My Turn: Vision, access, energy: keys to Alaska's future
When Secretary of State William H. Seward negotiated the purchase of Russian America and a draft Treaty of Cession of Russian America to the United States was signed March 30, 1867, there was substantial opposition to the purchase of Alaska in Congress and the media. Ernest Gruening's "The State of Alaska" is worth reading again to realize how important vision was to the purchase and development of Alaska.
Secretary of State Seward's vision for Alaska and the nation was not shared by many members of Congress and the media. After the purchase was approved, the New York World declared: "Russia has sold us a sucked orange", the New York Herald characterized Alaska as "...an icehouse, a worthless desert..."
When one considers the major advancements in Alaska up to and following statehood, people of vision have always been crucial in defining and achieving Alaska's goals. Gov. Walter J. Hickel's new book: "Crisis in the Commons: The Alaska Solution," again reminds us that vision, access and affordable energy are essential to a sustainable economy and a quality of life environment for all.
The general election of 2002 is another major crossroads in defining Alaska's and our nation's future. Our war against terrorism is very real and our nation must become less dependent upon foreign nations for the strategic and natural resources that are essential for a sustainable economy, our quality of life and survival itself. Every person who is elected for public office in this election will have a voice in defining Alaska's goals and collective vision for the future.
The construction of the Alaska Highway and the development of the military and strategic defense installations within our state proved that Alaska was and is vital to our national defense and for the maintenance of peace in the world. It should be abundantly clear that Alaska's incredibly rich resources must be accessed, developed and linked through an infrastructure of roads, railroads, transportation and utility corridors with and through Canada and our other Northern neighbors.
In this very important election, we should give thanks for the privilege of voting and for those who are willing to serve. We should also pray for the wisdom to elect people of integrity and vision who recognize that access and affordable energy are essential for sustainable communities and a quality environment. We should be aware of negative and deceptive ads in the zeal to win at all costs. Finally, we should recognize Alaska's importance to the security of our nation in this new millennium.
John A. Sandor was commissioner of Alaska's Department of Environmental Conservation; regional forester with the U.S. Forest Service from 1976-84, and is a member of Juneau's Resource Alliance and Juneau Chamber Board.