I have an important decision to make: Should I vote for the recall of Gov. Mike Dunleavy, or should I “Stand Tall with Mike?” For guidance, I read “Recall effort against Dunleavy is misguided” by Craig Richards (ADN, Oct. 31). Mr. Richards stated that balancing Alaska’s fiscal budget requires “three or all four” options: cuts, increased oil taxation, broad-based taxes and a different dividend formula. He further states that the fix for Alaska’s budget “... will be a compromise, and it will be hard.” I agree with both statements.
Now, I review what Gov. Dunleavy has, or has not, done. Did he look at the four options listed above? No. He merely cut, and repeated his “There will be no new revenue” mantra. Did he do the hard work of a compromise? No, not until the recall effort became serious. Is he listening to Alaska legislators and residents now, and working on the compromise? No, he’s down in the Lower 48, trying to convince non-residents to donate money for his personal cause.
And so, applying the arguments used by the attorney (Richards) representing Stand Tall with Mike, I conclude that I must vote to recall Gov. Dunleavy. No, I am not the “far left.” I am a former Republican turned independent who thanks Mr. Richards for helping me make my decision.
— Timothy Johnson
Anchorage
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