Why I chose to Vote No On 1

 

Why I chose to Vote No On 1

Sunday I was asked why I am planning to vote no on 1. I wasn’t able to properly address the question in the setting it was asked. With that in mind I thought I would share my views and insight on the issue. 

Let me begin by saying I was not always an SB21 supporter. When the bill was first introduced I felt like so many others – I felt it was a giveaway. Now I have a different point of view. 

I have had the opportunity to meet and listen to so many of Alaska’s business owners and support industry leaders as well as top level executives of oil producing companies. Each has shared their stories of how ACES (negatively) impacted their business and what SB21 has done to change that for the better. 

For the last decade I have supported my family though media sales. During that time I have seen how businesses are impacted by the oil industry. Like so many of us I have had to say goodbye to friends who were lured away by the oil boom of North Dakota. I watched businesses pull out of Alaska’s hostile climate or choose to diversify their investments in other more productive areas in regions other than our own. 

Did you know 90% of the State’s economy is dependent on oil generated money? Did you know 1North Slope job creates 20 other jobs through industry spending?

Are you aware the new UAA Alaska Airlines Center (my new employer) was built with State money? Additionally, the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program's building was built using oil and gas money, so was the new Department of Health and Science building as well as another new building still under construction. 

Every public school student receives $9,100 dollars of in state aid. $8,170 of the total comes from oil revenue. This means our children’s education and future really does depend on thriving oil and gas industry. 

Six Alaska Native regional corporations have evaluated the ballot initiative and have come to the conclusion a no vote, is the best vote.  

Tim Bradner, journalist for the Alaska Journal of Commerce, Brad Ketihly a private consultant, Scott Goldsmith, professor emeritus of economics at ISER, Andrew Halcrow and the board of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, as well as, the board for the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, and the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce have also evaluated the issue and all agree… Vote No for Alaska’s Future. 

I choose to align my vote with Alaska’s smartest and brightest all of whom have made it clear there is no give away, SB21 is working and without incentive business will move on and move out of Alaska. 
I am voting no for my wife, for my kids, and for my posterity and prosperity.