Fairness for all via sales tax

This is a comment I wrote in response to an article in the Juneau Empire, our local newspaper. We have some unique laws here. No other municipality in the country does it our way. Sales taxes and the way we elect assembly members are two of them. Currently residents of Juneau 65 and older pay no sales taxes on all purchases except for liquor. Is it fair? Don't think so. Are the abuses of this exemption? You better believe it! Sara is a member of the assembly who is currently running for cover. Sales taxes are one hot potato here in the capitol city.

BLESS YOU SARA!! Finally a hint of fairness and common sense to our crazy unique sales tax laws. Exempt the basics for everyone. Include things like toilet paper. We don't have to exempt all food. Use some good health guidelines. But why not exempt hamburger and tax prime rib? End the unfair senior tax exemption. Only those already exempt items bought for resale get exempted at purchase. For rest take receipts to city hall. Have someone who knows what they are doing go over them. The present resale cards are a bit of a joke. Additional exemptions refunds can only be used as a credit on their sales tax collected account. Sure it would cost us a little more to administer resale purchases this way, but misuse of the exemption would just stop. The increase in revenue should more then offset the cost.

Give ourselves a present by raising the sales tax in an area roughly the same as the DT historic district May through September. Exempt all sales in Juneau, excepting tobacco and liquor, Thanksgiving through January 1.

And on residential rents cap the exemption there. Exempt only first so many dollars, and tax everything over that. Tax the high rollers and not those on the shorts.

Finally check the nonprofit purchases. Just because you work for one, shouldn't you pay sales taxes on the coffee purchased for the office? Why should items bought at places like Sally Ann be exempt. Doesn't the city charges sales tax at the pool and Eaglecrest. When you have a religiously significant type meal at your place of worship why is there no tax on the purchase of fixings or even the cost paid to to take part. The Feds don't let you deduct the actual cost of the meal for charity, why don't we do the same? You still got to eat don't you?

I am not trying step on any one's toes ora say unkind things about anyone. Fairness for all is what I'd like to see.

Where am I?

Hi!

Am still on the planet and connected to the Internet. I know there has been lots to comment on. Much of that will be stale by now. Some things are still worth mentioning. So hang on in 60 years have never been without an opinion, ideas to convey and stories to tell.

At last a new post! How do those living in the last frontier view Palan as a Candidate for VP?

Hi Mick,

What's the Alaska buzz, particularly the Alaska Jewish community buzz about Gov. Palin?

Ellen

EBG,

I don't think there is a particular Alaskan or Jewish buzz. Juneau is different then the rest of Alaska. No customer has said anything @ Costco. At services, I also heard no comments.

Do you know anything about her? She is a priss through and through. And no she doesn't seem to be all that cute. And cuteness is a part of the Palin Package. Before Palan was elected gov., she was mayor of a town by Anchorage for a couple of terms. Not sure what jobs she has had or if she went college. Her hubby works on the North Slope, which means a pretty good income. Staunchly anti-abortion, five children. Think she was a cheerleader in college. She beat a blah personality in the primary and again in the general.

Most Alaskan know that she is completely unqualified for the job. But a lot of Alaskans like the attention she brings to Alaska. Sort of the all publicity is good publicity school of thought. After all we have put up with Rep. Don Young for 34 years! And he acts and thinks like a caveman. Of our three member congressional delegation he is on only one to take office by election. Of course, the democratic incumbent was killed in a plane crash right before the election. There was no way he was going to win the election. The only reason Young was running was so the republicans could have someone the ballot. But then the rest as they say is history! Both of our senators were appointed. One by her father.

What does this do for Obama's chances. Well Palin is for the time being only campaigning with McCain. Wonder how she will do on her own? Think once the newness wears off, and people stop saying smooth daring move John, they will realize what he has done. Should he be elected and then die in office what a bad joke that would be!

Her daughter being pregnant seems to be handled OK. And really that is life in the US these days. But then there is the trooper scandal! If another controversy or two comes to light then she could be seen as a person with lots of questions swirling around them. Where there is smoke fire is often perceived. As the campaign plays out, I don't see Palin helping McCain chances. At best she will end up being a neutral factor.

What is the Windy City buzz?

Good to hear from you,

Mickey

One nice little movie

Just finished watching 'Just Add Water.' It is a movie about how a guy changes his life and the lives of those around him. It wasn't really schmaltzy, and was faintly like something you'd expect from the Cohen Brothers. Danny Devito was in the movie but he did not have a lead part. The other actors were unknowns. Movies like this are of the feel good type, but some of them are OK. And shouldn't art inspire? Or invoke feelings, emotions or even make you stop and think! Do you remember 'Ballroom Dancing?' It was out at least 10 years ago. Rented it 3 or more times. To me it was a movie about freedom, throwing off the yoke of social convention. You can do it your way! Or how about the '5 Heartbeats?' It wasn't just the story of the Temptations or the Dells, but a movie about forgiveness.

A Mickeyism to remember: Marriages, lovers and partners come and go, but children are forever! As is family.

Special bonus time! You're at the video store looking for a movie. One catches your eye. So you pick it up and read the jacket. Of course, it sounds great. It is the type of movie you like. How do you know it is a good movie? Your best clue is the running length. Any movie under 90 minutes, no matter if it is a comedy, drama, action or whatever is basically not worth watching. It takes at least 90 minutes for a movie to say what it has to say. Any less and there was not enough material, ideas or whatever to make it a fully developed movie. The trend in movies is to a shorter length. Any movie made before '90 needs to be at least 100 minutes long for a comedy. Drama no less then 110. Most of the great movies were around 120 minutes in length. Since then, a comedy can be as little as 90 minutes, a drama 110. 120 almost seems to long these days. Oh, and forget those epics that run 250 minutes or more. Invariably they just go on and on and then go on some more. It seems like their act wasn't together and so cover they said any and everything.

Another clue is the rating must fit the subject matter. What would a G rated 'Taxi Driver' be? And who'd want to watch an R rated 'Sound of Music?'

boxers or briefs

Today I was talking to a member of a prominent Alaskan political family, who is a Democrat, as is the family. Of course our main topic of conversation was indictment of good old Senator Ted of the GOP. Couldn't believe that this guy he sympathized Ted's predicament!!!!

Now wait a minute. Isn't holding office is a trust between the office holder and their constituency. Maybe we don't expect those who we elect to be completely above board, but at the same we hope they are. And to one degree or another our laws require it. Those who are caught with the hand in that proverbial cookie jar just may face the consequences of their actions.

Besides listing their campaign contributions and disclosing their income tax returns, why not also keep a contact log for the public record. Who they had lunch with, who they went fishing with and so on and on. Maybe we should even require the topic of conversation be listed! And maybe then we would clearly see who has the ear and the influence. And just maybe the electorate would take take notice and throw the bums out. Then we would have the opportunity to elect those without sin!!

To name the person would be a breach of trust for me. Am sure he was talking candidly, and not worried about his remarks be noted anywhere.

Capitol Shorts

Here in Juneau their seem to be more DWI's in the Police Blotter. Hasn't it been about 20 years since the penalty for DWI was increased? Seems like inflation has caught up with the fine and it not as much of a deterrent these days. Must be time to raise it again...Ever take your car outside and notice that your gas millage decreases? Juneau is a good place for good millage. Why? Think that the lower speed limits here and less time spent waiting in traffic help. Whenever my ride has gone south, that Capitol City MPG looks pretty good. OK it is not as good as straight highway driving, but almost...Remember when the traffic circle at the Douglas side of the bridge was under construction? Seemed like no one including me thought that there was anyway it was going to work. Spent 18 months in Boston and the traffic circles are maximum scary! But hey, ours has worked out pretty good!....Does anyone seriously think that the CBJ taking over AEL&P would accomplish anything to make our power cheaper and more reliable? Did AEL&P knock the towers down or what. And if in the past they had done anything to shore up the towers in case of an avalanche, would we have been happy about paying for it? Did anyone predict that an avalanche of that force could happen along the line? Hey why not just buck up and if it bothers you so much, invest in some wind or solar power generation for your abode. Wonder if Wall-Mart is doing anymore buz then K-Mart? Looks pretty dead there to me!

Solving the energy crisis using the KISS method: Keep it Simple!

In their book, "In Search Of Excellence," by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman had as an example an effective method used by companies to increase their efficiency: Don't invest in new unproven expensive technology, but improve on an existing methods. To solve our energy crisis it is often suggested that we make great changes. The hybrid saves gas, but it also has the biggest carbon foot print of all to manufacture. Sure ethanol is a bio fuel. However it takes more energy to make then it produces, has a huge carbon footprint and increases the price of food. But starting right now you can easily improve the efficiency of your current vehicle by 10%! Howis this possible? Just turn off the engine while waiting for a red light to change. Do this and your gas millage will improve by 10%! Then we could require all new cars to have a device on them that will shut off the engine after idling for 10 seconds. Step on the gas and the engine will start. Then comes a device for the aftermarket. As a bonus you can quibble all you want over what to do about the air conditioning when the engine is off. Just remeber doing this will slightly lower the temperature of the planet!

Ever think about how much of global warming is due to the heat produced by automobile engines? Engines run at their least efficiency when idling. How much heat is produced at the average intersection during rush hour? In the early '70's, I was a student at the School of Environment & Planning, at was then called California State College, Sonoma, in the North San Francisco Bay area. One day we were looking at an aerial photo of Santa Rosa covered by fog. And there was a narrow line running right up the center of the photo. What was it? It was Highway 101 peeking through the fog! The heat from the traffic was burning through the fog!

Take action starting tomorrow shut off you car's engine at stop lights. Never let it idle! Just think what it would do the price of gasoline if we cut our demand 10% tomorrow!

July 4th, The National Holiday of Alaska!

This past Friday, July 4, 2008, marked the 32nd July 4th since I arrived in Juneau in May of 1977. Since then, I have only missed being in Juneau for the 4th twice! In '79, I was camping with friends at a Forest Service Cabin, on Turner Lake, south of Juneau. This was a beautiful sunny day. And is noted as one of the best 4ths ever! Then in 1999, was in Boston, MAs and returned to Juneau in early June for a Bat Mitzvah. After that I vowed never to miss another 4th in Juneau.

When I tell newcomers and visitors about the 4th, I begin by asking them if they have any idea how big the 4th is in Alaska. They usually shake their heads no. And then I tell them that if we gave presents on the 4th of July, it would be bigger then Christmas!

Juneau, located in the Southeast panhandle of Alaska, which I often refer to as the Alaskan Banana Belt, is the first place in the entire country to shoot off fireworks. They are launched from a barge in the middle of channel, starting just after midnight in the first minutes of July 4th. It seems like everyone in the world gathers along the Gastineau Channel, and then as time and the world world stand still & quiet, the fireworks begin. You can see pinpricks of light from the camp fires of those who camped on the mountains to get a good view from above. After the show, the world springs back to life, engines start, and the crowd disappears. After hour or so for the traffic clears. Those who watched from Douglas have the worst traffic.

The 4th features a parade through Juneau, and then Douglas. Perhaps because it is the capitol, Juneau has the more organized parade. It is another great gathering, with a feeling of of a few less spectators then the night before. Last night's more exuberant celebrators, who are seem to happily so and proud of their condition. Some skip the Juneau parade and head directly for Douglas. Most do both. That parade there begins immediately following the one in Juneau. And traffic is just as bad going to Douglas as it is leaving after the fireworks.

In '77, a young man around 5, stole the show, simply by riding his hipity-hop with style and grace. In those days the parade seemed hookier. Over the years it has gotten bigger, the floats more sophisticated, but it always is a good expression our life in the Capitol of the Last Frontier. '85 was the first time I was aware of the Filipino American krew. They turned off of Franklin onto Front Street, a wild looking cadre, of dark-skinned bare chested men, dressed in grass skirts, beating furiously on conga drums. They looked like they were straight from the jungle! They seemed to virtually split the air as they went down the street! They oozed buckets and barrels full or raw, in your face right in front of you for all good old fashioned sexuality. Hold on tight! Then you might have a chance if they try to grab your loved one loved one with every intent of taking back to the jungle. Their overwhelming sexual feel might just be enough to willing sweep your precious one willing away.

From '82, through '93, I had a street vending cart located right in the center of downtown Juneau. It was called 'Mickey's Bagel Bistro.' The menu featured, bagels, coffee, pastries, and good service with a dash of entertaining wit. The 4th was one of my favorite days. We opened a little later then our usual @ around 8:00 AM, and were gone by 2 PM. When someone signed to work under the umbrella they were told, that a condition of their employment was that they work on the 4th. This usually brought a grimace and a groan. They cheered up a little when I told them it would only be for 4 hours, and they would be paid time and a half. Everyone was required to work. The holiday was a day when young people could stay out late, and wander about without being watched by there parents. They didn't like anything that put a crimp in their plans.

The first few hours on the 4th were quiet. The streets were largely deserted. People trickled by, some stopped for coffee. Some were showing obvious effects of the night before. The streets were cleared of cars, and soon became crowed with people who had come to see the parade. There was an air of anticipation along the parade route. Then the stand would be swamped with customers. There was a little lull during the parade, and then we'd be swamped again. And all of a sudden about an hour after the parade ended it would be over. We'd clean up and call it a day.

Then came on of the most satisfying moments of my time spent under the umbrella. The pay of time and a half was generous enough. But as we parted, I'd reach into my pocket and hand them a bill. At first it was a fiver, and then the last few years I was in business it had increased to a twenty. The bill was always accompanied by a heartfelt thanks and the admonishment to go have fun! And they could with the gift they had in their pockets to spend.

My daughter Sasha was born on Alaska Day, October 18, 2000. Our little family moved from Juneau to the Twin Cities, in August of 2002. Every year though, we returned to Juneau for the 4th. Sasha is a gregarious outgoing, friendly and fearless person. In 2003 we were watching the parade kitty corner from where my stand was located. It was 10 years since I had lowered the umbrella for the last time, but I am still very well known in the community. No matter where in town I go, people are always coming up to me and calling out a greeting of, 'Mickey, how's it going?' The parade was no different. People marching by were calling out to me. Soon I was off the sidewalk, and waving and shaking hands as the different groups went by. Sasha was in the middle of the street, meeting people and marching along for a few feet. It was like we were both working the parade. I decided that was it! From now on Sasha and her Dad would be in the parade, marching and tossing candy to the children in the crowd.

And that's what we have done. For the first years, we organized a group consisting of parents, children, friends and relatives of those who had been born in the local hospital. We called ourselves the Bartlett Babies. This year there wasn't much interest to do it again. So Sasha and I along with my visiting brother, Matt and his wife, Jean, hung some crape paper on a shopping basket, loaded it with wrapped candy, went out and had one of the time of our lives!
After the parade my bother Matt commented that it is really hard work. I suppose it is but it fun and satisfying also. Next year I think we will be our own entry — 'Mickey's Candy Toss.' Anyone who worked for me, was a customer, walked by the stand, or has eaten a bagel from anywhere can come walk, wave, and toss candy with us. And hey feel free to bring your own!