An Embarrassment of Embarrassments An Embarrassment of Embarrassments September 4, 2020 Dear Friends and Neighbors, Happy Labor Day! I know you're all as disappointed as I am that we missed setting summer rainfall records. Chin up! There's always next year. The first couple of days of fall are nearly dry, though. I suppose we could try that for a bit. Let's give it a test run this weekend. It Means What it Says Alaska's constitution puts a pretty tight limit on how and why the state can borrow money. The legislature can OK bonds for capital projects, veterans' home loans, and revenue bonds. Oh, and the first two of those take a vote of the people. Three years ago, getting low on cash, the legislature narrowly passed a neat idea to borrow money so the state could pay off oil tax credits we already owed drillers. (We'd stopped issuing any more by that point.) There were several cool things in the bill, like a reverse auction for the credits, so it made good financial sense for the state. But it had a gigant-o problem: there's no way it was constitutional. Some folks argued it was basically just refinancing our debts—a very narrow exception the constitution allows. But the credits weren't state bonds that had already gone to the voters, so they didn't qualify. Others said since the state can do lease-purchase agreements (kind of like renting-to-own) for buildings without a vote of the people, this would be fine too. But with oil tax credits there's no 'thing'—like a building—a creditor could take back in lieu of payment, so it's not even close to the same. And then there were folks who said borrowing to pay off oil credits would be 'revenue bonds.' A port or airport might issue those, paid back by the money the dock or runway brings in. (Alaska even once borrowed against yearly payments we got in a lawsuit settlement and used the cash to build schools, and that passed muster!) But when people asked what the 'revenue' would be in this case, the answer was: annual appropriations from the general fund. So, the state budget. The framers of Alaska's constitution put in limited exceptions to a set of very tight borrowing rules. They did not write them to allow any and all borrowing future legislatures wanted to do. The Commissioner of Revenue when the bill passed even allowed that under his theory, the state could bond (without a vote of the people) to cover the operating budget deficit each year. Nuts. Still, the bill did pass. Then-Governor Walker signed it. A citizen activist sued, and this morning, the Alaska Supreme Court slapped down the whole unconstitutional scheme. I guess that's why the framers put a separate, independent judicial branch in place. Must be Labor Day weekend. The silvers are running. Tinder This Ain't Attorney General Kevin Clarkson's resignation last week was pretty shocking. Almost two years ago I helped lead the arguments against his confirmation because he’s long volunteered his time and efforts to fight against Alaskans—opposing equal rights and taking extreme positions against women’s liberties. He’s also shown consistently bad legal judgement, both before and after the governor made him Alaska's top public lawyer, losing case after case after case. As AG, he spent Alaskans' money to lose cases opposing unions, denying ballot measures, trying to quash the recall, and more. While I’ve been disappointed by his legal work, I was genuinely surprised to learn Mr. Clarkson was harassing a state employee. Public service is not a dating site, and repeatedly pressuring a junior employee (in a politically appointed job!) to come over to your house after work is a gross abuse of power. It's even worse to do so hundreds more times after she cuts you off. It's tempting to delve into personal morality issues here, but I'll hold off. The Attorney General job is about the legal ones. I’m disappointed the governor didn't sack the AG when he first learned about this behavior, opting instead for some quiet partially unpaid leave. I don't know why it took word becoming public to do the right thing. I’m sure glad the Department of Law will now get new leadership. Klukwan Food Sovereignty & Security Let's end on a positive note: enrolled members of the Chilkat Indian Village or year-round residents of Klukwan can apply to the Food Sovereignty Fund for up to $500 per household. It's been a rough summer in the Eternal Village, and a lot of people need a hand with groceries. Kudos to the Tribe for doing it! All my best, Did someone forward you this newsletter? Did you fall into it through the series of tubes? Want more? SUBSCRIBE Events & More Around District Q Juneau Fresh Air Market Support local arts/vendors while you get out of the house! Come get some fresh air at this open market hosted by the JACC, Downtown Business Association, and local vendors. Baby Raven Reads (online) Community Event Enroll and join this award winning program by Sealaska Heritage– songs, stories and activities from Yakutat to Hydaburg! Haines (or Anywhere) Totem Trot Those totems aren’t going to admire themselves – its not too late to trot on down to see them! Or others where you live. Hosted by Haines Sheldon Museum. Haines Annual Silver Salmon Derby The fish are running – and you have a chance to blow my trio (above) out of the water with your catch at this year’s Silver Salmon Derby! Haines Nature Hikes Nothing beats the great outdoors – so get out there and enjoy a Nature Hike series! Hosted by Haines Borough Public Library and Takshanuk Watershed Council. Skagway Fall Round-Up Fall is here, so lets pick up the trash and keep Skagway clean! Hosted by the Skagway Chamber of Commerce. This week’s Gustavus Library Activity Grab n’ Go Kit! Follow Gustavus Library’s intern Torin on how to make your own Postcard! This is just one of their many great Funtivities. Juneau Voter Registration Day at the SLAM Haven’t registered to vote yet? No worries. Join your friends at the State Library, Archive, & Museum for Voter Registration Day! Is there an event in our district I should know about? Please call or email! Visit Me! Alaska State Capitol Room 419 Juneau, AK 99801 800 550 4947 907 465 4947 Email Me! ‌ ‌ ‌ Contact My Staff: Edric Carrillo 907 465 6419 [email protected] Cathy Schlingheyde 907 465 6827 [email protected] Senator Jesse Kiehl | Alaska State Capitol, Rm. 419, 4th Avenue & Main Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by [email protected]