City Office Hours
Dear Editor: Someone asked me the other day what the best part of being retired is and, after thinking a moment, I said, ‘‘Well, for sure one of the best parts is that I can say the truth about what is going on at the city without fear of consequences on the job.’’ So with that in mind, here are my thoughts on the new ‘‘test program of new city office hours.’’
You don’t suppose this could be in the hope that, because they say it takes 21 days to change a habit, they are in hopes that the public will change its need to go to the city office or make calls between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in that same amount of time?
Much of this would maybe work easier if we could open or close utility accounts on line or by phone (which you can do in other communities) or if you could pay your taxes or utilities on line. But none of that can be done yet.
OK, times are tough and the city needs to figure out where to save. But cutting another position that just happens to be the lowest paid and yet very useful jobs in the building? This position also does sorting, filing and other helpful work to others in the department, so that is also work that will need yet to be done. I could go into the increase in administrative wages which have happened in the last five years in the finance department, but I will save that for a later date.
I was very pleased to see that when Mr. Gorman came on board that customer service was one of his high priorities (we are, after all, the customers who actually pay their wages). So now, here we are with less service than we had before. Something is for sure not working. Not sure who can or will fix this problem, but I hope that all the grumbling that I have heard on the street will be heard in city hall and by the Assembly, so this sad state of affairs will be quickly corrected.
Marj Parmelee, Sitka
Veterans Day Parade
Dear Editor: As you know, Tuesday, Nov. 11, was Veterans Day. I am so humbled and touched to write this letter of thanks to the city of Sitka. Everyone came out and cheered on our veterans and made this such a special day. I asked Sitka, to show up and show off, and you did it, Sitka! Many citizens marched in the parade with us in remembrance of family and friends who had served. One entire family marched with framed photos of their beloved soldiers who did not make it back from active duty.
The number of veterans marching this year was quadrupled from last year. The pride and joy for serving our country was evident in each introduction and conversation in the parade lineup at Crescent Harbor. To top this all off, it was a beautiful, perfect day for a parade.
It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life, shaking hands with each veteran while thanking them for their service. In doing so, I shook hands with the best and brightest of this island!
Also, Mayor Mim McConnell signed and read a special proclamation at the Assembly meeting on Monday night. She also marched with myself and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins in the parade. My sincerest thank you to these two notable dignitaries for taking the time to express their appreciation for these brave and valiant men.
Thank you, also, to the Sitka residents for making such a difference in the lives of our local veterans. There were many behind-the-scenes players in this event. George Bennett, the Rural Veterans liaison from SEARHC Hospital, drove the truck that carried the flatbed with our elders riding on it. George works long hours serving the veterans of this community and in the Southeast. Also, Lawrence SpottedBird, general manager of Sitka Tribe of Alaska, met with us frequently during the last year to assist in organizing the parade.
You can be sure that we will all work ceaselessly during the next year to have an even better time in 2015. Thank you again, Sitka. Please know that the difference was made because one person cared and told another. This is how many wars have been won!
Debe K. Brincefield,
Sitka Veterans Association
Hit-and-Run
Dear Editor: On Wednesday, Nov. 12, my light green Subaru Outback with a kayak rack was hit in the AC Lakeside parking lot between 5:25 p.m.-5:45 p.m.
I am hoping someone saw the white vehicle hit my car and take off the passenger side panel (which someone picked up). I think a white vehicle because that is the color left on my car. Please contact me at 738-2443 if you have any information on this hit and run.
Andrea Thomas, Sitka
WhaleFest Run Thanks
Dear Editor: I would like to thank Murray Lawson, Chris and Charles Horan, Terry and Jan Lovett and Julie Beall for volunteering their time to help put on the 18th annual WhaleFest Run.
I especially want to thank all the runners and walkers who came out to support our run and our cause. The WhaleFest Run is a fund raiser which contributes to supporting WhaleFest, the Sitka Sound Science Center, and in many ways, Sitka’s unique marine environment.
Again, a big thanks to Sitka’s running community for supporting our run and thank you very much for your generosity in supporting a great cause. We’ll see you all next year.
Brian Beall,
WhaleFest Run
