Elections Matter, by Brenda Jones

Haines Alaska News: Viewpoints
August 31, 2011, Monday

ELECTIONS MATTER
Make an informed and educated vote on October 4th

Our community and all of Alaska has been the beneficiary of tremendous financial support from the federal government. Even a casual observer of the current national economic crisis has an understanding that we cannot continue to rely on federal funding at the same levels we have enjoyed in the past. Changes in federal support to our residents, borough and state will have a very direct and significant effect on our community if we do not move forward with a proactive approach.

In order for our community to remain vibrant today and into the future it is necessary that we embrace sustainable economic development in our valley. Sustainable economic development is about responsibly developing the resources that are available so that the resources are productive today and remain productive in the future. Sustainable economic development is about continued abundance; it is not about going without.

The candidates that we elect to the assembly this fall will be our leaders who guide us into the uncertain years that will follow this national economic crisis. It is important that we elect leaders that are proactive in their support of sustainable economic development and not part of a body of government that stifles economic progress. Please stay engaged during this election cycle so that you can make an informed and educated vote on October 4th.

Brenda Jones

Received August 31, 2011 / Posted August 31, 2011
Viewpoints letters are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Haines Alaska News.