JKT Presentation
Dear Editor: I felt fortunate to be among those who attended Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ presentation at Sitka High School, which was well-attended and remarkably well-planned and presented. We are truly lucky to have an elected representative with the skills, intelligence, honesty, hard work and respect for others that Jon displays and practices.
As a listener I was struck (again) how someone so young and new to the political role could organize and present complex ideas in an understandable manner; it was almost like attending a class on “how government should operate” w/o once shaming or blaming those of the other party or those with different views than his. The topic (budget cuts) is not a pleasant one for any of us to either present or hear, but Jonathan handled it well, not ever stooping to swiping at other politicians or the “other” party. What a great lesson it was in CLEAN POLITICS!
We are facing the need for budget cuts at all levels of government and some of our most cherished institutions (think schools and ferry service) will likely take cuts. But, blaming the other guy or the other party rather than working to find compromise is not the answer. The budget shortfalls will require every citizen to educate themselves before voting, to cooperate and to seek peaceful solutions while accepting that all of us will suffer some pain from cuts.
I urge you all to get informed, involved and work “with’’ rather than just “against.”
Dorrie Farrell, Sitka
