Empire voting recomendations

Don't let someone else decide your future for you

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It's probably a fair assumption that readers of the opinion page have already voted or will likely do so tomorrow. In the off chance someone is reading this who is ambivalent about going to the polls, this message is for you.

This election represents a watershed event for Juneau and Alaska. Juneau's future grip on the capital will be measured by the number of residents who took the time to show support for their community.

If Juneau has a light turnout at the polls, the pro-movers will be anxious to make another run at it. If Juneau's sends a strong message that it is far too scrappy to take the fight lying down, then pro-move forces will know that they will have a far bigger battle next time around.

On the state level, Alaska is at a crossroads in terms of leadership. Voters will decide if they want four more years of the same or a new direction for the future.

History will show that past gubernatorial elections in this state have been won on paper-thin margins. This race is close. Therefore, every singe vote is monumentally important. Make your own choice, but get out and vote.

Those who stay home don't have a right to grumble afterward if their candidate didn't win.

Voters should exercise caution on Natural Gas Pipeline Ballot Measure

Ballot Measure 3 would create the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority as a public corporation of the state. A green light for this project would seed future outside investment in the state, create jobs and potentially contribute to the health of the permanent fund.

On the downside is the burning question begging an answer: Is it worth the risk to the state to invest millions in a project that has been shunned by private investment? Private corporations are concerned about the enormous cost of the project and the risks attached to the future demand for liquid natural gas. Many new gas fields are being developed all over the world in areas closer to market and easier to permit. The risks are compounded by the fact that the commodity could be subject to wild price swings in the future.

The state cannot afford anything less than certain success on a project of this size. Voters are urged to carefully read the information contained in the election pamphlet before deciding on this one.

Vote for Young and Stevens

The Alaska gubernatorial race has commanded so much attention that little notice in the media has been devoted to the U.S. Senate and U.S. House races.

Rep. Don Young and Sen. Ted Stevens do have opposition in their respective races; however, the incumbents enjoy wide popularity and have huge campaign war chests. The three challengers in the House race and four vying for Stevens' Senate seat have little money and less hope of prevailing in the election.

A vote to re-elect Stevens and Young is a vote of confidence in all they have done and will do for this state.

Don Smith

dssmith@juneauempire.com

586-1428