September 21, 2012
Friday

It was reported in the Daily News that I would not compromise the Borough's position on the priority list which is being sent to the Governor's office.  That statement is absolutely correct and there is more to the story.  I have personally advocated continued cooperation between all governmental bodies of our island.  I even co-chair the cooperative relations committee with the city of Ketchikan.  What is frustrating is when we have an established process, we have previously benefited from this process, then several members of the city decide to change the outcome of the decisions made by the three governments or the priority of the projects, It becomes an appearance of a feud between governmental entities and helps no one achieve their goals.  

As a voter I would say we have too many politicians! The City Mayor advocated for the process to be fair and equal.  Hats off to him! When one representative government decides their priorities are more important than others and want to change the outcome after the fact, there is no longer a process.  It's like a baseball game, bottom of the 9th, bases loaded, two outs, the pitcher balks, runners advance and the game is over. The one team doesn't like the outcome and demands the balk ruling be thrown out of the rule book and the batter gets to return to home plate to try again. The city certainly has a compelling argument for their needs, but they don't get to choose, or dictate priorities for Saxman or the Borough.   Cooperation is a two sided coin and it benefits all those whom we represent.

Alan Bailey
Borough Assembly Member
Ketchikan, AK

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