Mayor wrong on vape tax veto

To the editor,

I am writing to publicly thank the Mat-Su Borough Assembly for its almost unanimous support for extending the cigarette tax to e-cigarettes. I hope the assembly members stand strong and override the mayor’s ill-conceived veto of this important ordinance. His claim that the ordinance was passed in violation of due process cannot be seen as anything but political posturing. The ordinance went through the customary process all ordinances go through.

Manufacturing claims that due process is violated is simply a go-to approach to try to defeat ordinances (resolutions, comprehensive plans, etc.) that cannot successfully be attacked on the merits. I have a strong belief in due process, but an even stronger belief that it should not be cheapened in this way. The ordinance is designed to help protect young people from developing a harmful habit. It deserves continued support.

Judy Donegan

Palmer