Dear Kenai Peninsula Neighbor,

Thank you for taking a few moments to answer the following survey about issues facing us as Kenai Peninsula residents. Your input is extremely valuable to me as your Senator, and I consider your responses whenever I make a decision affecting the future of our region.

Schools, roads, and state spending are big concerns for all of us. Your input on these and other issues addressed by the Legislature in the coming months will help me to craft legislation that best suits Kenai Peninsula residents.

Thanks again for your valuable input.

John

PS:	Thank you to all who responded to my February survey. We got a lot of useful and interesting comments! Keep up the good work letting me know how you feel about local issues.

Questions

Annexation

Legislation has been introduced to limit the power of local government to annex neighboring residents. SJR 16 (sponsor statement) and HJR 18 would require a vote of the residents in a proposed annexation area

• if the physical size of the area is greater than 10 percent or
• the population of the area is more than 10 percent of the city or borough proposing the annexation.

This measure would eliminate wholesale annexations, while continuing to allow local governments the freedom to annex small areas or small numbers of neighboring residents without holding a special election.

Are you in favor of limiting local government annexation?

Yes
No

Do you believe the residents of the area being annexed should have the right to vote on the proposed annexation?

Yes
No

Do you feel the 10 percent limit on population or physical size is a good cut-off level for requiring an election?

Yes
No

If no, do you think the limit should be:

Higher
Lower

Mariculture

Do you think the State of Alaska should encourage the development of a mariculture industry in coastal regions of the state?

Yes
No

It has been said that Kachemak Bay is an ideal location and environment for producing commercially grown shellfish. However, the bay is a critical habitat area. Do you support the responsible development of shellfish farms in Kachemak Bay?

Yes
No

Exit Exams

The legislature is considering ways to address concerns about the High School Exit Exam. Starting with the class of 2002, high school students must pass the exam in order to receive a diploma. Many individuals and groups have asked that the deadline be extended and the Exit Exam requirement be delayed until a later date.

Do you agree that the Exit Exam requirement should be delayed?

Yes
No

If yes, how long should it be until the students are required to pass the Exit Exam before graduating?

1 year - Class of 2003
2 years - Class of 2004
3 years - Class of 2005
4 years - Class of 2006

Dipnet Fees

HB 93 proposes a $10 permit fee for the Kenai River and Kasilof River dip net fisheries. The bill's sponsor wants to use funds raised (estimated at $100,000 to $150,000 per year) to help protect fish habitat, clean up the rivers, and enforce regulations.

Do you believe such "user fees" are a good idea?

Yes
No

Do you fish in the Kenai Peninsula dip net fishery?

Yes
No

Prisons

The Kenai Peninsula Borough is positioning itself to build and run Alaska's first privately operated prison. There are many differing views on the use of privately run prisons in Alaska.

Do you think that privately run prisons are a good idea in Alaska?

Yes
No

Our February on-line survey showed that a large majority of respondents did not want a prison located in their area. Would you support locating the new prison near the Wildwood prison in Kenai?

Yes
No

A new prison may necessitate locating halfway houses on the Kenai Peninsula. The halfway houses would allow prisoners who are nearing their release date to transition back into the community--find jobs and make contacts with support groups outside the prison system.

Are you in favor of locating halfway houses on the Kenai Peninsula?

Yes
No

What is your name?

What is your street address?

What city do you live in?

What is your e-mail address?

How many individuals live in your household?

Do you have any additional comments you wish to make?