Juneau’s election reflects voters’ frustration with costs
- Guest contributor
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Wayne Coogan
In response to Michelle Hale’s column "What did it cost?" on Nov. 6 about the consequences of Juneau’s recent election:
The election only reduced the property tax rate by 0.16 mills (10.24 to 10.08). That’s $80 off a $5,120 tax bill on a $500,000 home. No reasonable person would consider this 1.56% reduction significant. Even Hale said the 1.5% vote margin is “hardly decisive.” Anyone who thinks we can’t trim 1.56% from the robust tax revenue should not be involved in the budget process. The fact is, voters never reduced property taxes to speak of; rather, they only sent a message to stop flagrant spending.
Hale criticized Affordable Juneau Coalition donors for being “well-heeled.” She asked why donors, most of whom already get the sales tax exemption, would care about the rest of Juneau's residents? She propounded a conspiracy theory that donors only put forth the sales tax measure to trick voters into passing the property tax measure. Her conspiracy theory makes sense if those in her political order are the only ones concerned about affordability. Hale obviously denies it is possible the Affordable Juneau Coalition is simply trying to make it easier for everyone to afford to remain in Juneau, including Ms. Hale herself.
Ms. Hale did admit her speech “may seem to border on ad hominem.” She is right about that; her rhetoric is a classic logical fallacy used by those who cannot debate with facts (but rather attack the opponent). Hale obviously disagrees that the best way to make Juneau affordable is to restore as much economic independence to voters as possible. Lower taxes do just that. I believe Hale should stick to facts.
Let’s consider a fact that belies Ms Hale’s conspiracy theory. On average, 1/12 of a residential tenant’s annual rent goes to property tax; that’s right, a whole month’s rent (say $1,400) pays property tax on an average apartment. The average tenant would need to spend $28,000 on groceries and heat to pay the same in sales tax as they do on property tax. We know that’s not happening. The fact is, tenants pay more property tax than sales tax on food and heat. I will repeat for Ms Hale: landlords don’t pay property tax; tenants pay for it, along with all operating costs of rental properties. We’re pulling for you Ms Hale. We know you can connect the dots.
As to Ms Hale’s point that the Affordable Juneau Coalition spent “$200 per vote” on the 157-vote yes margin, it’s a shameless assertion that the first 5,006 yes votes came cost-free. Everyone knows those 157 votes only cost $6.20 each. What a desperately misleading point. Actually kind of a sad fabrication.
Hale criticized the ballot measures as “wildly confusing.” I don’t recall such complaints during the election process, in the media or otherwise. Measures 1 and 2 were very simple; hold property tax at nine mills and eliminate sales tax on food and energy. Even the borough’s measure 3, seasonal sales tax rates, albeit a bit questionable, was still in the easy category. Hale contended she was “pretty darn familiar with the Assembly budgeting process.” Then she said, “I didn’t even know how to vote on Measures 2 and 3.” Did she just illuminate a problem?... inasmuch as she was recently on the Assembly?
AJC volunteers heard hundreds, if not thousands, of signers share their frustrations with the borough during months gathering signatures. Our Assembly has ignored the will of the people by pushing ahead with the JACC, a new City Hall, (add your own), etc. AJC gave voters hope that they could get the attention of the Assembly to cut frivolous spending and live within our means. I’ve heard it said that ballot measures will continue until voters no longer feel ignored by borough leadership.
For the record, I disclaim any exclusive affiliations. Rather, I proclaim to defend the best interests of all voters of Juneau. That said, I acknowledge some will disagree with my positions. I respect their right to do so.
• Wayne Coogan is a Juneau resident and business owner.
