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It's important to remember that the role of the Alaska Committee is to approach this issue responsibly, in an objective, non-emotional way. So, allow me to share with you the most current data available on statewide attitudes about moving the capital or Legislature.

After the defeat of the legislative-move initiative in 2002, the Alaska Committee commissioned extensive research to examine capital-move attitudes statewide. Our goal was to ensure that our ongoing efforts to preserve, protect, and enhance Juneau as Alaska's capital city would address the core issues that Alaskans cared about most.

In our 2002 poll, more than 60 percent of Alaskans felt it important that Juneau be accessible by road. In a poll taken just two months ago, road supporters outnumber opponents 2 to 1 statewide. More than 70 percent of Southeast residents favor the idea of a road to the capital. An October 2003 McDowell survey indicated a solid 53 percent of Juneau households preferred a road vs. 37 percent who preferred improved ferry service.

Our polling continues to document another critical point: Building a road has a very positive influence on Alaskans' perceptions of Juneau's geographic isolation, particularly on those people who support moving the Legislature or capital.

This just goes with the territory. If Juneau wants to remain the capital, we have to act responsibly and consider the needs and desires of all Alaskans.

It is interesting to me that statistically valid research is often validated by personal experience. On behalf of Juneau, I have attended state fairs up north for many years and have spoken with hundreds of Alaskans. Many people want to know why they can't drive to their capital. It always amazes me the number of people who ask this question (totally unsolicited) any time we are in Fairbanks or the Mat-Su valleys.

I also attended the Juneau Access Project public hearings last week and was struck by a Fairbanks resident who testified that he would love to bring his five children to Juneau, but the only way he could ever afford to do that would be if there were a road.

Building a road up the east Lynn Canal with shuttle ferry service to Haines can be accomplished at an overall long-term cost to the state that is less than all the other alternatives, except a "no action" alternative. But "doing nothing" would eventually result in the cheapest alternative - no ferry system, no transportation at all.

To retain the capital, access simply must be improved. Alternative 2, a road up Lynn Canal, is Juneau's best hope for removing a core capital-move argument and insuring that Juneau's quality of life is preserved for future generations wanting to call Juneau home.

• Win Gruening is chairman of the Alaska Committee, a Juneau-based volunteer organization dedicated to improving and enhancing Alaska's capital city.