This year’s city election, as usual, presents interesting choices for the voters, and we hope this special edition, as well as Sentinel coverage and reader comment in the period leading up to the election assist you in making informed choices.
This is the 53rd year that the Sentinel has published a pre-election issue in which the candidates can make their own best case for election, and to acquaint voters with the ballot questions that are to be decided.
As always we offer our thanks to the Sitkans who step forward to offer their services making the many and varied decisions they will face as members of the Assembly and the School Board. As far as we are concerned, there are no bad choices. Experience has shown that the democratic process as outlined in the 1972 unification charter generally results in a melding of views and philosophies among our elected officials, producing well-reasoned decisions on issues of everyday concern to the citizens.
There are two propositions on the ballot this year, and both have a bearing on the management of the public treasury. The voters are being asked in Proposition 1 to approve a special sales tax on marijuana with the proceeds to pay for student activities in the schools. Proposition 2 calls for the $8.18 million the city received in the sale of the old community hospital property to be dedicated to the construction of a boat haulout at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.
The propositions have been thoroughly outlined and debated in the public arena, and the Sentinel adds its editorial voice to those who are advocating for passage of both.
The marijuana tax will not be burdensome to users, but on the other hand will provide some stability in the funding of school functions that in our opinion are as vital to a well-rounded education as anything taught in a classroom. Fundraising and general tax support will still be needed, but our community’s goal should be that no student is ever prevented from participation in a sport or other activity because of the cost.
As for the haulout proposition: Sitka’s small boat fishing fleet is the key to the seafood industry that is a mainstay of the community’s economy with both employment and taxes.
In view of this, Sitka is presently in the unsustainable situation of not having the basic facilities – a boatyard and haulout – needed to service these boats. The proposition on the ballot comes after months of failed efforts, under deadline pressure, to obtain public and private financing for a haulout. In our opinion, the voters’ approval of spending city money for the project at this time is fully justified.
Will a complete facility cost more? That is certainly the case, but there is good reason for Sitka voters to expect that the community’s contribution to the project will be a major factor in obtaining the government and foundation funding needed to finish it. Nothing in this world is certain, but there comes a time when facts indicate that a manageable risk, in the hope and expectation of a successful outcome, is preferable to doing nothing and living with the consequences of failing to act when we had the chance.
Voting in the city election will take place 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Harrigan Centennial Hall.
As always, we call upon our readers to do their part in preserving this democracy of ours, and vote in this election.
–JTP
