Letters to the Editor

'Tax-and-spend' politicians better watch out in primary of 2002

It is like a breath of fresh spring air in the beginnings of winter, the candidacy of Sen. Robin Taylor for lieutenant governor.

In the past, Sen. Taylor stood for the following, for fiscal responsibility:

1. A much smaller, smarter, innovative government;

2. Privatization of all government functions that can be privatized;

3. Full development of all Alaska natural resources to produce income for the state with a co-benefit of many thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskans.

We note that Sen. Taylor's plan is "not a tax and spend plan" as advocated from the likes of former Rep. Gail Phillips, Sen. John Torgerson and Reps. Ken Lancaster and Drew Scalzi.

Reps. Lancaster and Scalzi have spent their state paid time holding meetings on the Kenai Peninsula giving us a choice of which new proposed array of taxes we should be for. Remember, before Gail Phillips left office she advocated the same things plus taking our dividend.

We hope the voting public will join us to defeat the likes of Gail Phillips, John Torgerson, Ken Lancaster and Drew Scalzi in the primary scheduled for August 2002.

Bill and Samon Arnold

Sterling

Letter did not accurately portray what everyone thinks of hospital

In reference to Mr. VinZant's article regarding emergency room care: It is not quite as bad as he puts it.

Number one, I think a common cut or a toothache does not need to be in the emergency room taking up time that can be used for more serious things.

I have to go to the emergency room every three months to get a shunt valve washed out that was put in for cancer treatments, and I have received excellent treatment from the staff there. I also highly commend the oncology staff of Kathy Lopeman, RNC, and the help she finally has after working all by herself for so long.

I do not feel that the letter sent in gives a true picture of how everyone feels.

Al Slyer

Sterling

Bike path, community center, refrigerated ice top Nikiski list

On Oct. 2, the North Peninsula Recreation Service Area conducted a survey to collect information for future capital projects. These surveys were given to voters as they left the polling place. They were so generous to share their time with us that we thought it would be great to share the results. There were over 450 surveys completed and returned.

The top three capital projects were identified as follows: bike path from Kenai to Nikiski, community center, and refrigerated ice. Other projects mentioned, with less support, were teen center, gym, recreation facility and lighted trails.

Over 300 of those returning surveys indicated that they would be willing to support an increase in taxes, if necessary, to develop the facility of their choice. While only 147 supported an amount of $100 per year for the maintenance and operation of facilities, two-thirds of those responding indicated that they are comfortable with one mil as a tax rate. It also is worth noting that over 300 would support a new bond when the current bond debt is paid off in 2004.

At the regular meeting held on Oct. 22, the board of directors determined that the community center concept and refrigerated ice should be studied. It is necessary for additional information to be collected clarifying what a community center is and what the estimated cost of this project would be. The cost of refrigerated ice will also need to be identified along with the maintenance and operating costs for such a facility. Also, what will an increase in fees do to the existing open skate and hockey programs?

The bike path issue will be left to the state and federal funds. The board will ask the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly for support concerning the development of the bike path. Our state representatives should also take an interest in bringing about the path from Kenai to Nikiski.

Throughout the next six to eight months the service area board of directors will be calling on residents for additional information. I hope that each of you will take time to share your thoughts.

Karen A. Kester

Recreation director

North Peninsula Recreation Service Area