Just over a year ago, the community of Nikiski assembled to address property crimes. Next week that area will vote on whether to create a Law Enforcement Service Area.
In September 2014, residents from Nikiski assembled at a community meeting where many were surprised to see how many of their neighbors were also affected by property thefts.
Alaska State Trooper Captain Andy Greenstreet commended the community that night…
Greenstreet: “The most important thing that we accomplished here tonight was getting a group of people together for a common reason for a common goal, and that’s to be a voice, to find a direction and then take that direction and kind of take charge of their community because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about.”
The residents even brought the issue to then Governor Sean Parnell’s attention during his visit to Kenai in October 2014.
Gov. Parnell: “This is really a community-driven forum and a community-driven issue. I’m really thankful that we’ve got Nikiski residents in particular standing up and seeking help and willing to take a step forward.”
Although Nikiski stole the spotlight for community action against property crimes, Megan Peters said many Alaskan communities are experiencing the same problems.
Peters: “Nikiski is about average for property crime rates compared to Sterling. What people tend to see is a higher solve rate and property recovery rate for Nikiski because we do have some focused efforts by two of our Troopers down there. Those efforts are in addition to their regular patrol duties, not as a special assignment or detail. They are both just very persistent at this kind of work. As is the nature of property crimes in general, when one is solved, others are as well. They all tend to be connected.”
Those efforts saw impacts from the legislature’s most recent round of budget cuts and Nikiski’s group again decided to pursue a Law Enforcement Service Area.
On October 6, Nikiski residents will decide if they agree with a mill rate increase to fund a law enforcement service area.
A community meeting is also being held tonight in Nikiski at the Recreation Center to answer questions about the proposed LESA.
To hear arguments on both sides of Ballot Proposition 2, tune in to KSRM 920 AM Friday, October 2 from 5-6 pm.