Readers write: Letters to the editor, September 8, 2017

CEOs' greed rots stock shares

Robert Reich's commentary, "Trump is no champion of the worker" (ADN, Sept. 5), points out several concerns for capitalism and the middle class. A huge problem is that there are no regulations to rein in the fat cats. Reich points out top executives at big companies get paid almost 300 times the typical worker. Why is that allowed? Their greed gets labeled as capitalism, and they hoodwink us by letting us vote on their compensation packages.

I own stock in several companies. Each year I receive an information packet with a proxy ballot to vote on items to be discussed at the annual meeting. Info packets are large, black and white documents on thin paper and in small print, that only MBAs or lawyers can stomach. I'm sure that's why less than half of investor shares are actually voted. Ballots include a board recommendation to vote as they suggest. Ballot issues typically include an "advisory" vote on executive salaries. It's not binding; it means nothing. Also common are the recommended stock incentive plans for key employees. This typically means generating more shares of stock, thereby diluting the value of the shares I already own. Executive compensation goes up even when my stock loses money.

— Casey Cossaboom
Anchorage

Drivers should pay for storm drains through gas tax

The idea for a storm drain utility is interesting but I don't like how they propose to fund it with property owners paying a new fee.

The cost of the storm drains should be incorporated into the cost of driving via a gas tax. Why driving? Storm drains are necessary only because so much of Anchorage is paved over to accommodate vehicle traffic. The impermeable pavement doesn't let the ground absorb water, so it runs off somewhere. Over 50 percent of Anchorage is covered by pavement. Open Google Earth and look at Anchorage for yourself. It's a mass of gray. The gray is asphalt and concrete, all impermeable to rain and snowmelt.

It's true structures and roofs play a role, but it's far less than pavement's. Storm drains and the maintenance costs are but one of the many hidden subsidies vehicle owners receive.

So if the city is going to set up this utility, please consider setting up a dedicated gasoline tax to pay for it. Not a new bill for property owners.

— Ryan Kennedy
Anchorage

Property owners taxed enough

If the city establishes a storm drain utility, property owners will inevitably shoulder the cost. I'm certain that somewhere in the known universe, there is a civilization that knows what a sales tax is.

— Frank E. Baker
Eagle River

The views expressed here are the writers' own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a letter under 200 words for consideration, email letters@alaskadispatch.com, or click here to submit via any web browser. Submitting a letter to the editor constitutes granting permission for it to be edited for clarity, accuracy and brevity. Send longer works of opinion to commentary@alaskadispatch.com.