Tourism Town Hall
Dear Editor: I attempted to attend the ‘‘town hall’’ last night and was bottlenecked at the entry, spilling on to the sidewalk. Evidently, both of the big rooms were unavailable, appearing to be not in use, while the overflow of caring and concerned local citizens of Sitka who came out to participate were obligated to sign in, and then were divided into two separate groups in two separate rooms to watch the two separate presentations; further, dividing up into four specifically designated break-out sessions; divide and conquer? Never the less, certainly a way to diminish what might have been a productive conversation on tourism amongst us all this night.
I read in tonight’s Sentinel about the rejection of Larry Edward’s second attempt at an initiative petition seeking a special election to cap the number of tourists. Perhaps, the city or Assembly members could help craft the language, as clearly there are a lot of locals who would like to have a say through the voting process, after having lived through the first season with the Lincoln Street closure and other inconveniences. I think we would all like to see minimal impact, and that the visit be more enjoyable for the tourists, not be herded around like cattle standing in lines, but rather dispersed.
There are many among us who may have solutions, and creative ideas. These are my three suggestions: 1. Move the outhouse down to the Totem Square side of city office building parking to get it out of view and away from the food booths. 2. Many times, Lincoln was closed off, and there were no tourists. I suggest the city hire a rover or two to keep an eye, be more spontaneous, to open Lincoln after it has been vacated. 3. Unfortunately, the city no longer owns the old hospital property which could have been the perfect staging area for buses, taxis, shuttles, Uber, etc., to take the tourists to the different sights and downtown; however, evidently the city does own the public health building and adjoining parking lot which might be used as a hub to disperse the visitors.
I really appreciate this opportunity to express some thoughts on this important issue, as I couldn’t stay for the ‘‘open house’’ event. Gunalcheesh! I would ask that an actual town hall in one room be called to address all tourism issues in an open forum with a panel of stakeholders, and knowledgeable members at large with a moderator and scribe. I can only add that there are plenty of things happening in this town that ‘‘would not be enforceable as a matter of law.’’
Respectfully,
Karen Lucas, Sitka
