1964 Earthquake
Dear Editor: This week commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake. That was a very important part of Alaska’s history. We hope to help get all of Sitka prepared in case we should ever have another earthquake big enough to cause damage. You can go to www.shakeout.org/alaska or www.ready.alaska.gov/64quake to get some great ideas on what we each need to do individually.
On March 27, 2014, at 1:36 p.m. there will be a statewide drill that everyone can get involved in. Participants can get involved by practicing the actions of “Drop, Cover, Hold On.” These are the recommended actions that can help protect you from the effects of an earthquake. You can find out more about the drill on the web sites above.
We will not be setting off the sirens at this time. Our plan is to set them off only if there is a real emergency.
Take time to prepare for an emergency now, and it could save lives in the future.
David E. Miller,
Sitka Fire Department
New Transmitter
Dear Editor: KTNL-TV has installed a new transmitter which changes its channel from Channel 2 to Channel 7. Persons wishing to watch CBS over the air will need to re-scan their TV set.
There appears to be some technical problems on occasion. These problems will be addressed when an engineer is available.
Dr. Dan Etulain, Sitka
Oppose HB 77
Dear Editor: As a longtime fishermen and former member of the Fish and Game Advisory Board here in Sitka, I still stand firmly opposed to House Bill 77 and its new amendments.
House Bill 77 cannot be fixed because the basis of the entire bill is to eliminate public participation in Corporate-run development projects. On top of that, the bill also eliminates the publics’ ability to ensure safeguards for our salmon streams. These are things that our state Constitution guarantees and protects, yet our current governor is trying to revoke.
Historically speaking, this bill reminds me of one of the reasons why Alaska entered statehood – to protect our shared resources. Back in the day, we were being controlled by the salmon canneries that had all the power and were taking all the fish, and we became a state to stop all those fish traps and big companies from doing so. House Bill 77, like the fish traps, is stealing our rights as Alaskans. We do not want our rights and decision making powers placed into the hands of corporate entities, and I say that knowing that hundreds of other Alaskan residents have spoken out against this bill along with the more than 40 tribes who have delivered resolutions opposing HB 77 as well. We are, and still will be, talking about House Bill 77 as this bill directly impacts us.
To the Senate Resources Committee, please do not pass this bill and work to protect the constitutional rights of Alaskans.
Thank you again, Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins and Sen. Stedman, for your strong opposition.
James Swift, Sitka
HB77: Less Power
Dear Editor: Less power to the people – an actual fact – that’s what House Bill 77 is about.
Before the current administration Alaskan people, communities, tribes, governors and legislators all worked together to make good resource development decisions.
Local concerns were important. And they still should be. HB77 would silence Alaskans and minimize any local input.
If passed, HB77 would even minimize input by our elected representatives.
In favor of HB77, it is being said that it would increase efficiency for resource development. Maybe so, Maybe not, but only for the short-term.
Alaskans who are going to stay here don’t need to rush to spend our grandchildren’s inheritance.
Spike and Jean Arnold, Sitka
GMO Salmon
Dear Editor: As an Alaskan concerned about the potential approval of genetically modified salmon, I am happy that our Sen. Lisa Murkowski is continuing to speak out. At a recent hearing on Capitol Hill with FDA Director Hamburg, Sen. Murkowski asked repeatedly for the FDA to not approve GMO salmon due to many safety concerns. Dr. Hamburg assured her it would not be approved if found “unsafe.’’
I feel strongly about protecting our wild Alaskan salmon and have supported local efforts to get the word out on what is dubbed “Frankenfish.” Last February nearly 130 Sitkans attended a rally against genetically engineered salmon and joined the 1.8 million people that have commented to the FDA on this issue. Our Assembly approved a resolution against GMO salmon by a vote of 7-0. Both Sen. Murkowski and Sen. Begich and Representatives in Juneau unanimously approved House Joint Resolution 5, which opposed the FDA finding of no significant impact with GMO salmon.
I want to thank Sen. Murkowski for her continued efforts on the behalf of all Alaskans to oppose genetically engineered salmon. I believe that if our current regulatory process can only approve GMO salmon as a DRUG, then we obviously need to slow down in D.C. and create the appropriate guidelines for what constitutes real food. Here in Alaska, we know that our wild Alaskan salmon will always be the real food that feeds our community, state, and economy. Taking a verse from my favorite sign at the Sitka No GMO Salmon rally, held by a 5-year-old speaking on behalf of salmon: “Fix my habitat, not my genes.”
Cathy Lieser, Sitka
