Alaskans in support of holding a statewide constitutional convention to establish a constitutionally protected Permanent Fund Dividend are holding a series of kick-off rallies on Sept. 20th.
Alaska’s Constitution mandates that every 10 years voters be asked whether it is time to hold a statewide constitutional convention to tackle issues that have not been adequately addressed by the State Legislature or the courts. The convention question will be ask again on the Nov. 8th ballot.
One of the main drivers of a convention this time around is the fact that the State Legislature has abandoned the statutory PFD and turned the annual payout into a highly divisive political football. There are a variety of option on how to address the PFD, but state lawmakers have thus far failed to protect it from political infighting and special interest groups.
Other issues that a convention could address include addressing judicial overreach, expanding school choice options, shoring up election integrity and more.
The upcoming events – hosted by a coalition of Alaskans called Convention Yes – will take place in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kenai and the Mat-Su with the goal of laying out the case for a convention, answering questions and providing concrete opportunities for Alaskans to help promote a successful vote in November. Alaska Watchman Publisher Jake Libbey is part of the nine-member steering committee for Convention Yes. Others include former Alaska Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell (chair), Jim Minnery, Fritz Pettjohn, Leigh Sloan, Josh Church, R. Keith Hiem, Christine Hutchinson and Fred Vreeman.
The events are free and open to the public. They will include music and refreshments.
SEPT. 20th CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION RALLIES
— Anchorage rally will be at the Keith Manternach Hanger (3720 Bellanca Way #B) at 6 p.m. Click here for details.
— Mat-Su rally will be held at 6 p.m., in AtTheBarn–Mat-Su. Click here for details.
— Fairbanks rally starts at 6 p.m. at Musher’s Hall (925 Farmer’s Loop Road).
— Kenai rally will be at Paradiso’s Restaurant (811 Main Street) starting at 6 p.m.
