Juneau-It

Alaskans Protecting 'Our" Economy

An cruise ship industry group formed to defeat a ballot issue imposing a $50 per passenger “head tax” appearing on Alaska’s primary ballot on August 22, 2006.

APOE induced many tourism oriented businesses and individuals to sign on as ‘supporters’ against the measure. However, NWCSA provided well over 99% of the nearly $2 million funds for the campaign while less than $10,000 came from actual contributors in Alaska.

Many state and local Chambers of Commerce joined voices in the effort however. Some people found they had 'joined' when they didn't realize it.

Presenting themselves as “Alaskans” to the public, APOE hired a PR firm headquartered in Oregon who used slick mail outs, daily TV spots, newspaper ads and a scare tactics to try to defeat the measure.

Nonetheless, in spite of the industry efforts to defeat it, the measure passed with approximately 52% of the vote.

All large cruise ships entering Alaskan waters are foreign (non-US) flagged vessel owned by foreign corporations and crewed by foreign nationals. As a result they are immune to most US or Alaska taxation and operate under international rules and the relaxed regulations of their countries of registry, usually Liberia or other country of convenience.

Since the passing of the ballot issue, APOE's web site has disappeared from public view

posted by Gnarly Erik @ 8:48 AM