Dear Editor: Tonight’s Assembly meeting brings the state of the nation to our tiny little island with full force.
Many are refusing to give the state of the union speech the dignity of their attention. I don’t blame them because nothing seems likely to change the current administration’s determination to isolate us from the rest of the world and from each other.
Personally, I will be giving my time and attention to our very own local problem of wealthy private interests cutting into our well-being as a community. For those who aren’t aware, the Assembly is hearing an appeal for Chris McGraw’s proposal to demolish a perfectly good commercial building to create a mini mall with private bus pick-up area between two schools, the police station and court and many private homes.
There are countless planning considerations that make this proposal a non-starter, and the Planning Commission has recognized this in their findings. However, it seems that Mr. McGraw is unwilling to take their ‘‘no’’ for an answer, so I will be there to ensure that he hears it from me too.
All are welcome to attend this hearing tonight and to make it clear that in Sitka, at least, we value our clean air, quiet homes, diversity of businesses, and vibrant community above the empire building dreams of one man. Very sincerely,
Leah Mason, Sitka
