Those Yellow Signs: April 25, 2005

Congratulations to Joe Law for community activism in support of his idea to fund school projects via Senate Bill 155. I have not listened yet to testimony on this bill in committee, so I'll reserve judgement on the bills merits.

Channel 2 KTUU television Anchorage today broadcast a story about printer Joe Law posting yellow signs throughout various Anchorage representatives districts. Joe Law is spending about $4,000, targeting both Republicans and Democrats, by urging motorists to get on the phone and push for passage of Senate Bill 155. Law is urging lawmakers to pay for school projects with the earnings of one of Alaska's most sacred institutions: the Permanent Fund. “We got $40 billion in the Permanent Fund, and we will not touch a penny of it to help the kids.”

According to the TV broadcast, some legislators believe Mr. Law's posting of the signs is "inappropriate," or even "offensive." I disagree. What's wrong with trying to influence legislators to Mr. Law's point of view? Nothing! He's not spending state money, he apparently spending his own personal time and money to advance his viewpoint. Good for him. Politicians too often critizize their constituencies for not getting involved. Let's don't critize them when they do.