U.S. Representative Don Young stopped in Wrangell the weekend of June 28 for some meet-and-greets with the locals. Stopping at the Stikine Inn, Young went from table to table to chat with people, answering questions and getting to know the people he represents. These questions ranged from topics like the environment, to derelict boats, to the timber industry.
One question came from Joane Sargent, who was concerned about what would happen to many Alaskan’s healthcare, with the ongoing debate in Washington on the topic. Young said that it was an important issue, but he also said that many people in Washington do not know what they are talking about. He said that personal responsibility in people taking care of themselves was something that needed to be focused on more. Another facet of the debate he said concerns him is the cost of pharmaceutical drugs.
“Drugs is one of our biggest issues as far as cost,” Young said. “I’ve told pharma that you’re asking, eventually there’s going to be such an outcry, that you’re going to be nationalized … Let’s say for example when you received it [medicine] for 10 dollars a pill and it raises to 100 dollars a pill? For what excuse? You need it, so they charge you. It’s an issue that I get a little concerned about.”
Another topic discussed was the question of net neutrality. Under the Obama-era regulations, internet service providers were required to treat all online content equally. They could not slow down download times on certain websites or charge extra money for online “fast lanes,” for example. However, the FCC recently repealed these regulations. In states like Alaska, where communities are often spread out and isolated, the internet is an important tool and a point of access to the outside world.
“There’s a lot of difference of opinion on this issue. I’ll say that I am probably one who recognizes the state needs more broadband,” Young said. “We’re talking about net neutrality, that really only affects people in urban areas. But right now I’d like to see a little effort put on to services provided for all the 429 remote areas in the state.”
There were several questions focusing on local issues, as well. Loretto Jones, with the Port Commission said she was concerned about many derelict and sunken boats littering the waters around Wrangell.
June Leffler, with KSTK radio, asked Young what he was doing in Congress recently to help Wrangell and Southeast Alaska. Young said that he was focused on making the region attractive for younger people to work in and opening up more land for productive uses.
“The Southeast area is an area that’s being forgotten,” Young said. “When we became a state there was very little land, it’s all federally controlled … there was very little land available for a resource base. Communities can’t live by themselves. I think you can see it. You look at your schools, the amount of enrollment; we’re becoming an older society. You need to have younger people with your community to make sure it grows.”
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