Dear Editor: It would be so easy if things were black and white. Is cruise tourism good for Sitka or is it bad for Sitka? The reality is that it never comes down to that simple of an equation. As a community it will really be to our benefit to look beyond the surface argument, which seems to boil down to unlimited cruise tourism, vs. no cruise tourism, and worse yet, “you’re threatening my livelihood” vs “you’re threatening my quality of life and destroying our town.’’
In reality, few, if any people are against no cruise tourism at all, and the folks against Proposition One say they also want some kind of limit. Okay. Where does that leave us?
My own frustration with these arguments is that the emotions surrounding the perceived threats to our individual perspectives are preventing rational discussion and clear-eyed analysis of the true impacts of this particular industry on our town and our future.
I’d like to see us relate the pros and cons for Sitka to the broader picture of cruise tourism’s documented harm to small ports around the world: negative impact on fragile ecosystems from toxic scrubber discharge and other waste; on the demands of community infrastructure to withstand excessive passenger influx; on long term affordable housing and year round businesses threatened by a seasonal economy (how much income leaves town with seasonal workers?). Does the economic good still outweigh the bad? I want to see accurate data to make an informed decision.
Port communities around the world are fighting back against the threats with increasing success. What does that, coupled with the current frightening precariousness of U.S. and global economies and supply chains, including fuel sources, mean for the future of the cruise industry, itself? Is it (still) a good idea to increase our dependence on what is likely going to be a diminishing economic driver? What are our alternatives? We really should begin that discussion in earnest! Sitka is very vulnerable in its geographic isolation. What is really in our best interest at this time?
I know we all want what’s best for our beautiful, precious town. I’m hoping the cruise tourism forum at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Harrigan Centennial Hall will jumpstart the objective conversations we need to have, will help us make an informed decision on Proposition One, and will encourage us to look beyond this single issue as we navigate the immediate future.
Barbara Bingham, Sitka
