This summer, Alaskans across the state have been terrified about the impact of the budget cuts on their families, children, schools, universities, communities, elders, transportation, safety and future.
While we furiously made calls and left messages for our legislators, some have been forced to look for new jobs, new housing or even a new state in which to live. And for many Alaskans who have experienced or witnessed trauma or abuse, the experience feels like a punch in the gut for its all too familiar pattern.
We love Alaska and continue the fight precisely because we take care of our own and we don’t leave anyone out in the cold. While we have spent our precious free moments this summer organizing and advocating, our governor ignored our pleas. Instead, as time was running out and signatures on the recall petition were stacking up, he decided to release some of the fiscal hostages – to “start a conversation.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, hear us loud and clear — this conversation started long before you joined in. We stand together for our fellow Alaskans. We don’t see dollar signs, we see our fellow Alaskans’ faces. We will not allow you to use any of us for political gain. We all deserve better and we won’t stop until we have it.
Sara Dykstra,
Anchorage
• My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.