Published once a wock in Palmer, Alaska, for tho Mat
anuska Valloy Farmers' Co-oporating Association, for
tho purpose of giving news of tho Association's work,
problems and accomplishments.
As a result of tho differences of opinion between tho Manager of the
Co-op and certain townsmen located west of the railroad, in regard to
the incorporation of tho town of Palmor, there has been considerable
conversation that at times has bordorod on malicious abuse and possib
ly libel# Tho wholo matter has been aired in tho Valley Sottler, and
wo defy anyone to show where any extreme statements have boon mado by
the writer. The facts of the case as it would affect tho Co-op have
been mado clear, but no personalities have been indulgod; or if anyono
desired to do so ho had his opinion aired in a signod letter to the
Editor. Just recently tho writer lears that ono of our prominent citi
zens, who is not connected with tho Co-op but is always ready to get
any favor that ho can get from it, mado the statement that the Manager
of tho Co-op should be shot because he is so zoalous of the well being
of the Co-op. Then he stated that the present Manager of the Co-op is
sure a good man for tho Co-op; v/hich is just about as fine a compliment
as wo ever expect to hoar. For after all just what is tho Manager
^inr oaid far,, if it isn't to orotect tho interests of the members of
the Co-op? In the past ton yoars there have been several attempts to
liquidate the Co-op. But, the plan of the conspiritors always fell
through, because tho membors of the Co-op rallied to its defense. And
thore is no intention on the part of the present management to liqui
date it now. Neither do wo feel any responsibility for any ones wel
fare outside of tho Co-op's membership for any othor roason other than
responsibility as a member of tho community. Tho membors of the Co-op
purchased their facilities, and arc paying for them just like any one
pays for anything ho buys that way. If we can't make the grado wo
don't expect any ono to cry for us—we just fail like any cnc else.
Now the incorporation project is finished; Wo had to submit to the
will of tho voters, and tried to do so gracefully. We wore told of the
great benefits of this incorporation and many people believed it. A
budget was drawn up, and v/o were assured that a ten mill general pro
perty tax would be levied and that it would take care .of the expenses
of tho city of Palmer. Nov/ we aro told that we need a 2.% sales tax
instead. We are wondering what will bo the next project. We felt,
and still feel, that a general property tax •wo'rld not be too bad. It
would place the cost of city government on thoso best able to pay, and
would not work too much of a hardship on thoso least able to pay, A
sales tax will drive business av/ay from Palmer despite v/hat any of its
proponents say. Does any one think that a sane porson is going to pay
to $60 more for a truck or car in Palmer than he would have to pay
in Wasilla or in Anchorage? If the school district needs a sales tax,
then place it on tho whole school district — not just in Palmer. A
sales tax will moan that the workers will have a pay cut. It will tako
more of your check to buy your necessities, and the dollar will suraly
shrink to a smaller one than it is now.
Wc hopo that no Co-op member is gullible enough to believe all of the
propaganda that is going around about how much the Co-op is going to
benefit by the sales tax. In the first placo, the Co-op doesn't need
the incorporation, and we know that all of the proposed improvements
will be way beyond the means of the peoplo of the community even with
a sales tax, so why fool ourselves. Anyone interested in the welfare
of the Co-op will certainly vote no on the sales tax. Why not work out
some plan that will bo within our moans? Rome was not built in a day—
Palmer won't be either. A little patience on the part of the people of
Palmer will provide for a firm foundation, and when we get it done it
will be something that wc can be proud of.
CRR