Published once a week In P-'iner, Alaska, for the Matenuska.
Valley Farmers' Co-operating Association, for the purpose
of giving news of the Association's work, problems and
a c com piishments.
-STflTEfriEnr on mcoRPORnnon
Many cf our citizens are wondering what the Co-op is going to do about the matter
of incorporation of the city of Palmer when the hearing comes up in the District
Court on February 16. Frankly the Co-op has not taken any stand as yet. Just what
will be done will have to be decided upon, before that time. Many people, who have
heard only one side of the issue wonder why the Co-op could be opposed to the pro
posed incorporation.
To be perfectly frank about the metter the Co-op probably is motivated by reasons
Just as selfish os most of the individuals who are for incorporation. From what the
writer can learn it seems to be the consensus of opinion of most of the people who
ore for Incorporation, that oy incorporation, the people of Palmer will be able to
get something for nothing. That some Government or Territorial agency will furnish
the money to build sidewalks, pave streets, build a new water system, a city hall
and fire department, or at least most of the money needed for such improvements
will be provided gratis. This may be so, but it seems to us that it would be fool
ish to depend on it too much. 'A'e usually have to pay for the things we get th.*t are
worth anything.
One peculiar thing about the situation Is the Co-op has Its own water system which
Is adequate for Its own needs. It has a modern sewer system end a heating system
for all Its business and housing units. All this was purchased by the Co-op and Is
being paid for out of Its earnings. No one has given us anything yet! If the town
were to Incorporate we would still use our own facilities although we would be taxed
to pay for any new system, the s'me as those who haven’t any now.
The owners of the Co-op, who are the farmers in the Matanusks Valley, would have
no vote on a choice of candltates for office or on proposed bond Issues. The larg
est property owner In the community would be entirely disfranchised, and would have
to be- r the major pert of the cost without representation.
It seems rather unfortunate for the Co-op members that a situation like this could
exist, but It does. The Co-op Is not speculating In property that the proposed In
corporation could enhance In value. Its function Is to provide facilities for the
handling, processing and sale of farm products, end the s' le of such commodities and
services as Its members end employees need. Additional taxes would require price
cuts cn farm products end higher prices for our members and employees in our consum
er units.
In all fairness, It doesn't seem to be asking too much to exclude the Co-op from
the proposed boundrles of the Incorporated district. After all, we don't need it.
The Co-op members would be taxed but have no say In administration of the city, and
It would add unnecessary costs to the expenses of the producers who are the backbone
of the community.
almost anyone who Is fair and well informed, will admit that the thing that has
done the most to build up the economy of this community, Is the farmer who Ivd the
Intestinal fortitude to stick It out in the Matanusk? Valley, in spite of almost ad
verse circumstances.
FOR
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TUESOfly -
- FEBRURRy 13