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            Kodiak's State Senator Gary Stevens spent over a decade in local government. He was this week's guest on Talk of the Rock and host Jay Barrett asked the Senator what he thought of the proposed sales tax increase in the City of Kodiak. Stevens said that as a citizen he applauds the council for tackling such a difficult issue. He says legislators are well aware of the impact they have on municipalities when they appropriate money.

          " We are in the very fortunate position in this state that you do not pay any sales tax to the State of Alaska, you do not pay any income tax to the State of Alaska nor do you pay property tax. The fact of the matter is that the state operates without asking you for any money and fortunately we're able to do that. ... We'll help the cities and municipalities when we can, but it's only when we've got the money to do it. "

            Stevens also shared his personal opinion on the potential sales tax increase.

          "I'm concerned what the city will have to do in terms of laying folks off and cutting costs. Personally I'd be willing to pay a little more sales tax in order to make sure that I have the services that I presently use. That's just me though, not the state position or the legislature. It's just me as a private tax payer."

            Public hearing on the sale tax increase ordinance is scheduled for the city council meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Borough Assembly chambers. The meeting will be broadcast live here on KMXT.