Tourism Petition
Dear Editor: The following letter has been sent to our Assembly members:
Dear Assembly Members: I recently signed the SOUL petition because I believe it is important that the people of Sitka be heard on the issue of limiting tourism impacts on our community.
I understand that there may be some legal issues. How I actually vote will depend on whether the Assembly takes MEANINGFUL actions. The Memorandum of Understanding that has been signed does not provide any significant limits. It may be that we locals need to give up our downtown area for the summer months for the sake of Sitka’s economy. We should not have to give up our parks and trails as well. The plan proposed for “Commercial Recreational use of Municipal Lands and Facilities” provides the bare minimum for raising license fees and limiting group size for use of our trails. It should not be further weakened and a plan should be adopted for 2025.
We cannot afford to delay. I have been a regular user of both Sitka trails and also Baranof Warm Springs and Goddard Hot Springs for 50 years. The commercial use at Baranof has limited my use of the springs and has seriously deteriorated the muskeg in the area near the lake. It needs to be limited now. And we need to be sure that the same thing does not happen at Goddard. I strongly support banning the use of Goddard by commercial groups. It is an area highly prized by locals and should stay that way.
Another issue needing action regards E-bikes. They are motorized vehicles and do not belong on trails and sidewalks. They belong on the street. It’s not clear to me whether a new ordinance is needed or if we need enforcement of existing laws, but we need to be sure that pedestrians do not continue to be endangered in the coming year.
Again, I would like to emphasize that the Assembly’s actions or lack thereof will have a crucial impact on how I vote in the special election that I expect will be upcoming.
Kathy Kyle, Sitka
Tourism Campaign
Dear Editor: As a member of Safeguard Sitka’s Future, a local coalition dedicated to sharing information with our community about the benefits of cruise tourism, I want to address misconceptions about the “Decline to Sign” campaign. Some suggest it undermines democracy by discouraging signatures for the proposed cruise tourism cap petition. This assertion is misleading.
The “Decline to Sign” campaign is not about silencing anyone—it is about exercising free speech and promoting informed decision-making. Signing a petition is not a neutral act; it moves an idea closer to becoming law. We believe residents deserve to fully understand the economic and social risks of the proposed cap before taking that step.
Petitions are a democratic tool, but they are not above critique. Encouraging people to refrain from signing is as valid a democratic act as urging them to sign. Both reflect civic engagement and ensure that critical issues are debated thoroughly, which is essential in a healthy democracy.
Cruise tourism is a cornerstone of Sitka’s economy, supporting local jobs, businesses, and public services. A cap could jeopardize this vital economic engine, potentially limiting opportunities for future generations. Moving this petition to a vote could also harm Sitka’s image as a welcoming cruise port. Similar ballot initiatives in the past have caused cruise lines to rethink their presence in Sitka, diverting ships to other ports and reducing opportunities for our community. Even the perception of Sitka as an unwelcoming community could significantly influence future decisions about ship deployments.
The claim that there is “absolutely no harm” in signing the petition overlooks these broader implications. Signing signals support for advancing a proposal that could have unintended, far-reaching consequences for our community. Safeguard Sitka’s Future believes decisions of this magnitude should not be made lightly or without understanding what Sitkans stand to lose.
Our campaign is rooted in the principles of free speech and civic dialogue. Encouraging thoughtful reflection and debate is not suppression—it is democracy in action. Let’s ensure all voices are heard and that our choices are guided by what’s best for Sitka’s future.
Chris McGraw, Sitka
