3-15-2004
Anchorage has been described as having a transportation system best suited for cars driving at 40 miles per hour, yet state Sen. Ben Stevens, with SB 71, has made it his mission to minimize funding for enhancements projects such as sidewalks, trails and overpasses. The bill has limited all communities in Alaska to spend no more that10 percent of federal highway dollars for enhancements. Prior to this bill passing, AMATS, the body that makes roads and trails decision for the city, set aside 17 percent for this purpose.
Furthermore, Sen. Stevens has introduced a bill, SB 260, to add two legislative seats on AMATS, to further reduce local control over our use of federal highway dollars. Sen. Stevens has also tried to prevent the extension of the coastal trail with SB 23, which seeks to prevent any state agency from acquiring or creating a right-of-way or other easement within the coastal refuge unless it is approved by the Legislature.
Sen. Stevens' efforts need to be viewed in the light of the health issue faced by our community. Recent scientific studies report that poor diet and physical inactivity are closing in on tobacco use as the leading preventable causes if death, primarily because of a dramatic rise in obesity. I believe Sen. Stevens' efforts to limit recreational opportunities and block transportation alternatives to the automobile warrant his nomination as poster person of lethargy and obesity.
Robin Holm