Hall and Conkling argue in support of pending alcohol tax vote in Anchorage, writing “To those of us that see these challenges firsthand, there is no denying that these additional resources will make a difference.”
The idea comes as the Anchorage Assembly is considering instituting new taxes to fill the gap left by dwindling state assistance to communities.
The result makes it cheaper for Anchorage to bond, but there could be trouble in the future.
Many seniors spoke through tears or anger when talking about how the overnight elimination of the Senior Benefits Program, dental benefits and others have left them unsure what to do.
With a week until the clock on the override starts ticking, some legislators want to hear from the public.
It created an “unnecessary rift,” he said.
Such an initiative would face legal challenges, which its sponsors have already anticipated with a section saying a previous voter initiative simply doesn’t apply.
The push to allow Anchorage to use its vote-by-mail system in the 2018 elections is the first effort to expand the system.
Gara announced earlier this week that he was considering retiring after 16 years in the Legislature, inviting interested candidates to file.
Beyond impacts for Anchorage, the state’s first-ever vote-by-mail system could lay the groundwork for other vote-by-mail elections.