Letters to the editor

Something to consider

To the editor:

As a career prosecutor who retired as the Anchorage District Attorney in 2020, I encourage voters to consider the fact that John Coghill, while a member of the Alaska State Senate, was the prime sponsor of and vocal advocate for enactment of SB91. SB91, of course, being the "criminal justice reform" that was to remedy the ills of our system here in Alaska. I have my opinion as to whether SB91 was well advised. I suspect you voters have your own opinions. Something to keep in mind as you cast your ballots for the United States Representative.

John Novak,

Anchorage

Is it so hard to follow the law?

To the editor:

In a year with high oil revenues, an $80+ billion Permanent Fund:

The Alaska legislature and governor are ignoring the PFD law and cutting your lawful dividends—at a time when Alaskans need the money the most. At a time when we should put “Alaskans First”

The Alaska legislature is ignoring the Alaska Constitution that requires putting excess revenues into the state savings account. Current levels of state government spending are unsustainable and we will need the savings when oil prices dip, which they will.

Instead, the Alaska legislature is adding over $2.0 Billion in spending to the current and next years’ budgets. At the same time, requiring an $800M tax increase in future years in order to give Alaskans a “partial” small dividend.

The state budget has the same structural deficit that we had when Governor Dunleavy came into office. No progress has been made. And, your lawful dividend has not been paid.

When you elect me, Charlie Pierce, as your governor, I will veto spending that takes money from the pockets of Alaskans.

Legislators, lobbyists and politicians First? NO !

“Alaskans First” in a Pierce administration

Charlie Pierce,

candidate for Governor

Raising lung cancer awareness

To the editor:

Each year, the American Lung Association, interested individuals and partners raise awareness for lung cancer during the organization’s Turquoise Takeover week. Why is this important to Alaska? Cancer was the leading cause of death in Alaska in 2020, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, regardless of a person’s gender.

One reason lung cancer is so deadly is because it’s often found after the disease has spread. Lung cancer screening can help detect the disease early, when it’s more curable. About 6% of eligible Alaskans have been screened, which is equal to the national rate, according to recent estimates. However, only 21% of cases in Alaska, compared to 24% nationally, are diagnosed at an early stage where the five-year survival rate is much higher. Lung cancer screening gives us hope and represents an opportunity to save lives.

I am joining the American Lung Association to ask our leaders in Alaska to ensure that our residents have access to lifesaving lung cancer screening. One way is to allow Medicaid fee-for-service programs to cover lung cancer screenings. Medicaid recipients are disproportionately affected by lung cancer. This can encourage earlier detection, when it’s cheaper to treat, and can be a cost-saving measure for taxpayers.

I’m also encouraging former and current smokers to learn about screening and take the Screening Eligibility Quiz at SavedByTheScan.org. It just might save your life.

Bea Pullekines,

Anchorage