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. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry F