Stewardship
Dear Editor: Not long ago there was a letter to the editor expressing appreciation for the recent work done on the Nelson logging road, and I have to say, driving that road now could actually be construed as pleasant.
Apparently though, there are also those who are not so pleased. That’s the only conclusion I have been able to draw ... from the quad tracks on the walking trail that veer off into the estuary, and the ruts dug into the cap of the roadbed from a truck driving off the road down onto the walking path and back up again ... several times. Must be they just aren’t happy with the results of all that time and money spent. I would have hoped that the unhappy people could have tried what others have, a letter to the editor, talk to other people, whatever. Express your appreciation or displeasure and why it is so. Then “I” realized ... reading and writing and such are likely not a top priority for someone who will simply abuse and damage something just for the sake of doing it.
It’s just really disappointing.
And as a final note, what’s even more disappointing is that while discussing this with someone recently, their parting comment was to the effect that “... it’s not surprising. Just a matter of time.”
Full speed ahead on the road to Katlian!
Joseph Mac Donald, Sitka
Ferry Service
Dear Editor: Demand destruction is a phenomenon that is often referred to when oil prices rise high enough to harm the economy and reduce its ability to purchase fuel. I have another example of demand destruction; getting rid of ferry service to Alaskan communities because the State budget has been mismanaged, which will result in a self-inflicted wound to the economy.
These small towns have ferry docks; how much was spent to build these docking facilities? Should that investment be, in hindsight, a waste of resources?
People bought land from the State of Alaska, moved to these remote locations and built homes and businesses with the understanding that there was what amounts to public transportation and access. Will the state now fail to maintain the marine highway and let these people and their businesses suffer? This amounts to a harmful bait and switch over a budget squabble.
Yes, the ferry system is subsidized by public monies, and likely always will be. But the ferry also provides an economic positive in Alaska which is not easily measured but is a feedback in to the state coffers.
It seems silly to waste all of the long-term investment and energy expended on the ferry system for a short term budget battle.
Denny Corbin, Pelican
