Focus on basic needs of community, vote yes on Ballot Measures 1 and 2

In a recent opinion piece, John Pugh argued that Ballot Measure 1 — which would cap the property tax millage rate at nine mills — represents a “significant decrease” and would limit the Assembly’s ability to respond to emergencies like glacier flooding.

But the current millage rate is already nine mills. So where’s the decrease if Ballot Measure 1 passes?

Mr. Pugh leads the Juneau Community Foundation, which receives $2.1 million annually from the Assembly to administer CBJ social services grants. These funds support efforts to address homelessness, substance abuse and mental health challenges in our community. He also wrote that “we all enjoy a high quality of life” in Juneau. While that may be true for some, many residents are struggling just to afford to stay here.

Take a drive down Teal Street. Just this past week, 29 tents were pitched along the road. I’ve lived in Juneau for 66 years and I’ve never seen it this bad — for the businesses and residents in that area, or for the people living in those tents. It raises important questions: How is that $2.5 million being spent? How much money are other organizations and NGOs contributing? Because the problem isn’t improving — it’s getting worse.

Maybe it’s time to stop using glacier flooding as a rationale for keeping taxes high. Let’s focus instead on the basic needs of our community. We don’t need more shiny new objects that are not maintained and don’t deliver as promised. We need accountability, compassion and a clear-eyed commitment to the people who call Juneau home.

Vote yes on Ballot Measures #1 and #2.

Scott Spickler

Juneau