The longstanding grassroots movement seeking to separate Eagle River/Chugiak from the Municipality of Anchorage and create a new home-rule borough is urging supporters to join a call to repeal a regulation that currently blocks the effort.

In particular, Eaglexit is asking the state’s Local Boundary Commission to abolish or amend an onerous regulation that applies when a community seeks both to detach from an existing borough and incorporate as a new borough.

“It requires the proposed new borough to include a substantially larger population and land area than the population and area seeking detachment,” Eaglexit organizers stated in an Aug. 28 alert to supporters. “In practical terms, Eagle River, Chugiak and the surrounding communities cannot simply detach from Anchorage and incorporate as the Chugach Regional Borough. We would first have to add substantially more territory and substantially more people to the proposed borough.”

Given the geography and population distribution of the proposed new borough, that requirement may be impossible to satisfy – not only for Eaglexit, but for virtually any Alaska community seeking to detach and form a new borough, organizers warn.

“We believe 3 AAC 110.270(e) creates an unconstitutional barrier to the rights granted under Article X of the Alaska Constitution,” the email alert stated.

The Local Boundary Commission is set to meet on Sept. 1, when Eaglexit Board Member Michael Tavoliero will present arguments supporting repeal of the regulation that stands in the way of the proposed new borough. Supporters of the Eaglexit movement are being urged to participate in the Zoom meeting, which will include time for public comments.

“We know this has been a long road. But repealing 3 AAC 110.270(e) would remove one of the greatest obstacles facing Eaglexit—and represent an important victory for local self-government throughout Alaska,” Eaglexit told supporters.

Eaglexit’s main arguments for detachment include creating a smaller government footprint with lower taxes, preservation of local identity and culture, tailored economic development to promote area businesses and revitalize the economy, more responsive public safety, and an innovative approach to public education. The plan also calls for doing with standard-style schools in favor of publicly funded charter schools with the goal of strengthening local control, parental involvement and improved academic outcomes.

TAKING ACTION

— The Local Boundary Commission online meeting is set for Tuesday, Sept. 1, starting at 10 a.m. To join the Zoom meeting, click here.

— The meeting ID is 847 5950 5897. The passcode: 415196. For additional information, call (833) 548 0276. Click here to view the official agenda.

— Click here to learn more about Eaglexit.

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