Resident has lots of questions about animal control

I’ve been thinking about the “limited animal control” recently discussed in the Borough Assembly and that has been passed on to the ballot for voters to decide. Before we get sentimental about the situation, and I say that because it’s easy to be distracted from reality when the issue is about children or puppies, we should ask some serious questions.

Who came up with the start-up costs? How was that determined, line-by-line? To whom and to what would that apply? Who came up with the particular number of .02 for a mill rate increase to cover ongoing costs? Is this scheme going to go up for bid, or is it “understood” that someone in particular will be in charge of this “limited” animal control? Have those Assembly members that think this is acceptable actually considered the cost to cover the geographical area involved? What about equipment costs, maintenance, replacement of gear, fuel costs, and so on? How many vehicles will be needed? How many people will need to be hired to cover the peninsula? Has any sort of cap on costs been put in place, or is it another open-ended, never ending increase for taxpayers, and in this case rural-specific taxpayers? Where will rescued/confiscated animals be housed while the owners await investigation, charges, and court? Will there be adequate insurance and legal coverage when lawsuits are filed?

The word “limited” has been used. What does that mean? What limits? What is the specific definition of “limited animal control” in this context? Unless, this is spelled-out to the voters in great specificity, I believe this will be a train wreck piece of business. Oh wait, it already is that. What I believe is “limited” may not be how someone else views that term.

I think the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly showed a real knack for laziness and cowardice in passing this onto the voters. I say laziness because it seems many are unwilling to take their responsibilities seriously enough to expect and insist upon actual facts with costs and consequences spelled out. I say cowardice because it seems that in the spirit of “passing the buck” some Assembly members may have feared looking to be against saving helpless puppies or starving horses by asking these questions before passing this mess onto the voting public.

There are many questions that need to be answered before we vote in favor of something as ambiguous as this “limited animal control” measure. We, the voters, the rural voters will have to do the job the Assembly was too lazy and afraid to do themselves, and that is to consider all the aspects of this proposal before voting to pass it.

More in Opinion

Larry Persily. (Juneau Empire file photo)
Point of View: Some state lawmakers need to embrace reality, not PFD political theater

State revenues minus public services do not leave enough in the checkbook to pay an oversized dividend

Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, speaks about teacher bonuses during consideration a bill increasing state funds for public education in the Alaska House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Ben Carpenter: Holding up a mirror to state government

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, speaks in opposition to an executive order that would abolish the Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives during a joint legislative session on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman: Ensuring food security for Alaska

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks in support of a bill increasing state funds for public education in the Alaska House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Justin Ruffridge: Executive orders and spring forecast

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Sarah Vance (Photo provided)
Opinion: Strengthening Alaska Grand Juries

Upholding constitutional intent for transparency and accountability

Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, speaks Thursday, April 27, 2023, at a news conference in Juneau. (James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Rep. Ben Carpenter: Why reform for the grand jury matters

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Sen. Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, listens to testimony during a Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee hearing on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Sen. Jesse Bjorkman: Leveling the health care playing field

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Soldotna, speaks Monday, May 8, 2023, on the floor of the Alaska House. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Rep. Justin Ruffridge: Another big week for education

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Rep. Ben Carpenter, R-Nikiski, speaks about teacher bonuses during consideration a bill increasing state funds for public education in the Alaska House of Representatives on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Rep. Ben Carpenter: Supporting better outcomes in education

Capitol Corner: Legislators report back from Juneau

Most Read