Gov. Mike Dunleavy will have multiple big decisions to make when the state budget lands on his desk and he decides which appropriations he likes and which he will veto. Alaska's governors have the power to pick and choose, line by line, which spending items they don't support, and can either totally eliminate them or simply cross out the number and write in a smaller amount.
We ask that the governor this year not use his veto pen, pencil, Sharpie or highlighter on two budget items that are important to Wrangell.
There is $66,000 in the Department of Fish and Game budget to restore the commercial fisheries position in town. Wrangell has been a fishing community far longer than it has been a city, relying heavily on salmon and other fish for food, jobs and income. Responsible management of the Stikine and other rivers and lakes in the area is essential for maintaining healthy stocks for generations into the future.
Doing that without a fisheries staffer in the community feels like going out in bad weather without rubber boots and rain gear - you will survive, but you could do a lot better.
When the governor eliminated funding for the fisheries position in Wrangell last year, his office said the work could be handled out of Petersburg, saving money for the state. True, the state did save money, but that doesn't make it the right decision.
Just like the state has saved money by laying up much of the ferry system, selling a couple of the ships and building others that lacked the features needed to operate in Southeast. Saving money sometimes can be costly.
In addition to restoring the Fish and Game position in Wrangell, the budget approved by legislators includes $72,000 in state and federal funds to bring back the Office of Children's Services caseworker job in the community.
The borough, for the second year in a row, has offered to match that $72,000 with free rent and some help toward the salary, hoping the cost-sharing deal will convince the governor of the community's need and commitment. A resident caseworker in Wrangell would be a lot more effective in helping at-risk youth than a 1-800 number and waiting for someone to fly in from an office elsewhere in Southeast.
Sadly, the governor vetoed the caseworker funding last year.
In total, the two Wrangell positions represent less than 0.003% of the state general fund budget. Let's hope the governor does not decide again this year to zero out such a small number for services that are so big for the community.
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