Dear Editor: I work for Shee Atiká, the Alaska Native Corporation representing approximately 3,500 shareholders, a quarter of which live in Sitka.
We have invested millions of dollars in our Adventure Park located out HPR. We are creating a new space for visitors to enjoy nature while helping to alleviate congestion downtown. On May 28th there will be a special election and Sitkan’s will vote on Ballot Measure 1, an initiative to limit cruise visitors in Sitka. Please Vote No.
Cruise tourism benefits our shareholder base, all Alaska Natives, and all Alaskans who live in Southeast Alaska regardless of your opinion on the number of visitors we should have. We need the cruise industry just as much as we need the fishing industry. The fishing industry is struggling so we cannot and should not rely on our fishermen to cover the gap in city revenue that would result if we do not Vote No. How are we going to pay the bills knowing that federal and state funding is decreasing? The city will not have enough revenue to support all the programs it currently funds such as the Performing Arts Center, let alone essential services like police and fire. Why? Because the city relies heavily on sales tax revenue generated by cruise visitor spending.
In addition to city services, we need to support our small businesses who rely heavily on cruise visitors to make a living. Who is sponsoring your kid’s baseball team? Small businesses. When your favorite non-profit is looking for board members, who is stepping up? Small businesses owners. They do so much for Sitka and are the heart of our community and economy. Now is the time for us to stand up for the small businesses!
On May 28, join Shee Atiká, Vote No on Ballot Measure 1. Gunalchéesh.
Ptarmica Garnick, Sitka
