Questioning governor’s promises

Although Alaskan voters of conservative ideology also liked the promise of no taxes and more free money at the expense of our state government's savings, infrastructure, and stability, they may have second thoughts as the governor's chickens come home to roost, and the jobs and services they have been depending upon disappear. (Does any other state dispense free money for just existing plus have no income tax?) Unless responsibly and significantly reversed by the legislature, his proposed budget cuts will cause job losses, deepening our recession. The brain drain that will occur with these infrastructure job losses will be significant, and refilling these positions with qualified personnel will be difficult. Much of the institutional experience and knowledge will have been lost. The additional brain drain of Alaskan students seeking higher education, who may choose more affordable outside universities (and then keep their talents outside) may be significant. Private professionals who had considered moving here to provide needed services may pass up opportunities upon learning of poorer educational opportunities for their children and an uncertain political and economic environment. Big project entities which have previously shown interest in investing in this state may also get cold feet. Governor Dunleavy irresponsibly chose popular but shortsighted promises rather than an unpopular and boring stable fiscal course with fiduciary responsibility. He's likely following the Republican governors' playbook, but is risking our AA Fitch rating. He may face significant political blow back in 2022, (if not recalled sooner). His Grover Norquist approach to the function of our state government and plans to privatize some of it's functions will be extremely counter productive. I will follow this with interest.

David Werner, Palmer