08/04/2008
CONTACT: Denny DeWitt, 907-723-6667 or Tony Malandra, 415-664-9685
Eighty-five percent of NFIB members against so-called Clean Water Initiative
JUNEAU, Alaska -- Results from a poll released today show 85 percent of National Federation of Independent Business-member, small business owners opposed to Proposition 4 on the August 26 Primary Election ballot.
NFIB, the state and nation's leading small business association, periodically polls its members on issues vital to their survival. At the direction of the NFIB/Alaska Leadership Council, a poll was conducted asking members if the association should take a stand on the so-called Clean Water Initiative and if so, what that stand should be. The results were 85 percent for taking a public position and 85 percent for opposing Proposition 4.
"Our members see Proposition 4 for what it truly is and what it could lead to," said Denny DeWitt, Alaska state director for NFIB. "The focus of this initiative is to stop proposals from working through the normal permitting process before applicants can even file them. The blatant unfairness of such a public policy is of great concern to business owners who might also find a well-financed group wanting to keep them from the permitting process.
"Businesses need a stable permitting process in order to make investments in development projects that will create jobs for Alaskans. Using the initiative process to develop standards would bypass considered discussions of the proposal. Many Alaska jobs are provided by independent businesses that are dependent on resource development. NFIB/Alaska believes that passage of Proposition 4 would have a very negative impact on those businesses and the jobs they provide to Alaskans."
DeWitt also said that Alaska already has a well-defined process for applicants who wish to develop natural resources. They are required to show that they will preserve water quality. Development projects should be allowed to apply for permits and work through the process.
