text: Some might argue that it would be easier to trust an opinion piece by the CEO of GCI if we weren't paying 100% more for their internet service in Alaska than in any other rural state in the US. Some might argue the former governor is not correct to say an "economic meltdown is about to happen" -many of us believe it already did when oil prices plunged and brought the folly of state spending levels into view.
  
  Some folks deeply dislike the petro industry incentives here - but Alaskans did this in the hopes of protecting the jobs and families of thousands of people as production declined. It's results are yet to be determined. 
  
  The impasse in our legislature very clearly - and very fairly - reflects the divisions amongst our residents. The past legislatures, governors, boroughs, statewide education and HSS advocates, have managed to ask for and spend billions for years without ever asking us if it was okay. The current legislature is merely reflecting the price tag of that extravagance.