Homer Opinion

Alaska could use a lottery

Alaska does not need a state income tax, nor a statewide sales tax, nor a school tax! But it could use a “volunteer tax,” otherwise known as a lottery. The state of New Jersey is doing wonders with its lottery.

So, why not Alaska?

With the Russian-Trump investigation of the 2016 election, why not an investigation into the payment of $35,000,000 by the Russians to the Clinton Foundation?

The answer might be explosive, even nuclear. Is it true?

The streets are swept. School is out. Sunset is past 11 p.m. and the Homer Farmers Market is open. It must be summer.

Last month community members from all over the Southern Kenai Peninsula came together to discuss Alaska’s struggle with opioid addiction, and to find ways to come together as a community to respond to this epidemic in a constructive way. The road to recovery is not simple. What is clear is that strong and healthy connections within the community, coupled with institutional support for individuals in recovery, are key to decreasing rates of opioid use and addiction.

To recall or not to recall. That is the question all city voters must ask themselves on June 13th.

In 2014 I was elected to City Council from of a field of four candidates and received 597 votes; I was humbled by this show of confidence in my abilities and have worked hard to represent those who voted for me, along with the entire community.

I encourage you to vote NO at the special election on June 13. The allegations of misconduct against David Lewis, Catriona Reynolds and me in the recall petition and ballot are false. Sponsoring resolutions brought forth by Homer citizens, allowing the resolutions to be heard at a council meeting, and voting on them is an important role of city council. It is appropriate conduct, not misconduct.

This recall process has undoubtedly been a bumpy road. We knew it would be filled with challenges. Is recalling Aderhold, Lewis, and Reynolds worth risking friendships and social connections? The answer, is apparently, “yes.” Why? Because honesty matters.

Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, mental, physical and spiritual health.

With a new year upon us, we mark a new season of Pick.Click.Give., the charitable check-off program that allows all Alaska Permanent Fund filers to give back to causes that they care most about. It is hard to find an easier way to pay it forward.

Note: I wrote this Opinion Piece two weeks ago. At that time I had been instructed to submit

On Feb. 27, the community of Homer missed an opportunity to reaffirm in one collective public voice that which it has always professed itself to be — inclusive, welcoming, live and let live.

Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, mental, physical and spiritual health.

A mid-winter musing and suggestion. I would like to suggest a direction HEA could take. Call it whole control, which has a nice ring. You can repeat it if you wish.

I love this community and I love America. I have friends and acquaintances with varied political and religious beliefs who have always treated me well. Although I have a very good life, it does not mean my family has not been touched by prejudice in Homer. Each of us has his own life experiences and we often don’t know the details of those of others.

Skin in the game? I’ll say. Big oil is trying to skin us again. Our skin, their game, if they get their way. Their turn to pay. The worm has turned. Or have we?

To the Homer City Council:

The results of the recent presidential election left some in our nation in a state of shock, disbelief, appall, uncertainty, and even fear. Others were pleasantly surprised, jubilant, and sighed a breath of relief that the Washington elite were finally put on notice.

Editor’s Note: MAPP, Mobilizing for Action through Planning &Partnerships, is a local coalition that aims to use and build upon our strengths to improve our individual, family and community health. Health is defined broadly to include cultural, economic, educational, environmental, physical and spiritual health.

This question gets to the heart of the matter. What is it we really want Alaska to look like? What kind of Alaska do we want 20 and 40 years from now?

In his opinion piece published in the Homer News Feb. 9, Mr. Karl Johnstone, presumably from his home in Arizona, gave a eulogy at the graveside of Cook Inlet commercial salmon fishing.