As fathers we're used to making sacrifices to benefit others, and that's a value most Alaskans share. We learn to get by on less in the short term in an effort to improve long-term prospects.
Indeed, just this week we saw an example of stretching resources in a tough spot. One of our sons fell at school and broke his wrist. Given several years of budget cuts medical supplies at school are fewer than in past years so the nurse used duct tape, a magazine and a rag to create a splint to stabilize the injury. Professional medical staff were very impressed with this creativity and efficacy.
Similarly, as the state cuts funding and shifts costs to local governments we face demands to do more with less. We're actually pretty good at it, and one of the things we like to do is share good fortune with our neighbors. Which brings us to Ballot Measure 8, the tax cap proposal.
A recent column by Paul Jenkins (March 27) badly mischaracterized it as an opportunity to lower taxes when, in fact, the opposite is true. Indeed, the author also incorrectly calculated its effects. Whether that was willful ignorance or plain ignorance is unclear.
But if Ballot Measure 8 passes, it will make it all but impossible for the Assembly to grant tax relief when revenues exceed expenses. Can you imagine anything more frustrating than toiling over your federal income tax return, learning you were due a refund and then learning you wouldn't receive it? With respect to municipal property tax, that's what will happen if Ballot Measure 8 passes.
Here's the real truth. As currently written, the charter and code allows the Assembly to provide post-mill levy tax relief and maintain service levels for roads, police, fire, parks and the like. The proposed charter amendment would abridge that ability and either eliminate tax relief or mandate cuts, or both.
There are many who have a hard time understanding Anchorage's tax cap, including most of the proponents of Ballot Measure 8. We do understand it, we do care about it and we do protect it. You can protect it by voting no on Ballot Measure 8.
Patrick Flynn and Ernie Hall are both members and former chairmen of the Anchorage Assembly.
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