Politics 101 (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Palmer: hotels, living, cost of)

[Titan330]

So what do you guys think comes after their departure then? Does the state decline into a Detroit type situation or does it simply go on as if nothing ever happened?

[riceme]

Well I don't know much about much of anything, but yeah, that's exactly what I think... big ole Alaska-sized Detroit. I think we will see a huge increase in (or, to say "even bigger" would probably be more accurate?) income disparity between the very wealthy and the extremely poor, and the middle class will continue to decline. That is no remarkable revelation; it's happening everywhere. But I think as O&G exits Alaska there will be a pronounced and undeniable change.

But again, I don't know much about much of anything, and economics is not my area of expertise.

[Metlakatla]

It's a good question...who knows. I'm not sure my part of AK will be as affected as points further north, even though oil money does help pay for our clinics, schools, and other services. I'm not convinced that the majority of the population will end up on handouts -- most will move first.

Who knows; maybe it'll be a good thing in the long run. Alaska was here before the oil rush. The oil brought a lot of negatives, a lot of greedy people who didn't give a damn about the state except for what they could get. Maybe if the state is populated mostly by people who actually want to live here, things will change for the better.

I realize I have a different view than most. I don't see people leaving as a bad thing.

Walker just said the PDF will be gone in four years.

[Titan330]

I saw Walker's statement as well. The PDF didn't bother me too much as I had never gotten it (until this upcoming year).

I honestly could imagine the wealthy leaving the state as well, simply because there will be no business income which will further a Detroit style result. But I also have some faith that Fairbanks and the surrounding areas will most likely convert into a local, self-sufficient community. Or perhaps that is just a pipe dream as well.

[Metlakatla]

Curious; how do you see that happening? ^^^

My point about the PFD wasn't really about individual recipients; the point is that the oil money's just about gone.

[Titan330]

I guess I see it happening the way that the pioneering communities did. There are already some farms and stuff here. I think that number could increase later on as people get tired of paying high prices. Skilled labor would still be around so there is your building and specialty items.

Basically with out the sugar daddies of the modern world, people will fill in the gaps.

[Metlakatla]

I have my hands full right now and am only posting to sort of avoid working, but the Alaska Extension Service has something going on where they're helping people start agricultural businesses. Later on, I'll try to find out more and post about it, but it might take me a couple of days. I think there's opportunity there.

[Titan330]

Please do share. It's something I really wanted to try. I know people would pay some good money for produce that hasn't browned on the shelves of Safeway.

[Metlakatla]

It was in the summer issue of Edible Alaska -- now I just have to find my copy. My hands are full, so that's going to take awhile.

[riceme]

Sorry, my internet is not good enough to click around and see if the article you're looking for is here, but it all looks pretty interesting particularly the article on hydroponic innovation for the arctic:

Home Edible Alaska | Edible Alaska

More good information:

https://www.uaf.edu/ces/ah/