Letters to the editor

Thank you from the Mat-Su MinersTo the editor:

I would like to thank the following people who helped the Mat-Su Miners out by volunteering to paint the inside and outside of the Miners newly renovated clubhouse. Joe Rau and his wife, Dixon Hall, Jeff Hall, Tammy Hall, Kyle Knighten, Rachel Knighten and Scotti Knighten. It’s dedicated volunteers like these people who keep the Miners going. Thank you.

Pete Christopher,

Mat-Su General Manager

Something to considerTo 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 awarenessTo 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

On independenceTo the editor:

A story my father repeated years ago about a county judge in Ohio has set a high standard for my expectations of those who hold public office. The judge had walked across the street from the courthouse to the pharmacy for a nickel cup of coffee. As he made his order, a friend standing nearby offered to pay for the coffee. The judge quietly said, no thanks I’ll pay. It seemed an insignificant part of the conversations, but everyone in that room and everyone they told of the conversation knew that if they ever came before that judge, they would be treated fairly – because the judge owed no-one a favor, not even for a nickel cup of coffee. That independence gave him the respect needed to judge everyone fairly.

Every day I hear our legislators and executives identified not as Senator or Representative or Governor, but as Red or Blue or D or R. I don’t vote for a color or letter, I vote for an individual that I trust to weigh all the information available and use their independence and negotiating skills to guide our community, state, and nation.

I have donated to the Walker-Drygas campaign for Governor/Lt. Governor. I have invited neighbors to meet Bill and Heidi at my home. I have great expectations in return. I expect them only to govern with independence, knowledge, cooperation, and fairness, to arrive with legislation beneficial for everyone in Alaska. Nothing more

And I believe they will do just that.

Bill Longbrake

Palmer