Government Cuts
Dear Editor: Elon Musk’s recent actions to reduce “fraud, waste and abuse” in the government has resulted in illogical and misguided attacks on many federal employees who work for public good. The proposed cuts to the Tongass National Forest, particularly in the Sitka District Office, are a grave mistake. I’ve also heard that the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center in Juneau will also be affected.
The Tongass District Offices represent the boots-on-the-ground level of the Tongass hierarchy, where staff interact directly with the public and manage essential operations. Above them, there are two layers of administration: the Juneau Supervisory and Ketchikan Regional Offices.
Musk’s decision to lay off these essential workers – those who maintain cabins, trails, and vital infrastructure – is baffling. These dedicated individuals are not only crucial to our communities, but they also ensure the maintenance of cabins used as emergency shelters, keeping them stocked with firewood, which can literally be lifesaving.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Sitka District staff and Sitka’s Supervisory team for much of my career in Sitka, including my roles with State Parks, CBS Park Management, and Sitka Trail Works. They are among the hardest-working, most responsive, resourceful, and community-minded people I know. They consistently stretch every dollar, forging partnerships with local organizations to maximize resources and ensure the responsible stewardship of our public lands.
Musk’s decision to target these workers – who form the backbone of the local workforce – reflects a deeply misguided and punitive approach. It reflects the same vindictive, retribution-driven policies that define the Trump administration. This is not about efficiency or fiscal responsibility; it’s about consolidating power at the expense of working people.
We must act to stop these unjust cuts. Contact your Congressional representatives and make it clear that we cannot allow an unelected individual like Musk to make decisions that harm everyday Americans. We must stop Musk’s wasteful, fraudulent, and abusive actions, and his attempt to slash vital programs that support working people—just to fund a massive tax break for the wealthy elite.
Lynne Brandon, Sitka
Democracy Vigil
Dear Editor: I was heartened to see 75 Sitkans push back against the growing authoritarianism of the Trump administration by taking part in the “Not My Presidents Day” National Day of Action on Feb. 17. But even more encouraging, nearly 50 people showed up again for Sitka’s weekly vigil – participating in democracy as part of their ordinary weekly routine.
Originally convened to advocate for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, Sitka’s weekly vigil returned in response to actions by the Trump administration that profoundly threaten people and democratic principles we hold dear.
Standing in a vigil holding a sign has long been a form of nonviolent activism. The word vigil comes from the Latin word for awake, and its meaning centers on the idea of watchfulness. Sitka’s weekly vigil signifies our watchfulness as citizens – and watching over – and a practicable way to express and share our concerns about the direction our nation is heading.
Although we all show up for different reasons, we stand for the same cause: to advocate for government that puts people and democracy first.
I don’t think that anyone who participates expects our local vigil to directly impact the actions of the Trump administration, but we are part of a larger movement to uphold the Constitution and end executive overreach and, collectively, that is having an effect. Furthermore, I am hopeful that our vigil starts conversations among passersby about what is happening, and that in itself is important for our democracy.
We gather every Saturday, noon to 1, at the roundabout. Come when you can! Courage is contagious. Just showing up and being there is important and makes us stronger.
Cindy Litman, Sitka
