Why I’m voting no on all the ballot propositions

I am voting no on all the propositions on the Oct. 7 municipal ballot. Let me explain.

I believe in Juneau. I believe in the citizens of Juneau. I believe in the voters of Juneau.

Yes, Juneau has many problems. Juneau will find solutions. Maybe not in the short term, but it will find solutions. However, the ballot propositions before us are neither solutions nor a path to solutions. Instead, they are solutions based on fear, on how bad we are, how bad Juneau is, how bad Alaska is. 

I raised my kids in Juneau. I have served on various CBJ boards and commissions, served nine years on the CBJ Assembly (2012-2021), and have served and continue to serve on boards of nonprofit agencies in Juneau.  I have experienced Juneau and its citizens at their best and I refuse to be scared of the present and the future of Juneau. The caring, the humanity, the sharing and the genuine love of Juneau by its community members is always the best and brightest part of my day and life in Juneau.

My Juneau has always supported school projects, recreational projects, pools, ski area, skating rinks, trails, and special projects. My Juneau has consistently supported sales taxes when put to a vote.

The ballot propositions before us, as voters, have an element of selfishness and self-centeredness, that I do not believe most of us share.

I believe in Juneau. I believe in the voters of Juneau. I have seen them make decisions in past elections that have supported Juneau. I have seen Juneau make decisions that have supported each other in crisis, and in need.

Saying no to the ballot issues before us will continue supporting Juneau and each other. Saying no will continue to support the quality of life (despite its many problems) that I think Juneau wants and has supported in the past.

Saying no to the ballot propositions will give us, the citizens of Juneau, the resources to continue to move forward.

Loren Jones

Juneau