Pubdate: Wed, 01 Nov 2000
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2000 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Author: Bob Bailey
Check: for other Alaska news items by clicking this link:
http://www.mapinc.org/states/ak

VOTE NO ON 4 AND 5

There are two initiatives on the Nov. 7 ballot that appear to be unrelated, 
but they have one thing in common. They have "fine print" that make them 
unacceptable regardless of your position on the major issues they deal with.

The first is Proposition 4. There are many of us who want to hold the line 
on taxes, and reduce them when possible. If Proposition 4 did this 
responsibly, I might be inclined to support it. It does not do this, 
however. If passed, it would cut too much too quickly with no provision for 
alternative revenues. It would create inequities with similar properties 
being taxed at much different rates. Most importantly, it would remove 
local option.

The second is Proposition 5. Once again, you will find the "Devil is in the 
details." Even if you feel that marijuana should be legal (I do not), this 
initiative goes way too far. In addition to legalizing marijuana in the 
future, this initiative would release from prison those who have been 
convicted on drug charges in the past. They may also be eligible to be 
compensated, with our tax dollars, for being incarcerated and for property 
that may have been forfeited as a result of their conviction. I don't know 
about you, but I think if a person breaks the law, he or she should face 
the consequences. I certainly don't think we should pay them for doing so.

Before voting, please read the fine print. If you do, I'm sure you will 
join me in voting no on Propositions 4 and 5.
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MAP posted-by: Terry F