HCOA grateful for city, foundation support
Homer Council on the Arts is grateful for the generosity of both the City and the Homer Foundation for allocating funding to support non-profit organizations. This operational funding allocation demonstrates commitment to our local organizations and recognizes what we contribute to the greater Homer community. As the local arts organization, HCOA’s mission is to provide art opportunities for all people in our community regardless of experience or socioeconomic ability. This funding is an essential component to help us continue to support our local community members. Thank you Homer Foundation and City of Homer for continuing to make art a priority.
Peggy Paver, Executive Director, Homer Council on the Arts
Pebble should start telling truth
I recently attended a presentation by Pebble Mine spokesman Mark Hamilton. With a straight face, he said multiple times the Pebble Mine would not harm fish. But that’s not true. The EPA Watershed Assessment — which underwent enormous scientific scrutiny — found the Pebble Mine will certainly harm Bristol Bay salmon and salmon habitat. Then I had déjà vu.
Back in 2014, Mr. Hamilton was a spokesman for another corporate campaign, fighting to preserve the oil tax regime pushed through by the oil corporations. Mr. Hamilton told Alaskans Senate Bill 21 would increase jobs, spark more production, and result in more revenues to the state. None of that happened. So, as Mr. Hamilton makes the rounds promoting the Pebble mine, the question becomes: when will Pebble start telling Alaskans the truth?
Bob Shavelson
Cook Inletkeeper
Grace Ridge Brewing customers support nonprofits
Grace Ridge Brewing would like to say thank you to the community. We had another fun and exciting year brewing and serving beer. Through the generous tips of our customers, $20,962.24 has been donated to 12 local nonprofits. These hard working organizations are dedicated to the health and vitality of Homer residents and visitors as well as the surrounding natural resources. Here’s to another great year.
Sherry Stead
Ridiculous
American tax laws are ridiculous.
Why should we pay for Jimmy Jerry Jones to fill his yacht with gas, just bringing the cheerleaders and a few friends on a cruise. Ninety percent of the use is business, or so he claims.
While the other 50 percent can’t afford a bit of dental care — thus the medical problems. Denali Care for all, rich and poor. As a state, we can pay the supplement for the 100-percent basic dental. Small businesses should love this.
If we can afford the buy the Dallas Cowboys gas, then we can afford basic medical for all.
We can pay for it with a sales tax. That includes everyone. If we can afford to go shopping, we can afford a little sales tax. And start with a minimum 10-percent tax on all internet sales and deliveries. Give our box stores half a chance.
It is ridiculous.
J.M. Reed
Kudos Mayor Pierce
The previous borough mayor once warned citizens to “pay attention” to what the KPB Assembly and Administration does. At the time, he was most likely referring to the Anadromous Waters Ordinance that did ultimately rob property rights from owners to access and use their own private property. They justified this through unverified, embellished and manipulated (aka “fake”) science. By looking at the past borough leadership, we can look at the present with a discerning assessment and appreciation.
Current Mayor Charlie Pierce has been in office just over a year, but the list of his accomplishments in that short period of time is immense. Certainly, no person is perfect, however, in my experience of “paying attention,” Mayor Pierce consistently prioritizes his decisions on the basis of what is best for all the people of the borough as opposed to his opposition’s desire to grow and inflate borough government. Here’s just one example: the past KPB administration and assembly asked citizens to pay $5 million for a new heating system for the KPB building on Binkley St. (The massive Lowe’s building only cost $4.2M and it came with a heating system). Mr. Pierce opposed the proposition while his opponents supported it. Smart KPB voters resoundingly said “No.” Once elected, Mayor Pierce fixed the problem for only $160,000 – a 97 percent difference. And yet, the “grow government” opposition consistently challenges Mayor Pierce’s pro-citizens decisions.
I applaud Mayor Pierce for his courage and proven leadership. I hope you will join me in thanking him by calling his office at 714-2150, or email him at cp@kpb.us, or in person at the KPB Assembly meetings.
Michele Hartline, Nikiski
