Not-for-Profit Groups
Dear Editor: My views and feelings about Sitka were recently challenged.
One of the things I love most about Sitka was taken away from me by an Aug. 11 Assembly agenda item. Before that meeting I thought of Sitka as a place where neighbors supported each other; where the sense of us and we was much more important than I and me; and where people take care of each other even if they don’t see eye to eye or really know each other.
I thought that feeling of “community” touched and supported every one of us all the time, not just when times got tough. I always had the feeling that everyone helps everyone else in Sitka. I loved feeling like people really cared for each other in this community!
I am sad to say that after that meeting, I didn’t feel that way anymore. Why not?
Well, since I got to Sitka I have heard not-for-profit groups say: nothing but how important not-for-profit groups are to Sitka; nothing but praise for not-for-profit groups in Sitka; and nothing but support for not-for-profits being funded, at least to some degree, by the City. I truly believed these not-for-profits were a community that cared for and supported each other!
So when I proposed the idea that this not-for-profit community should help to support itself by using an existing tax on not-for-profits’ sales to pay for the grants that go to not-for-profits, boy was I surprised by the reaction!
I was stunned and surprised by the number and vehemence of larger not-for-profit groups saying that they would rather see other not-for-profit groups lose funding (and frankly go away) than see their taxes used to support other not-for-profit groups.
I was stunned and surprised by the number of not-for-profit groups that said we should “tax” someone else or some other group of people, take the money from City staff’s pay, or find money “somewhere else” to support not-for-profit groups.
And I was stunned and surprised when I was called dishonest and disingenuous for asking for help on an unrelated project while proposing this to the Assembly.
My sense of “community” in Sitka was rocked by this reaction; not just by the lack of support of one set of not-for-profit groups for another set but by the bitter words used to abandon some not-for-profits. This is not the Sitka I love.
Sitka is facing difficult times… tight State budgets, rising costs, aging infrastructure, and the effects of a changing climate. Very soon, a committee of citizens, and yes – you and me – will begin discussing facing those challenges as they look at City services, revenues (yes, taxes!), and fees (http://www.cityofsitka.com/government/clerk/boards/info/ctf/CitizensTaskforceonCityServices.html). As we face those challenges, we cannot forsake our neighbors, push our problems off on other groups, nor blame politicians. We WILL need creative ideas, people working together to take care of our own, and a community willing to say we can solve OUR problems.
I have hope that we will face our challenges as a community … that we will recognize we are all in this together, that we can keep Sitka a place that supports each other no matter what, and that I, personally, will regain my sense of community. Thank you, Sitka, for caring about community. We’ll need each other as we go through tough times ahead.
Michelle Putz, Sitka
Condolences
Dear Editor: Our family would like to convey our condolences to the Stortz and to the Diaz families and our love and prayers. Also to the Sitka High teachers and students because we know how tragedy affects everyone.
And to the SEARHC maintenance department and to the whole SEARHC hospital staff. They are all like one family. Our hearts are all saddened by the tragedy and a big thank you to all the volunteers who searched and all who cooked for the searchers. Even the town of Kake was all praying for the town of Sitka.
May God bless you and keep you.
A scripture I like is: ‘‘Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen you, yea, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Fear not for I am with you.’’ God bless all of you.
Virginia and Franklin Thomas,
David Millie Thomas,
Gena, Erik, Scott
Amazing Visit
Dear Editor: I had an amazing and memorable visit to Sitka. In addition to the pure joy of visiting our granddaughter and her parents, the weather was lovely.
Sitka is always spectacular, but showcased in sunshine, it is a city of boundless beauty. Thank you!
Patricia Fjorum, Minnesota
