Visionary or ... Alaska Star on Facebook Story last updated at 10:57 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2003 Kendall joins Dyson in push to form local government By GREG DART Alaska Star Anchorage Assemblyman Dan Kendall said secession from Anchorage is the only way to protect Chugiak-Eagle River service areas. At the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Sept. 3, Kendall said he has long fought for the protection of the service areas that make Chugiak-Eagle River unique. He said those areas are under attack by the Municipality of Anchorage if current trends hold true, and secession is the only way to stop that. We really have to stand up for what we believe in, what we want out here, said Kendall. In my nine years on the assembly this was the number one interest of municipal government, to take over our service areas. Kendall said now, while discussions by the municipality about a possible takeover of the Chugiak Volunteer Fire Department are ongoing, is the time for Chugiak-Eagle River to move forward to form its own government. Today its easy to observe that Chugiak-Eagle River is on the brink of losing its volunteer spirit, he said. We need to start circulating a petition to the state boundary commission to say we want to do this. Kendall is not alone in his fight. On the state level, Sen. Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, has been discussing a divorce from Anchorage for many years. He introduced a resolution in May asking the Local Boundary Commission to consider and make a recommendation for borough incorporation for Skagway, Eagle River, Wrangell and Delta. Dyson said the two questions that he is trying to answer is what will it cost, and do locals support the effort. We must figure out the numbers and see if our existing tax base is enough to support the government we would want, said Dyson. He is currently in the process of doing that. Ive inquired about a contract to determine dollar-for-dollar service versus taxes paid in the area, said Dyson. He said he has found a local institution that will help put the money forth for that study. The study will concentrate on what might have to be paid by both Chugiak-Eagle River residents for projects and municipality land in the area and by Anchorage residents for services they receive from Chugiak-Eagle River. Kendall said with property values in Chugiak-Eagle River approaching $1.5 billion, the money is there. I think more dollars are going that way than are coming to us, Kendall said. Whether a majority of Chugiak-Eagle River citizens are in favor of secession, Dyson said he is not sure. An influx of newcomers into Chugiak-Eagle River within the last decade has made local public opinion difficult to decipher, he said. I am interested in gathering comments from local citizens on if they feel the need for the separation, said Dyson. Chugiak-Eagle River has not always been part of Anchorage. For two weeks in 1974, the community had its own government, separate from the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, with Lee Jordan as mayor. The state Supreme Court ruled the separation process unconstitutional, saying that the state Legislature approved the separation through special purpose legislation. In September 1975, Anchorage voters incorporated Chugiak-Eagle River into the newly formed Municipality of Anchorage. Dyson says now is the time for another shot. He has drafted legislation, which will likely be introduced in January, calling for the creation of Skagway and Eagle River boroughs. We have our work cut out for us, said Dyson. This may be more possible with the current regime. Dyson said former Mayor George Wuerch was against the proposal. He said he expects Mayor Mark Begich will at least be open to discussing it. If they want to sit down and discuss this, Im game, said Begich. We are always willing to look at different ways of providing service. If it is a worry that we are trying to take over service areas, then this is an extreme response. We dont want to take away the uniqueness of the areas of Chugiak, Eagle River, Birchwood, Peters Creek and Eklutna. Begich said he has talked to Dyson many times over the years about this issue. He said he believes future discussions with Chugiak-Eagle River officials can be productive and if they are attended with open minds, a decision can be made that will be best for everyone in the long run. On the state level, Dyson said the most opposition would likely come from within Anchorage. My job will be convincing the rural representatives to vote for this, he said. Dyson said secession could be completed in two to three years, if all the necessary pieces fall into place. Reach the reporter at gdart@alaskastar
Posted on: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:12:27 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015