Grants
Dear Editor: As a candidate for the Assembly, many of you know I am planning on trying to make Sitka affordable again and business friendly, but this morning I received an email that I believe needs to be addressed.
This email was from the City of Sitka saying that the three businesses I own here in Sitka, that are considered separate in the eyes of the federal government, of which I pay separate city taxes on each, will all be considered under the umbrella of one.
So, in other words, after the city receives $14 million in the Alaska State CARES Act, they will only cover support for one of my three local businesses. Now all three are considered essential business in the middle of this COVID-19 pandemic. I had the chance to speak with my lawyer about this situation this morning and he believes if I decide to sue the city in order to keep my businesses from suffering, that he feels that I would win.
Now here is my dilemma, if I file this lawsuit, I am told it would hold up the entire Alaska State CARES Act here in Sitka from dispersing to other businesses and people in need. So… do I stand up for what I know is right, like I always do, or do I lay down and let my businesses suffer for the betterment of the community?
This is my question to you Sitka; what would you do?
This is the sort of thing I am looking to change in our community. We need a more business friendly environment, this has been going on for too long.
Marshall Albertson, Sitka
