It has been eight years since I have written a piece for my blog.
I would like to reintroduce myself. My name is Deborah Brollini, I’m Haida Indian and the daughter of Manuel Lopez and the late Lorraine Lopez. My family lived with Charles Willis, Jr. prior to my family moving to Alaska. Charles Willis, Jr. was the CEO/President of Alaska Airlines. He recruited Eisenhower to run for President. Alaska became a state during President Eisenhower’s presidency. I was born on January 3rd which is Alaska Statehood Day. My brother was born on Seward’s Day and my parents were married 49 years at my mom’s passing. Alaska is my DNA.
I worked for Health and Social Services Commissioner, Dr Ted Mala who served under Governor Wally Hickel. Governor Hickel believed in strong families, putting Alaskans first and giving Alaskans a reason to get up in the morning at $11.00 oil.
Alaska became a state on January 3, 1959 and the federal government has not kept its promises to Alaskans. Governor Hickel sued over the federal government’s broken promises to the people of Alaska.
President Trump could make good on the promises made to Alaskans with federal revenue sharing. However, the Alaska Legislature spends like drunken sailors. President Trump will not negotiate with a legislature who is fiscally irresponsible.
The legislature is so blind to the fact there will be a time the oil producers will not need the TransAlaska Pipeline. It has been a concern of mine since I attended the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region Conference in 2013. The oil producers will ship oil directly from Prudhoe Bay and bypass TAPS. Then what? Who is going to pay Alaska’s bills?
Governor Dunleavy could negotiate on behalf of Alaskans for federal revenue sharing. President Trump has signed Executive Orders encouraging oil production on federal lands. Alaska would receive jobs. However, Alaska would not receive revenue from oil produced on federal lands. Furthering, the hurt on the backs of Alaskans over the broken promises over Alaska Statehood. If federal revenue sharing is an option, that federal revenue should be deposited into the Alaska Permanent Fund because the legislature cannot be trusted.
My wish for the legislature is to claw back spending. Give Alaskans their $3,800 PFD and demonstrate to President Trump you are fiscally responsible.
