Why I'm voting no on all three propositions

Juneau is an incredible place to live, despite the horrid fall weather, because of the generous, hardworking, creative, and community-minded people who live here. The things that make our city truly livable, our trails, parks, pools, schools, festivals, and so much more, are funded in part through taxes. Taxes are one way we take care of each other. Voting "no" is about protecting the shared resources that connect and support us all.

Proposition 1: Mill Rate Cap Amendment: We already have a 12 mill property tax cap, and our current rate is 10.24. That gap gives us flexibility to respond to emergencies, whether it's a landslide, flood, or a major infrastructure failure. If we lower the cap as proposed, we lose that safety net. It's fiscally short-sighted and puts our community at risk when we need to act fast and fund critical recovery.

Proposition 2 – Sales Tax Exemption: Agreed, sales taxes can be regressive, but Juneau has exemptions to ease the burden on many residents. The funds we collect go directly to vital services: childcare support, affordable housing, parks and recreation, scholarships for kids, fire safety, harbors, and nonprofits that provide music, art, culture, social services and community. If we lose these revenues, we risk cutting the very things that make Juneau a vibrant, supportive, and livable community.

Proposition 3 – Seasonal Sales Tax: This sounds appealing. Tax the tourists, right? But in practice, it likely increases costs for us locals too. It creates logistical headaches for our small businesses and sends the wrong message to visitors. There must be smarter, more equitable ways to raise revenue that don't burden working families or complicate local commerce. Let's look for those. 

Bottom line: Sharing is caring, and taxes are how we share responsibility for the place we all love. I care deeply about Juneau and its future. That's why I'm voting no on all three propositions.

No. No. No. For a stronger, more resilient Juneau.

Nancy DeCherney

Juneau