Letters to the Editor

Attitudes of city officials reveal why Soldotna flourishes, Kenai doesn't

I am absolutely astounded at the attitude displayed by Kenai Mayor John Williams, as reported in Friday's Clarion, toward an individual speaking before the Kenai City Council on the subject of the higher tax rate charged to keep planes at the airport.

This person obviously felt strongly enough about his viewpoint that he took the time to speak before the council about it. Mayor Williams responded by telling him he found his letter sent to the city insulting. Mayor Williams went even further and told the individual that if he didn't want to pay the higher tax that was his problem.

The impunity with which this man was treated is indicative of the attitude of long-standing incumbent politicians that know they need not worry about ever being voted out of office. To not even extend a courteous explanation and to dismiss the man's opinion with a simple "that's your problem" is unforgivable. If you've ever wondered why Soldotna seems to be flourishing while Kenai remains stagnant, you may not need look any further than the individuals that fill the council and mayoral seats of Kenai.

Don Gough, North Kenai

Ulmer shows she has better grasp than Murkowski of state's situation

I firmly believe Lt. Gov. Fran Ulmer has a greater grip on the financial realities of this state than does Sen. Frank Murkowski. I reached this conclusion from all that I have read and all that I have heard. She lives in this state and is very involved in this state. I find little real substance has come from Sen. Murkowski. I, too, wish to know where the money will be found for his expanded infrastructure. How much does he need? Where is his funding source?

Our recent political history, of the last 30 years, indicates that our congressional delegation is always appointed first and elected sometime later. I should think that anyone considering casting a vote for Sen. Murkowski would want to know who else the vote could install in a congressional office. Once appointed, these people collect a "war chest, soft money is available, and, strong or weak, they remain in office as long as they wish. Who might this be?

I have waded through the apparent soft money campaign ads which I find distasteful, distorting and deceitful. I wish they were banned, but even that possibility stumbles into the reality of diverse political ties. We don't need them! When will the Alaska Public Offices Commission act on all these intrusive campaign ads?

Let's ask some questions! Don't leave it all to the media.

Larry Klawunder, Kenai

Here's a question for Don Young

Are we not a First World country? Why do we not have a national health service?

Ask our congressman. Please.

Cheri Edwards, Soldotna

Alaska should not be acting like California, or anyplace else

Dear Soldotna City Council member Sharon Moock: We don't want California laws here. We don't want to act like them or copy them (or anyone else for that matter).

Alaskans are Alaskans because of our individuality. I urge everybody, before we lose our freedoms, before we become like everybody else's cities, just to be Alaskans.

Deborah Moore, Anchor Point

KRSA needs to reaffirm that best use of fish is to feed Alaskans

Back in February of this year, Kenai River Sportfishing Association was the cause of great outrage in our community and beyond. Claiming to represent Joe Fisherman, KRSA, coalescing with Kenai River Professional Guides Association and with support from Sport Fish Division, lobbied the Board of Fisheries to make the first run of Kenai kings a catch-and-release fishery.

Local fishermen were to be denied their traditional harvest of the first kings of the year. In addition to letters to the editor, phone calls to representatives and senators, and much more, over 150 area residents, at their own expense, took out a full-page ad in the Clarion disavowing any representation of their interests by KRSA.

Now that the Board of Fisheries will reconsider the issue of first-run Kenai kings in March of next year, KRSA has taken it upon itself to schedule a "town hall" meeting on Oct. 26 to ostensibly begin a dialogue among folks who have strong feelings and "disparate" viewpoints on the subject.

But there are only two viewpoints on the subject of first-run Kenai kings: Will the run's excess stocks continue to be traditionally harvested for food or will they now be "harvested" by the mortality of catch-and-release for the benefit of the tourist-oriented sportfishing industry? The fish will be harvested in either case.

Rather than take it upon themselves to further stir a pot they've already caused to boil over and make a big mess, KRSA members would be well-advised to back up and reaffirm their statement appearing in their current newsletter: that they, after thinking it over, still "... agree that there is no better use of Alaska's salmon than for personal and family consumption."

That's what Gov. Tony Knowles said, KRSA has said it, and that's what we've been saying all along.

John Nelson, Soldotna

Why don't veterans who are in jail get the help they need?

Today a lot is remembered. A lot of people are showing their allegiance to this country. But not all is good.

I am a Vietnam vet. I am getting 100 percent disability, service connected I am now in Wildwood. The court has said if I can get a bed for residential treatment, it will let me out to go for it. I could go to the Veterans Administration for treatment if I want. But our local Vet Center has blocked any calls from vets in here.

President Bush just signed a new law (107-95) to help vets like myself. So why does the local Vet Center block our asking for the help we earned?

Jimmy Davis, Ex-marine (1966-69), Wildwood Pretrial Facility