Earning your citizenship

by Milli Martin
Last Sunday at midnight, (Oct. 18) was the official change of representation on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, District 9. I thank Tom Clark, Jesse Clutts and Mako Haggerty for stepping forward and giving the voters a true choice. They are all excellent candidates. To Mako, my congratulations. You have an adventure ahead of you.
For nine years I had the true privilege of serving the wonderful, wonderful folks from Anchor Point to Nanwalek, to Kachemak Selo and all the places in-between – including Diamond Ridge, Skyline, Ohlson and Fritz Creek. In those nine years, my love for my community deepened. I believe I had the privilege of serving the finest folks in the country. The friendships formed are very precious. To all of you, my sincere thanks for your support over those years.
During my closing comments at the Oct. 13 meeting, I expressed my concern with voter turnout. This was echoed in the editorial by Sean Pearson in the Oct. 14th issue of the Homer Tribune. The total voter turnout borough-wide was 21 percent- several precincts registered less than 10 percent. On the issue of term limits for assembly positions, of the 21 percent, only 19 percent voted. That means, of registered voters, 81 percent elected not to voice an opinion and are satisfied that 19 percent represent them. Why?
My parents emigrated from Germany in the 1920’s. They quickly earned citizenship and never missed an election, because they treasured their citizenship and the obligations of it. Our troops today fight and die to protect American freedoms, and isn’t the right to vote one of those freedoms? To me, voting is not a privilege, it is an obligation we as free citizens of the United States have. Somehow, the borough has got to try to re-engage the public.
With that in mind, I suggested the assembly research the success rate of Oregon’s mail-in ballot program, and hopefully initiate same. In visiting with the borough clerk about this, she indicated she would research it, and hoped to be able to implement it – with assembly approval – by 2012. I believe there would be a considerable cost savings as well. It is my hope the assembly will follow through on this.
Again, to all of you, my heartfelt thanks for allowing me to serve you.

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