The following editorials from the Anchorage Daily News concern measures on Tuesday's Alaska state primary ballot:
Backers of Ballot Measure 1, which would establish an Alaska Gaming Commission, want us to believe that the goal is to regulate and clean up gambling in Alaska.
Gee, we didn't know the Nenana Ice Classic was such a racket.
Of course it isn't a racket. And Ballot Measure 1 isn't about cleaning up gambling, either.
The measure would create a Gaming Commission with seven members (five voting), who would have the authority to allow "any future" gambling activities.
That's what this initiative is about.
There's plenty in the measure about regulation of gambling activities. Could a gaming commission keep a sharper eye on pull-tab, bingo and lottery operations and make sure nonprofits get a bigger share of charity gaming? Yes.
If that's the real goal, then there's no reason to give such a commission the authority to allow more gaming, casinos, a statewide lottery or agreements to join other states in mega-lotteries. Why not just set up a gaming commission to better regulate the gambling we have now and leave decisions about expansions to the Legislature? That's where those decisions belong.
Backers of expanded gambling haven't been able to get what they want from the Legislature. They claim it is out of touch with the people. So they want us to believe five voting members of a commission -- appointed, not elected -- will be more in touch with the people of Alaska than lawmakers.
Read the full editorial at adn.com.
Ballot Measure 4 says no new, large-scale metal mines will be permitted to pollute streams or to dispose of mining wastes in a way that could harm humans or salmon spawning.
If voters approve it, Ballot Measure 4 will send a strong message to the Legislature and state government that Alaskans want to keep salmon streams unpolluted.
We want mining in the state to continue and grow, but we want it done in an environmentally sound manner.
The initiative as written is not a work of art. It is vague in parts and that vagueness has lawyers quibbling about exactly what it means. Some wording in the measure will need to be cleaned up.
But even with its flaws, we urge voters in Tuesday's state election to approve it.
Read the full editorial at adn.com.