Eaglexit
Contributed by Sean Murphy
Alaska is alive with the sound of spring, and we are absolutely bursting with anticipation! Can you even fathom that since 2019, we've been actively making things happen?
So many milestones have been achieved, and we're eagerly awaiting what's next on the horizon. We want to extend a huge shoutout to all the amazing supporters who have generously backed us throughout the years, particularly those who've pledged to contribute monthly. You are the backbone of our organization, and we require your assistance now more than ever!
We implore you to seize the moment and continue donating to Eaglexit. This week alone, we've received numerous contributions from first-time donors. Your support will cover the legal expenses that we cannot handle alone. We have to compensate our lawyers for the next stage of legal analysis, which includes reviewing the petition, charter, and legal brief, and your donations are crucial at this critical juncture.
So, what have we been up to? Well, as an all-volunteer group, we are fully committed to seeing this through. Here's a list of our achievements so far:
● Expanding our outreach and educating our fellow citizens about the detachment of Chugiak-Eagle River from the MOA and the incorporation of the Chugach Regional Borough.
● We've been busy building a social media plan, writing articles, calling in to talk shows, and providing our Eaglexit members with a monthly newsletter, Eaglexit Insights, to keep them updated on the latest developments and ask for donations.
● We've also been working hard to keep our website up to date and to establish an independent non-profit identity and business identity in our community.
● We're proud to say that as of January 2022, Eaglexit became its own 501c3!
● We presented our petition and charter to our legal team for review in June 2022, and in October of the same year, we received a legal presentation on The Chugach Regional Borough: Detachment and Incorporation.
● In January 2023, we obtained a business license and a State Gaming permit for fundraising purposes.
● We've also conducted additional research and data to support our efforts, and we're preparing to send our completed legal reviewed documents to the Alaska Local Boundary Commission staff for review.
● Once they've completed their review and affirmed its compliance with state constitution, statutes, and regulations, we'll bring the petition to our community for signatures.
● Educating the public on Detachment and Incorporation through your generous donations. We've commissioned an independent study written by Northern Economics on Assembly District 2’s Revenues and Expenditures, and we've attended and paid for the Bear Paw Booth for the last three years and the upcoming year.
● We've also sent out several mailers over the last two years, designed a new logo and website in 2020, and developed a new and improved website with the adoption of our own 501c3 in 2022.
● We conducted a survey in the early stages of Eaglexit in 2019, and asked if studies confirm that Assembly District 2 is able to thrive financially as an independent municipality, would you support separating from Anchorage?
● We received 1,411 responses, and the majority of answers were yes. Today, we believe that the majority of yeses will exceed 59.18%.
● Without the additional funding needed for hiring an independent survey, we believe that the best survey to demonstrate this will be the actual petition signature drive itself.
● Our goal is to give the citizens of AD2 a choice for independence or to stay with the Municipality of Anchorage.
We all know everyone is busy during these times, but we need you to help us and volunteer to be a member on one of the following committees.
1. Fundraising Committee
2. Petition Development and Signature Gathering Committee
3. Assets and Liabilities Committee
The members on these committees will have a hands-on approach to the next step of our detachment from the Municipality of Anchorage and the incorporation of the Chugach Regional Borough. Please join us. Call me, Sean Murphy, at 907-632-5307 and let me know you’re ready to take this incredible step towards the education and the development of our community.
We encourage you to get involved, too! Feel free to call us anytime, and don't hesitate to come to our weekly Tuesday evening meetings at the Cozy Carpet Warehouse behind the store at 7 pm.
Thank you for joining us in this effort!
Sean Murphy came to Alaska in the Army. Met his wife and moved to Eagle River in 1999 with his family. He is a retired Anchorage School District educator and administrator. He is active with his community council and is the new chair of Eaglexit. He can be reached at Sean.Eaglexit@gmail.com or 907-632-5307.