QUESTION OF THE WEEK RESULTS: Did you vote in the Valdez Special Election to Bond for the design and construction of citywide pavement and utilities upgrades? Why or Why Not?
Kathleen Todd: I always vote because democracy only works if people express their preferences in this way. You shouldn’t complain if you don’t show up.
I wish the election had been better publicized (sooner, more places, more information) and that the city government or someone else would have explained to the public why Valdez bonds for things even though it has money in the bank (so we can get the most out of the property taxes we charge ourselves and the Alyeska and PetroStar properties, as I understand it)
Anonymous: I did not. It was going to happen whether or not I voted. Last time I voted and then heard from City Council that the vote ‘wasn’t a mandate’ and ‘people had different reasons for voting no’, so it didn’t matter that people believed they were voting down the fire station. What was the point of showing up this time?
Tom McAlister: Yes, I have never missed an election from when I became eligible in 1960. Whether it was City, State or Federal.
Naomi Sasse: Yes, I did vote. I wanted my views to be considered.
Anonymous: This is the first election I haven’t participated in. I think it’s really important to vote and for everyone to participate so all our voices can be heard, but it’s equally important for those in office to respect those votes. I feel our local leaders haven’t honored the voice of Valdez residents and will do what they want to anyway.