From the publisher

The list of escalating Alaska political divides is growing faster than skunk cabbage in a rainforest. And it smells just as bad.

The line-up for the political fight scorecard seems endless: Democrats versus Republicans, liberals versus conservatives, rural versus urban, sportfishing versus commercial versus charter fishing, full-dividend advocates versus fiscal restraint, tax advocates versus budget cutters.

There are those who believe religion belongs in government and others who believe God belongs in church, not the state Capitol.

And those who believe less government is better government, unless government provides something they really want.

People don’t talk out their differences, they proudly tweet them in all capital letters, with exclamation points. Emojis, too, though we seem to be missing an emoji for compromise.

Why meet face to face to resolve differences for the good of our communities when so many turn to Facebook to shout down their opponents.

Looking at all the animosity, stubbornness and partisanship, this is not a good time to rewrite the state constitution. This isn’t even a good time for a community dinner between opposing sides, but at least a potential food fight is less damaging than carving up the constitution.

Alaskans will be asked on the November 2022 statewide ballot whether they want to call a constitutional convention to consider changing, even rewriting large pieces of the document that has guided lawmaking and laws in Alaska for more than half a century. The state constitution requires the question to go before voters every 10 years, just in case people think it’s time to reopen, revamp and reseal constitutional rights and responsibilities.

Wisely, a clear majority of Alaskans have said no in past decades. The vote was 65% to 35% in 1972 against a constitutional convention; 63% to 37% in 1982 and again in 1992; 72% to 28% in 2002; and 67% to 33% in 2012.

Let’s hope Alaskans are just as smart in 2022 as in the past five votes.

But if the politics of anger, anti-government rhetoric and frustration overwhelm too many Alaskans, and voters decide a constitutional convention could fix all the wrongs they see, the constitution requires an election to choose delegates to the convention. No doubt all of the escalating, divisive issues of today will become the campaign slogans of candidates for the delegate seats.

Is that what Alaska needs? Another election focused on campaign slogans like “no new taxes,” or “protect the PFD,” or “our fair share of _________” (fill in the blank on that one). Or maybe “no zoning” or “no (or yes) to mining.” Or maybe, “don’t appoint judges, elect them, so that they need to solicit campaign contributions and make political promises just like other candidates.”

Simplistic, emotional slogans don’t make a constitution. They make great fundraising soundbites for partisan battles and help to energize the angry, but that is not going to solve Alaska’s problems.

As it is, and as it should be, Alaskans will have the chance to vote on Alaska’s fiscal future and help decide the direction of the state in November when they select a governor and the state Legislature. What is the purpose of redoing it all over again the next year with a constitutional convention, other giving the losing sides a second shot at rewriting the rules. Or the winning side a chance at changing the rules for generations to come.

Either way, now is not the time to rewrite the constitution.