Letters to the Editor

Letter: Making Alaska's choices better

Vote yes on Ballot Measure 2? Why? Seriously no one has made a compelling argument why any of us should vote away a choice — in fact a right. Freedom? Right now I have the freedom to make a choice — and, in fact, choices. When is it ever a good idea to hand that over to any entity, much less a political party?

Is it possible that my interest and yours are not vested or congruent with entities whose aim is to survive and stay in power not necessarily protect my and your interest? No one can make an objective argument that the old system and the politics it created for our state produced positive results or that anyone, save a few of the extremes or special interests, was happy with how we conducted our elections.

I have lived in Alaska for more than 50 years; my roots go back deeper. I’ve come to realize that many Alaskans don’t know any better, but there was a time when we had the best elected officials in the entire nation. There was little difference between Democrats and Republicans because people had the example of Ted Stevens and Walter Hickel.

Alaska came first, not the GOP or DNC; as a result, life here in Alaska in almost every measure was better.

I wish for all of you and the future generations to get back to that; ranked choice voting, is a start. Please join me in voting no on Ballot Measure 2 to retain our freedom to make our own choices.

— Shawn O’Donnell

Anchorage

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