‘Annie’
Dear Editor: I have sat on my hands long enough. I must say the recent production of ‘‘Annie’’ was outstanding! Kudos to the crew, cast, director, parents, musicians, the Fine Arts Camp and anyone I left out.
The show was entertaining, fun and funny. Beyond that what I think is also very important is that a huge cast of 52 young people, I believe 7 to 23 years old, and the crew, plus the others already mentioned took on a what to me must have seemed like a daunting task – they auditioned, rehearsed, worked together, I am sure there were plenty of obstacles to overcome, and they succeeded.
What a great way to build confidence and community. Who knows what dividends will be paid in the next 10, 15, 20 years as these young people mature and become the future parents, educators, fishermen, doctors, carpenters, engineers, human service provides, electricians and maybe even artists. Bravo!
Jeff Budd, Sitka
In Response
Dear Editor: The article by Tom Conley in Friday’s Sentinel about education funding shortfalls at the state level. It was a comprehensive history about how the present challenges came about. Dr. Conley’s recommendation that we contact our representatives is spot on.
It is pretty clear that state government has been gutted. It will take a long time to rebuild it on a diversified economy.
We should contact our representatives, but what do they have to legislate with?
Are we going to deplete the state’s savings, then deplete the permanent fund, too? We could apply our dividends to pressing social needs, but the fund is inviolable.
It is time for Alaskan self-reliance. We can keep asking for help from the state. The feds also are eager to control everything for us, if we ask them to. (Much of their control is beneficial.) But what we can control is local. We should do what you recommend, but we should focus on what we can do right here in Sitka. We should do what we realistically can do, ourselves.
Several means of raising more revenue have been under debate and discussion.
The great value of the teachers is not in question. We have a good school system with some of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered. These people must be kept here.
The district should be talking to the union about pay reductions. This is an unsavory topic, but less unsavory than talk of letting valuable people go. We must do everything to keep the high quality of Sitka schools. We should do everything to keep the fine teachers who are the heart of school quality. The union is sure to view this pragmatically, taking into account the alternative of lay-offs. Taking a hit is better than getting knocked out.
By the way, the quality of the schools is a primary factor in real estate values. The schools have a direct economic impact. People want to stay in Sitka, work in Sitka, do business in Sitka, because their children can get a quality education. If we let the schools deteriorate, this will have a negative effect on our economy.
Dr. Conley’s letter was a valuable account of the history and state of the education predicament. That said, he has drawn the starting line for moving ahead into the helpful actions we actually can take, the local options we, ourselves, control.
Those of us who have been up north and out west know that situations arise out of range of available rescue. The education predicament reminds me of one of those times when there is no helicopter. As Alaskans, we take pride in surviving on our own.
We thrive on adversity. Reorganizing school finance locally is an opportunity to once again show what we are made of.
John Welsh, Sitka
Grant Recipient
Dear Editor: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska would like to thank the Sitka White Elephant Shop for selecting the Sitka BBBS program as a recipient for their local grant program. We are very grateful and humbled by the selection. The grant funds will be used towards creating cultural and educational opportunities for our Little/Big matches as well as recruiting more Bigs, ultimately putting more children on the path to success by matching them with a caring adult role model.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters, please call 747-3500.
Thank you again to the White Elephant Shop and board of directors for this opportunity, as well as everyone that shops and supports the good work they are doing for our community.
Kealoha Harmon
Sitka Community Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters
GMO Labeling
Dear Editor: State Representative Geran Tarr co-sponsored House Bill 92 to require labeling of GMO food products sold in Alaska. The Legislature discussed labeling for the first time on Monday. Maine, Vermont and Connecticut have already passed labeling laws. Legislation to require labeling is pending in twenty other states. In conjunction with the Alaska Food Security Awareness week, Alaskans are meeting across the state this week to show our support for GMO labeling.
In Sitka we are showing the movie GMO OMG at the downtown Coliseum on Thursday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m. This movie is informative, entertaining, and appropriate for the whole family. Last Saturday I handed out 400 personal invitations for this event. Seating is limited. I highly recommend you purchase tickets ($5) at the Coliseum or Old Harbor Books before the show. We will provide information on GMOs and we will distribute postcards so you can voice your opinions on GMOs and GMO labeling. Our presence will let legislators know that we support GMO labeling. We look forward to seeing you there.
Brett Wilcox, Sitka
