The survival trait of pilot fish is that they take advantage of the high-pressure zone in front of swimming sharks, which saves their energy, to be in position to feast on the scraps of sharks messy feeding.
The "no state income tax", and "use the PFD first" people are the pilot fish for most of Alaska's politicians and government administrators. They have been living off of the fat of the land, and are desiring to conserve their financial resources by continually voting for the candidates who promise them that their finances will continue to be maximized, at the expense of the other 85%.
This tactic is re-enforced by the corporate mandate to maximize profits for the share-holders. This includes the time-proven tactic of using extraordinary measures to influence, even control state governments. SB-21 comes to mind.
These people know all the buzz words and social tricks to keep the masses subdued ... stunned is more descriptive. Keep swimming in front of the sharks, scrap feeders.