Appeal to Republicans
Dear Editor: Recent federal job cuts and funding freezes to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) affect all of us. Here is a summary from the Wednesday edition of the Sitka Sentinel (a news source I think we all trust? Or talk to your friends and neighbors who work for the USFS, or used to. This is not fake news – it can be verified locally.)
Possible impacts are: EMPLOYMENT – at least eight Sitkans have lost their USFS jobs so far. TOURISM – special use permits for activities such as guided hikes and hunts, and small cruise ship visits may be delayed or prevented. TOURISM AND LOCAL RECREATION – a new Harbor Mountain cabin will not be built. Existing cabins will be without firewood, and cabins and trails will not be maintained. The Indian River Valley bridge will remain out of commission. SUBSISTENCE – Bag limits for Redoubt sockeye may be reduced due to lack of monitoring.
Sitka Trail Works and Sitka Conservation Society have partnered with the USFS to help build and maintain trails and cabins, but they will not be able to assist due to the freeze on federal funds, and they will not be able to employ local workers, contractors, and materials.
Federal funding makes up 40% of the budget of the State of Alaska. Your children’s EDUCATION could be severely impacted by loss of federal funds. Loss of such funds could even affect the State’s ability to pay a big PERMANENT FUND DIVIDEND! (My commentary.)
Surely all Sitkans should be concerned. These are funds already appropriated by the authority of the U.S. Congress. They are funds that our Congressional delegation worked hard to secure for our state. They must fight to see that we actually receive them. Especially if you are a REGISTERED REPUBLICAN, our Congressional delegation needs to hear from you:
Sen. Lisa Murkowski 202-224-6665
Sen. Dan Sullivan 202-224-3004
Rep. Nick Begich 202-225-5765.
Kathy Kyle, Sitka
Protest
Dear Editor: ‘‘There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.’’
–Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Please consider joining us at the roundabout noon-1 p.m. every Saturday.
Kim and Bob Hunter, Sitka
