Volume 1 number 2, February 1999 TEOTWAWI: Politico-Financial Musings Unification Threat It is hard to see, from this vantage point anyway, how the cities-borough unification that they are once again attempting to shove down our throats would benefit Ester in any way, shape, or form. Indeed, it would probably serve the very interests that would sacrifice our village identity on the altar of greater "efficiency." Why would anyone outside the city—especially us—with a community of our own—wish to take on the added tax burden of the Fairbanks core? And don’t kid yourself; it would be a burden of the highest order—even if their Temporary Fund were on the table—which it is not! Come to think of it, it really should be, considering that the only attractive, profitable part of the old Municipal Utilities System was the phone service, which we all paid into for many years. And they didn’t even give us a vote on its sale! Does anyone think it will be any different on a vote to benefit the inept city core at the cost of areawide property tax payers? Do the math. Here’s for some gerrymandering: while Ester does have things in common with Salcha, Two Rivers, or Fox, I have no desire to become like North Pole, which is only a place to buy burgers, beer, and gas on the way to Chitina. Things Related to the Shiny Stuff It is hard for me to see any reason for gold to appreciate in value much beyond the $300 mark, especially with the upcoming Swiss plebiscite on the continuation of its use as a currency standard. On the other hand, being a contrarian—a difficult position to justify in these days of rocket.coms—it is a perfect time for precious metals to take off: when nobody can justify it. This does not jive with the continuation of a deflationary environment (30-70% chance, with the best choice cash or Treasuries), but that’s why they call it a hedge investment. Locally, as was mentioned in this paper last issue, Kinross is evaluating the extraction and transport of the well defined, and fairly rich, ore from the Ryan Lode property for processing in their Fort Knox mill. Please feel free to contact me, via this publication, with any ideas about what you would like to see on that site following the mining process. Speaking of Hedging... In my inaugural column, I predicted a Gore-Dole showdown in the 2000 election. While I stand by all predictions made in this space, there is a dark horse scenario that I must address because it interests me greatly. Bill Bradley, the ex-Senator from New Jersey and NBA star, has entered the race hoping to unseat Algore. If there is such a thing as a thinking-Democrat’s Democrat, Bradley is it, and a face-off between he and Mrs. Dole would be a very interesting race indeed. Do you think it’s possible that substantive issues might be discussed? Legions of spinmeisters out of work—what a beautiful thought! For Better Grooming Anyone who reads between the lines of our competing publication, (which requires but a glance), is aware of the prominent placement in photographs, and constant quotes from, John Davies in any article remotely connected with state politics. Are the powers-that-be grooming him for higher office? Is the Interior being prepared for a higher Davies profile? Has the GeeWhizzical Institute-Assembly-Juneau railroad found its engine? The Great Bug Hunt: Y2K Update Word on the street has Microsoft’s release of its Windows 2000 operating system delayed another eight months. The beta versions are now tentatively due to be shipped in May 1901. Recent government reports show that the fear of dislocation by the millenium bug present a greater threat to the economy that the bug itself. Personally, I prefer the holding of individual Blue Chip stocks. Their value may go down for a while, but General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, and Exxon-Mobil will continue to sell products, (and make profits), whether your wristwatch knows what year it is or not. Impeachment Don’t ya just love it, no matter which side of the issue you’re on, how all the Senators swore to be impartial jurors, and immediately ran off to the talk shows to state in confident, stentorian tones how the other side was all washed up? It ain’t good theater, so it must be farce. Mark G. Simpson is Director of Park and Recreations for the Ester Community Association and Commissioner of the EFL. He has lived in Ester for 20 years. | ||
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