im certain you also understand, as should all Alaskans, the executive branch exists as its name implies, to execute the laws passed by the legislative branch.

Most programs encompassed in law exist for cogent reasons. You can only cut them at the expense of your constituents.

I offer an alternative. Lets together identify areas where state government efficiency can be improved to lower its cost. Heres a place to start.

Im a salaried employee not eligible for overtime representative, I believe, of at least a third of all state employees. Twice a month Im directed to complete a time sheet. Administrative staff in my office review my time sheet, identify to me any needed corrections, input the data into the AKPAY computer system that generates my paycheck, and compile all our time sheets and transmit them to department administrative staff in Juneau, who review and file them for record.

Why is this necessary for salaried, overtime-non-eligible employees? How many unnecessary people does this employ? How much productive work could be accomplished by state employees instead of working on unnecessary time sheets? And whats the total cost?

I honestly believe payroll administration is only the tip of the iceberg. Im certain efficiency experts could, in cooperative fashion, audit every agency in state government, including the Legislative Affairs Agency, Alaska Court System and University of Alaska, and find better, less costly ways of doing the states business.

I want you to lead a legislative effort to work with the governor, his commissioners and most importantly, state employees to accomplish this.

After were satisfied state government is operating efficiently and youre still faced with a budget deficit and you will be heres another possibility.

Every financial advisor Ive ever heard recommends financial diversity. Dont put all your eggs in one basket! is the common analogy. Yet since the mid-1970s, Alaskas state government has done just that again, as a result of legislative action. Its high time the Legislature corrected that error. Diversify funding for state government!

Quit worrying about re-election or handing off your office to another Republican and take the risks youre paid to take. Do whats right. Pass legislation that results in a small state income tax, a small statewide general sales tax and a state tax on luxury items.

Focus on the budget deficit to determine the level of taxation. This might even put you in a position to change the oil tax structure in a manner resulting in expanding exploration and development (and of course, jobs for Alaskans) when prices are high like right now!

Alaskas people are looking for decisive, not divisive, leadership in the Legislature. As the Nike commercial says, Just do it!

Finally, I know you had to offer a lucrative compensation and benefits package to attract and keep the quality staff who serve you. Do you think its any different for the governor or any other employer? I want you to very publicly support the state employee contracts recently negotiated with the executive branch. Your support will demonstrate your recognition that the justification for your own recent compensation increases apply to all Alaskans.

Pete Petram is a Willow resident who, when he is not busy commenting on legislative issues, works for the state Division of Emergency Services.