FNSB residents to vote on two borough propositions on election day

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Election day is Tuesday, October 3 in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and borough residents will have the opportunity to choose members of the borough assembly, school board, and Interior Gas Utility.

However, residents will see more than just names on their ballot, as the borough has two propositions up for voter approval.

The first, titled Proposition 1, was approved for the ballot by the borough assembly in April, by a vote of eight to one.

It comes from a series of successful and ongoing lawsuits the State of Alaska has joined against opioid distributors and manufacturers about the opioid epidemic in the U.S.

The borough, being affected by the increase in overdoses being seen nationwide, is eligible to see some of these funds.

Proposition 1 would expand the health and social services powers of the borough government in order for them to be able to distribute these funds for various prevention and treatment programs.

Meanwhile, the borough assembly approved Proposition 2 for the ballot in a vote of seven to one in June.

This proposition exempts from taxation certain structures used for farming.

One reason for its being proposed is the general food insecurity of the borough. According to the proposition, food supplies would run out in the borough five days after a disruption in the supply from outside the state.

The proposition is designed to encourage the growing and processing of food in the community by making it cheaper to build and maintain farming structures.

The exemption would not apply to structures used for marijuana, hemp, or crops considered ornamental.

The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce has come out in favor of a “yes” vote on proposition 1, and at a Fairbanks Chamber forum, all candidates for borough assembly and Fairbanks City Council indicated they would vote in favor of both propositions.

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