Press Release: Peninsula Survey Shows Split Views on Exit Exams and Increased Logging

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Session:
State Capitol, Room 427
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: (907) 465-2828
Fax: (907) 465-4779

Interim:
35477 Kenai Spur Highway, Suite 101 B
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone: (907) 260-3041
Fax: (907) 260-3044

345 W. Sterling Highway, Suite 102
Homer, AK 99603
Phone: (907) 235-0690
Fax: (907) 235-4008

For Immediate Release: February 12, 2001

Contact: Senator John Torgerson at (907) 465-2828

(JUNEAU) -- Responses to a recent on-line survey by Kenai Peninsula Senator John Torgerson (R-Kasilof) were evenly divided on the extension of the High School Exit Exam and increased logging on the peninsula.

This was the first in a series of monthly surveys designed to get input from constituents on issues vital to the Kenai Peninsula. More than 70 people answered questions in the survey. Of those 49 are Kenai Peninsula residents, 39 live in Seward.

"It's obvious from my survey and from talks with constituents that the High School Exit Exams are a highly emotional issue," said Torgerson. "I really appreciate those who took the time to answer my survey and share their concerns."

Peninsula residents voted 26 to 22 in favor of leaving the January 1, 2002 deadline for High School Exit Exams intact. Current law requires high school students to pass the graduation exam in order to receive a diploma.

Peninsula residents were also split on whether or not to increase logging in the area. Twenty-four respondents voted to increase logging, while 23 voted against it.

Area residents were strongly in favor of funding for education. Thirty-nine people expressed willingness to increase funding for grades K-12. Just 9 voted against the increased funds. Thirty-eight voted in favor of a specific line item in the state budget for Vocational Education, while 9 voted in opposition to the idea.

A new prison on the Kenai was favored two to one. Participants also favored lowering the legal alcohol limit from .10 to .08 by a two to one margin. Vote totals were the same on both issues: 33 in favor, 15 opposed.

On the subject of a possible gas pipeline, survey respondents favored ownership and control of any pipeline being held by a consortium made up of oil producers, the state, and various third parties. Twenty-five respondents voted in favor of such a consortium. Eighteen voted in favor of the state holding title. Three voted to have oil producers hold ownership, and 2 voted for the proposed pipeline being owned and controlled by third parties.

"I was pleased with the interest in my survey," said Torgerson. "We got a lot of responses for a survey that was on the web just two weeks. I'm especially gratified that so many people took extra time to go into depth on their feelings about state issues.

"I really want to hear what Kenai Peninsula residents need from their state legislature and I see the monthly on?line surveys as a great way for the folks back home to keep me informed of their ideas," he said.

To take Sen. Torgerson's current on-line survey, go to the senator's web page at www.akrepublicans.org/22ndleg/torgerson.shtml and click on "Questionnaire."

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