House Race
Dear Editor: Based on her career as a teacher, her tour on the State Board of Education, and her contributions on the City and Borough of Sitka’s Assembly, I am confident that Rebecca Himshoot is the right person to support our administrators, teachers and kids as they continue to succeed during the trials of the COVID era.
With an estimated 20 percent of our middle-schoolers experiencing correctable challenges in reading fluently, we need Rebecca’s strengths as an advocate for the quality of education.
John Welsh, Sitka
School Board Openings
Dear Editor: I am surprised by the School Board’s recent decision to delay a decision to fill Amy Morrison’s seat on the School Board. Apparently the School Board advertised for letters of interest with a May 20 deadline. The unexpired portion of the term would last until Oct. 4, when an election for the seat will happen. The School Board received one letter of interest by the deadline. It seemed simple to everyone involved that the position would be filled by that one applicant who followed the rules.
After the deadline, however, another School Board member resigned and more letters of interest were received. So the board decides to extend the deadline so others can be considered. That just seems unfair to me. Why should others be considered when they could not comply with the deadline requirement. The new applications could be used to fill the new opening.
In fact, the School Board states the community wanted others considered. I think the last School Board election was uncontested and no one complained about that.
In short, I think this is unfair, and I am saddened by the actions of the School Board.
Carin Adickes, Sitka
Sealaska Vote
Dear Editor: I am writing this to all Sealaska shareholders.
I am Edith McHenry, and my Tlingit name is Kaaxwaan. I am of the Eagle Moiety, Kaagwaantaan clan from the Two-door House of Sitka. I am writing to urge Sealaska shareholders to vote “NO” on the Sealaska Board-supported resolution to eliminate the blood quantum for membership in Sealaska. There are many reasons the resolution will be detrimental to current shareholders and our Corporation:
– Sealaska estimates there are up to 15,000 potential new enrollees if we do away with the current blood quantum requirement, and they state half will actually apply. Regardless, more shareholders mean increased costs for the Corporation’s administrative expenses and annual meetings;
– Sealaska is a for-profit corporation and I have yet to hear strong arguments from the Board about how adding more shareholders will increase our corporation’s profitability;
– Shares for current shareholders will be diluted by 40 percent (a Sealaska estimate), which means reduced distributions and reduced voting strength in corporate elections for current shareholders.
We have an enrollment policy in place for our descendants, who are our children and grandchildren born after 1971. In 2007, following a board-recommended resolution, shareholders voted to open enrollment to our descendants. Lineal descendants born after 1971 who meet the one-quarter blood quantum requirement are issued 100 Class D shares. These shares participate in distributions and have voting rights, but the shares cannot be willed or gifted.
It’s important to note that shareholder descendants, regardless of stock ownership, are currently eligible for scholarships, internships and employment opportunities, as well as cultural activities and events.
Shareholders in a prior election also approved additional shares for elders. Elders receive 100 shares upon their 65th birthday, but unlike original shares, elder shares do not have voting rights but do participate in distributions. The elder shares were designed to provide additional financial benefits for elders yet the board is asking us to reduce this monetary benefit for our elders. Can fellow elders afford to give up another 40 percent of distributions amid high inflation? Can families struggling to get back on their feet from the pandemic afford to give up 40 percent of their dividends? While this might mean a couple hundred dollars, it is a saving grace to many shareholders.
If the vote passes, our voting strength is also diluted and gives more power to the board. It will become virtually impossible to elect an independent candidate because the board can use the discretionary votes to elect board-approved candidates. Historically, the board uses the discretionary votes to boost the vote totals of their candidates, meaning the current board will remain in power indefinitely until they either die or are too old to serve just like many predecessor board members. Discretionary votes enable lifetime appointments for a select few.
Please do not vote discretionary on your proxy – vote directed instead. When you vote discretionary you are giving away your power to the current board to use your votes to elect the board-approved management slate. Please don’t give away your power.
If you have already voted and want to change your vote, you can do that by recasting a proxy by mail or online at mysealaska.com.
Gunalcheesch!
Edith E. McHenry
Thank You
Dear Editor: The Tulong Aral Scholarship Committee would like to thank Trish White and Harry Race Pharmacy for their support of Sitka’s newest scholarship. The soda fountain at Harry Race is not only a tasty destination, but an economic engine for non-profits, sports teams, kids’ groups, and worthy activities.
Sitkans do their part by first ordering a yummy shake, sundae, or float and then leaving a tip to support a good cause. Nothing feels better than sucking up some root beer and ice cream and contemplating the good you have done in the world. It’s a win/win that keeps on giving. This year, Tulong Aral Scholarship awarded eight $500 scholarships to aspiring engineers, nurses, educators and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to endow this scholarship by raising $40,000 by December. Due to the generosity of Trish White and White’s Inc., we are on our way. Thank you, Trish. You send light out into the world.
Brooke Rivera, Kari Sagel
Tulong Aral Scholarship Committee
