In 2006 the very unpopular administration of Governor Frank Murkowski approved a regulation allowing the dumping of water pollution into salmon spawning and rearing areas. This regulation was an extreme change to the rules protecting our salmon. Before it went into effect statewide, a review and certification by the Environmental Protection Agency were required. This regulation was so incredibly offensive to everyone besides …
Leg With Louie: Do we want more voters or do we want less voters?
The House State Affairs Committee will soon be discussing a statewide Vote-By-Mail proposal while in the Senate, SB 116 was recently introduced to modify the citizens initiative tying voting registration to Permanent Fund Dividend application. These bills are two different ends of a spectrum. One seeks to expand voting by increasing access to ballots via the Vote-by-Mail concept, and the …
Leg with Louie: The Illusion of a process
Senate Bill 51 (SB 51) creates the illusion of a process for citizens to nominate waters in Alaska for special protection. It is a response to the mandate under the Federal Clean Water Act that all states must provide a way for citizens to nominate high-value waters (Tier III waters) for protection in each state. Because it was written with …
With early voting starting Monday, local groups seek to increase voter turnout numbers
ANCHORAGE (KTUU)- For Alaskans wanting to avoid polling locations for the statewide general election on Nov. 6, early voting kicks off on Monday, Oct. 22. On the ballot are the governor and lieutenant governor positions, legislative seats, a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and a ballot measure about salmon habitat. Evan Anderson, Civic Engagement Coordinator for The Alaska Center Education …