For as long as I can remember there's been a push to move the seat of government from Juneau to somewhere near Anchorage. You can almost set your calendar by it. Every time it happens, people plan for the worst and hope for the best. Property prices predictably start to fall but bounce right back after the battle is over.
One of the things you need to understand is FRANK. Not the governor we chased off - but Fiscally Responsible Alaskans Needing Knowledge. This basically means that if the legislature, or the capital are going to move, the costs must be approved by the voters of Alaska.
Here's a tally of the votes on the subject.
In 1960 the vote was 56% against moving it.
In 1962 the vote was 55% against moving it.
In 1974 the vote was 57% FOR the move and in 1976 Willow was selected. Finding out the cost passed 56%
THEN
In 1978 the bond measure failed 74%
In 1982 the vote was 53% against moving it.
In 1994 the vote was 55% against moving it.
In 2002 the vote was 67% against moving just the legislature.
Now, the legislature is talking about repealing the FRANK initiative and just moving the legislature. There are three bills with some level of destruction to Juneau currently in the legislature. It's tiring. And it's expensive, divisive and harmful to our state.
I'll be relieved when it's over. Again.
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