Dear Friends:

The first half of the 22nd legislative session has convened. I have enclosed a questionnaire to get your input on the issues most important to you and the betterment of Eagle River, Muldoon and Southfork. Your opinions are invaluable in helping me fully represent District 24 and address the issues that face us all. For your convenience, this questionnaire can also be accessed on my website at www.akrepublicans.org/22ndleg/kott.shtml.

I continue to encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or if I may be of assistance to you in any manner. I can be reached at the numbers listed below. Or you may contact the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 269-0111 to file a Public Opinion Message.

I look forward to meeting with you and answering your questions during the Legislative Public Hearings. You will find the dates and places listed on the back of this questionnaire.

Again, thank you for the privilege of representing you in the Legislature. I am honored to be your District 24 Representative and as always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Warmest Regards,

Questions

The formula for setting the minimum wage in Alaska is determined by taking the federal minimum wage and adding fifty cents. The state's minimum wage is currently set at $5.65 which is less than the states of California, Oregon and Washington. Do you support increasing the minimum wage to $6.40 next year and increased to $6.90 the following year?

Yes
No

Congress has mandated that states lower the Blood Alcohol Content to .08 percent from the current .10 percent by the year 2004. States that do not comply risk losing federal transportation dollars. Alaska would risk losing approximately $7 million dollars the first year if this is not implemented.

Do you support lowering the BAC to .08 percent?

Yes
No

In 1997 legislation was passed that required graduating seniors to pass a competency exam prior to receiving a diploma. The exam was to be administered in the year 2002. The Department which was involved in developing the exam has recommended that the effective date be delayed until 2006, primarily because of concerns that many seniors will not pass the test.

Do you support delaying the exit exam until 2006?

Yes
No

The Alaska Constitution prohibits dedicated funds. This means that revenue received by the state can not be specifically allocated for an intended purpose but rather must be placed in the General Fund for appropriation as determined by the sitting legislature. Would you support a constitutional amendment that would require a certain percentage of any increase in motor fuel taxes be used for road maintenance?

Yes
No

If yes, what percentage?

Assuming Alaska wants to maintain - if not grow - its economic base, it has to find at least some new money to fill the gap the Constitutional Budget Reserve eventually will leave behind. A sales tax would increase state revenue by $450 million and a seasonal sales tax would bring in about $3 million. If and when the CBR has been drawn down to zero, what do you feel would be the best recourse to increase state revenue to pay for existing services?

Sales Tax
Cut the PFD
Seasonal Sales Tax
State Income Tax

The Mayor established a task force to look at the issue of drunk driving and to recommend changes to state law that would reduce drunk driving fatalities as well as underage drinking. One of the recommendations was an alcohol excise tax. Would you support the implementation of an alcohol excise tax?

Support
Oppose

The reduction of state spending has been the primary goal of the Legislature. In your opinion, do you feel this has been done sufficiently, or would you support continued efforts to cut spending?

Yes
No

What, if any new capitol projects do you believe should be given priority in District 24?

As always, your opinion is very important to me. Please feel free to give any comments on issues that are important to you.

Maintaining contact with my neighbors and constituents is very important to me. If you provide your e-mail address I will send you the final results to this survey.

What is your name?

What is your physical address?

How many individuals live in your household?