Ray,
I do not feel that I reflect the thinking of most Americans. While this might be your perception, I can assure you that it is not reality. In fact, I feel that I do quite the opposite in that I do not leap before I look. What I do is look at the issue as a whole and analyze the hell out of it before making a rational decision and choosing a way forward which is what I have done with the issue in Nikiski.
We all want leaders who make us feel good about, not only America, but our communities. You are offering your leadership to the Nikiski community. Do you not want them to feel you are trustworthy? Do you not want them to feel like you have their best interests in mind and that what you do, you do for the community? Do you not want the community to feel good about the decision they made to entrust you with their safety? Do you not want them to have that "warm and fuzzy" feeling knowing that you are watchdog out there for them? Of course you do which is why you have taken the time and put forth the effort in this endeavor.
My interest in this discussion has been from a third party perspective and I will expand on this with some hypotheticals, "what if's" if you will. First, let's say that you do not know me and I move into the Nikiski community tomorrow. I am aware of the current situation of the LESA program proposal and your alternative option but I am unsure as to how I want to vote. Being that every vote counts, Ann provides me with all of her handout information and I've taken the time to answer the Q&A sheet she provided however, this does not mean she has my vote. I would like to have more information about your alternate proposal but there isn't any to be obtained that lays out a definitive plan for me to ponder. I make it known that I would certainly like to hear more about the alternate plan and you set a time to come and visit with me and my family. How are you going to convince me, other than taxes will increase, that the LESA proposal is not the best course of action for the community? How are you going to convince me that your proposal is the best course? Can you show me a detailed plan?
For the most part, most people are sheep. Sheep need a shepherd and the sheep will pay for the shepherd if they know that they will be protected. This might very well be the case in Nikiski when the people vote in that they might be willing to sacrifice and take the increase in taxes so long as they know they have a police force protecting them. On the other hand, your alternative also provides for some protection but is a volunteer force, volunteer shepherds. But the fact that it is a volunteer force brings me to a few more questions. Volunteer Fire Departments across Alaska have a Chief or a person in charge. As well, Police Departments have a Police Chief. Regarding your proposal, you seem to be the one who would be the Chief or the person in charge. The Chief reports to, or answers to, City Council or community leaders who implement policies and review and approve budgets (among other things). In other words, there is a Chain of Command and you would, inevitably, have to report to someone in the City Government. What would happen if that person was Ann?
I know that I've asked about your plan several times and kind of keep harping on it. I only do so because it is an important part of why/why not people will support your option. We know that you desire to impact the economic process of the drug dealers. Great, got it. But let's say that the community votes no on LESA, you get your program, you rid Nikiski of all the drug dealers, and they relocate to another town close by. You have gotten rid of the dealers but the users are still there. The drugs will still accessible to the drug users in Nikiski although it will take a little more effort on their part in they have to travel to obtain their fix. Fallout....I submit to you that your property crime problem (and possibly violent crime) will not go away, I believe it will increase. How so? Well, the drug dealers can now increase the prices of their product because they know the demand is still in Nikiski. If the users are willing to travel to get their product, which they will be, then they are also willing to pay an above market price. The increase in price of the drugs by the dealers will cause an increase in frequency of property crime committed by the users. The users aren't going to steal in other communities, well maybe a small percentage, they are going to steal where they are comfortable and know routines. This is a chain reaction caused by supply and demand. What now? The community voted no for a police presence. Did you plan for a contingency such as this?
Like I said earlier, mine has been a third party perspective. I believe you have a great idea however, the wrong approach to reaching your goal. Yes, I've played some "Devil's Advocate" but I have also provided you with numerous, proven ways to enhance your campaign and thereby achieve your goal. Whatever the case, however things turn out, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.
Shane