Dear Editor: Thanks for the opportunity to share this letter I wrote to the Assembly, regarding proposed changes to the ordinance addressing the ballot initiative process.
Dear Assembly: I believe it’s important for our community to retain the right of citizens to call for a special election through a ballot initiative. Allowing a seven-member Assembly to postpone the petitioned request of a third or more of the voters, as determined by the last election, limits the democratic process.
It seems to me that ballot initiatives are pursued because a significant number of the voting public are concerned about an issue that already isn’t being addressed (or worse, is being stonewalled) by the Assembly. The special election time frame allows for time sensitive issues to be resolved more quickly.
The world is changing at a rapid rate. Environmentally, we have surpassed 7 of the 9 physical tipping points stabilizing our climate and natural life support systems, we’re in serious crisis geopolitically, food shortages are quickly spreading world-wide ... and it’s obvious how vulnerable Sitka is, at the nether end of supply chain as we are — the cost and availability of the fuel oil our community is still too dependent on is a case in point. Business as usual is fast coming to an end, and I think it’s safe to say none of us can really be certain of what to expect. Collective effort at speed in the actions we decide to take is imperative.
I strongly believe that now is a time for the Assembly to collaborate more closely with community members, not add one more hurdle to our ability to contribute, as we face the imminent changes on the horizon. I believe it’s critical that we come together as a community to clearly assess our needs, current resources, and strengths and weaknesses, and it has to be a two-way street.
This is an action call to community members, too! A serious look at our current governing processes with an open mind as to how the Assembly can work more effectively with the public, and vice versa, would likely reduce or eliminate the need for special elections. Tabling this proposal and getting right to work determining the best way for us all to collaborate in strengthening and sustaining ourselves would be a better use of our time.
Please consider both sides of this issue, and the urgency at stake. Thank you.
Barbara Bingham, Sitka
