Sullivan says he supports public broadcasting, then votes against it

In the last few months, as the administration in Washington pushed to pull back existing support for public broadcasting, I several times wrote to Sen. Dan Sullivan urging him to vote against rescission of the public broadcasting appropriations. He wrote back with full-throated support of public broadcasting in Alaska.

On April 4 he wrote back to me: "In Alaska, public radio is essential, especially in rural areas. Many times, it is the only way to inform residents of impending natural disasters, and their only source of information. This is why I have again signed a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee requesting continued support and two-year advance funding for CPB. Additionally, I will continue to work with the current administration to stress the importance of public broadcasting in Alaska and nationwide."

On May 8 he wrote: "In Alaska, public radio is essential, especially in rural areas. Many times, it is the only way to inform residents of impending natural disasters, and their only source of information. I will continue to work with the current administration to stress the importance of public broadcasting in Alaska and nationwide."

Then, yesterday, he voted to uphold the administration's cuts. His vote was enough to pass the rescission billl. He claimed that he won some concessions for a few tribal broadcasters, but did not defend his vote crippling the other broadcasters he had called "essential" to Alaskan residents. He simply said one thing and voted the opposite.

Can we trust someone who so blatantly says one thing and does another?

Douglas Mertz

Juneau