House Bill 77
Dear Editor: I want to thank everyone for coming to last week’s discussion on House Bill 77. I really appreciated the opportunity to hear the many excellent comments voicing strong opposition to various elements in this very complicated and undemocratic bill.
The diverse group that turned out for the discussion made a strong statement that many Sitkans join in the statewide opposition to this bill which could lead to reduced protection for our salmon streams. It is incomprehensible to me that our governor wants to give DNR the power to give away state land and issue permits without having to tell the public. This would deny Alaskans the opportunity to voice their concerns if this bill becomes law in its current form.
Our government shouldn’t be taking away opportunities for us to work together with them in managing our shared natural resources – they should create more.
Kim Elliot, Sitka
Bike to Work
Dear Editor: Congratulations to our prize winners from the Winter Bike To Work Day event in Sitka. The following prize-winners can pick up their prizes at Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop during normal business hours: Dave Clark – a Rejuvenation with Kathy Smith body sculpt kit; James Poulson – a bike safety kit; Chester Miyasato – a copy of the book ‘‘Salmon In The Trees’’; Irbert Vega – a Sitka Conservation Society T-shirt; Tracy Gagnon – a water bottle/car cup; Brant Brantman – a water bottle/car cup: Greg Johnstone – a pedometer; Alli Gabbert – a pedometer; Jasmine Shaw – a pedometer; six random cyclists – bike frame bumper stickers; and Nancy Behnken – a $50 gift card for bike supplies.
Many thanks to the groups who donated prizes – Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop; Harry Race/White’s Inc.; the Sitka Public Health Nurse Center; the Sitka Conservation Society; KCAW-Raven Radio; and the SEARHC Health Promotion/Diabetes Program. Thanks to all who participated.
Charles Bingham, event organizer,
Winter Bike To Work Day
Waste Reduction
Dear Editor: Interesting juxtaposition of a headline and photograph in last Wednesday’s Sentinel – Kudos to the Sentinel if by design and if not, kudos anyway.
Headline: ‘‘Sitka Assembly Oks $250K Trash Study.’’ Photo directly underneath this article is of a consultant who was addressing the Assembly on another matter. A plastic water bottle is by his hand.
I trust just a tad bit of the $250K awarded to Shaw Environmental be used to examine how Sitka can REDUCE its solid waste stream first and foremost and not just analyze options for disposing and exporting it.
Wouldn’t you know a drinking fountain is just outside the Assembly’s doors with some of the purest water on the globe ready for the taking by simply pressing a button. Just saying...
Krisanne Rice, Sitka
