Voting for JKT
Dear Editor: According to Steven Samuelson (and Kim Svenson), “it’s about the resume.” I wonder if they’ve read Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins’ resume? Although he doesn’t advertise it in his interviews, you can find details online.
Jonathan has climbed unclimbed mountains in South America, spearheaded glacial retreat research on Baranof Island, toured Southeast Alaska with a chamber music trio funded by the Rasmuson Foundation, established himself as an elite endurance runner, and started programs that have brought literally more than 100 young people to Sitka to work, volunteer and live.
Although he never advertised it locally, The Washington Post considers Jonathan one of America’s “Top 40 Leaders Under 40.”
Not blue collar enough? Jonathan deckhands on trollers and you might remember him assisting and filling in for Norm Campbell to help keep Sitka’s recycling center running. Icing king salmon is practically white-collar work compared to hucking bags of plastic jugs filled with curdled and coagulated milk.
A resume indicates how hard and how competently someone is going to work for you. Different political philosophies are a perfectly legitimate dialogue in the campaign. But are Steven Samuelson and Kim Svenson really trying to cast doubt on whether Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins works harder than a mule? Or cast doubt on his competence?
Anyone who has worked with Jonathan knows how hard he works. Anyone who listened to the Chamber of Commerce or public radio candidate forums knows which candidate has a competent understanding of the issues, and which candidate does not.
It’s been refreshing to be represented by someone who is so humble and eager to serve his constituents rather than his own ego. Personally, I have not been excited to cast my vote for many politicians, but with Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins I can say that the case is truly different. Thanks for your dedication and service, JKT!
Lexi Fish, Sitka
Supporting Samuelson
Dear Editor: In considering JKT’s dance moves, I will be supporting Steven Samuelson for state House.
R.I. Eliason, Sitka
Native Artists
Dear Editor: This past summer the Sheldon Jackson Museum offered visitors and community an exciting, enriching experience through the residencies of 10 Alaskan Native Artists. These talented artists shared their knowledge of fish skin and fur sewing, spruce root weaving, wood-carving, copper and silver engraving, formline design, and the manufacture of a traditional whaling suit with contemporary materials. In addition, the artists were able to study artifacts in our museum collection. Thank you to the following artists who participated in this summer’s program: Peter Williams, Mark Sixbey, Audrey Armstrong, Sarah Williams, Abel Ryan, Samuel Sheakley Sr., Teri Rofkar, Allison Warden, Karen Denise McIntyre and Rico Worl.
We would also like to thank the following organizations for their generous support: the National Endowment for the Arts, Bill Holm Center, Sitka Alaska Permanent Charitable Trust, Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka Sound Seafoods, Alaska Airlines, Sitka Fine Arts Camp, Hames Corporation and the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Our thank you also goes to the following individuals who helped to make the 2014 Native Artists’ Residency Program possible: Vivian Prescott, Peter Gorman, Marylyn Conley, Pete and Margie Esquiro, Debbie Doland, Darrell and Diane Kaeding, Susan Feero, Eugene Solovkev, Irene Shuler, Sabra Jenkins, Betty DiCicco, Patsy and Dale Myers, Steve Brown, Rosemary Carlton, John Chenoweth, Jeanne Cahoon, Judi Lehmann, Allison McIntyre, Karen McIntyre, Kim Elliot, Kristina Cranston and Tommy Joseph, Robert Hoffmann and Pam Wetzels.
Mary Boose, Business Manager,
Friends of
Sheldon Jackson Museum
JKT, Samuelson Debate
Dear Editor: I guess you could say that I have not gotten over the people in this state voting to give the rich oil corporations with the huge profits made each quarter more of our hard-earned tax dollars. They made people believe them because they spent loads of money on ads that convinced the voters they were going to create loads of jobs and if the vote did not go their way, they were going to pull out of Alaska.
AS IF! As if oil companies would pack up and leave a state with the most amazing thick crude oil that is bringing them astronomical profits every year! The only consolation that I have is that at least the people in Southeast Alaska said NO to the tax. The hard working Southeast Alaska fishing communities know a “con” when they see one.
Our Bert Stedman led the state in this fight against the crazy tax “give away.” He did his research, explained his reasoning and educated us about why this tax was a very bad idea. He explained that the fracked oil cannot even compare to Alaskan crude in any way. But in Southeast Alaska, we work hard for a living and we value our resources and work every day to protect them. So you can imagine my surprise when awhile back I am listening to the Samuelson vs. JKT debate on Raven Radio and I hear that Samuelson was for the oil tax! Not only that I hear that originally he supported the Pebble Mine (open pit mining) located at the head waters of the biggest sockeye run in the nation! Although I also heard that although he initially supported Pebble Mine, he then later decided it was a bad idea. So I give him credit that he figured out it was a bad idea but the idea kept nagging in my mind.
I sat in shock after the debate and thought to myself what kind of fisherman would ever support (for any length of time) destroying such an amazing sockeye run in a pristine ecosystem that feeds so many families in this country? Also what kind of fisherman would vote to send more of his hard-earned tax dollars to oil corporations threatening to leave to go fracking (greatest environmental disaster to ever happen in North Dakota)? When everyone around him saw the oil tax con for what it was, then why didn’t he?
The thing was that before JKT opened his mouth on what his position was on those issues and many more to boot, I knew what was he was going to say. Even if I didn’t know it because he has kept us all informed on where he stands on all the issues, I knew because he, like many of us, researches issues, talks to the people, he LISTENS, then he works to create consensus about the right thing to do.
He is our hope for the future of our communities. We hope that more JKTs will step forward and work as hard as he does to lead us through the changes that are coming. JKT is full of courage, and the strong will that it takes to stand firm for the people that he represents.
There is not a doubt in my mind that when “push comes to shove,” JKT will not roll over for a con and I can trust him to work tirelessly to protect our communities with integrity. I feel fortunate that I live I a state that I can support Bert Stedman and JKT and not even think twice about it.
I got an email asking me who I wanted to support for the presidency. I told them I was going to vote for clean drinking water, ocean water without plastic and lowering pH, glaciers that are not melting, cars that are not polluting, energy coming from nonrenewable resources, healthy sea stars, abundant fish, birds freely migrating and politicians that are smart and honest enough to do the right thing to keep us safe and healthy.
Patty Dick, Sitka
Supports JKT, Again
Dear Editor: Two years ago, I wrote a letter to the editor supporting Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for state House. Prior to Jonathan coming to our village legislative candidates had not spent time in Hydaburg going door-to-door, listening and learning about Hydaburg’s concerns.
I’m writing two years later to tell you that Jonathan came back. He didn’t just show up before the election. He came back after the election – again and again – to spend the time in the community and with the people of our village.
Earlier this year, the legislative district boundaries changed. Technically, Hydaburg will be represented by Jonathan until January 2015, but he will not be on the ballot on Tuesday (we get grouped in with Ketchikan). But even after the district boundary change w3as announced, Jonathan continued to come back, even though people of Hydaburg cannot help him with his elections anymore. He comes back because he believes in public service and becaue it’s the right thing to do.
I believe Jonathan has the commitment improving the quality of life for rural Alaska, and he has shown good judgment in the consideration of Alaska Native issues.
Adrian L. LeCornu, Hydaburg
Cross Country Thanks
Dear Editor: The 2014 Sitka High School cross country season has come to a close. There were about thirty students out for the team this year. The year was an extreme success with the boys’ team winning the regional meet in Ketchikan. Most impressive was the fact that we had 27 athletes compete in our home meet, and almost every runner ran a personal best in front of their friends and family. It is wonderful thing to see hard work pay off.
First and foremost, nothing would have been possible without the help of many people. The parents of these students have been extremely supportive. Picking children up from the ferry in the middle of the night, encouraging success academically, and housing visiting teams are just a few of the many things parents do to aid in the success of a team. We were also lucky enough to have many parents travel to the state meet to cheer on the team. I would also like to thank Coach Jeremy Strong for all of his time and influence. Additionally, LieuDell Goldsberry, Sitka High athletic director, did an outstanding job with travel arrangements, and he, with the help of many volunteers, put on a very successful home meet.
Lastly, the team would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for supporting SHS cross country by purchasing an ad on the back of our team shirts. We sincerely appreciate your generosity. AC Lakeside Value Center, Agave Restaurant, Baranof Chiropractic Clinic, “The Best Grandma Ever,” F/V Chelsea Dawn, F/V High Voltage, First Bank, Fly In Fish Inn, Foreign Automotive, Harry Race Pharmacy, Little Tokyo, Lucky Gambler II, Russell’s, Sitka Bottling Company, Sitka Dental Clinic, Napa, Sitka Pioneer’s Home, Sitka Rose Gallery, Sitka Spruce Celtic Dancers, Sitka Studio of Dance, Sitka Vision Clinic, VanWinkle and Sons, Yellow Jersey Cycles, Moose Lodge, Ben Franklin, Arctic Chiropractic, the Cellar, Murray Pacific, Sitka Realty, Sitka True Value, Venneburg Insurance, Whitecap Properties, Samson Tug and Barge, Sea Mart, Silver Bay Seafoods, Sitka Physical Therapy, Schmolck Mechanical, and the Channel Club.
The T-shirts were screened at Harry’s Custom Screening, and they did a fabulous job. The students are working to get all of the “thank-yous” and T-shirts delivered. Please e-mail me at smiths@sitkaschools.org if you have not received your T-shirt. Thanks again, Sitka for your constant support of Sitka High School athletics.
Shasta Smith,
SHS Cross-Country coach
My 2 Cents
Dear Editor: Successful navigation and resolution of the complex issues inherent in the governance of our GREAT state and nation require a highly intelligent and collaborative approach. We Alaskans have, before us, two rare and exciting opportunities: For the past two years, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, home-grown lad, has served Sitka and neighboring communities in our state Legislature with honor, with dignity, with inclusion and….. with significant success. He has worked tirelessly to represent all of us in an effective and non-partisan manner.
I, for one, can see only good reasons for his re-election; his loss would surely be our loss. On the federal level, we have another unique prospect. Upon hearing Forrest Dunbar in the broadcast debate of candidates for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, I was struck by his informed and articulate responses; he was far and above more energetic, more enthusiastic and more exciting than the other two candidates. He’s another home-grown rural Alaskan, he’s highly educated…. having studied law and diplomacy, he served in the Peace Corps and serves in the military. It’s beyond time for a new Alaskan face in Washington, D.C., Forrest Dunbar is truly an excellent choice!
Please help seize these two tremendous opportunities for our representation both in Alaska and in Washington, D.C..
Davey Lubin, Sitka
Intuitive Eating Talk
Dear Editor: Still trying to put your finger on what, exactly, makes this town so special? If you ask me, it’s Sitka’s characteristic hybrid: friendly West Coast warmth radiating throughout a community of exceptionally ambitious and talented people. Not so hidden are our many gems in this tight-knit place! I see how it’s possible to take for granted the countless super-humans in our midst.
Here’s to one of these stand-outs: Jessica Holland of SEARHC volunteered her time this week to give a talk on Intuitive Eating at the Hames Center to participants of our Wellness Course. This program teaches exercise and lifestyle management for diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Holland wowed us with an engaging discussion on a tough topic: how to eat mindfully. Everyone can benefit from her take-away point: eat slowly and pay attention to your hunger levels, rather than rushing or snacking while bored.
Thank you, again, to Jessica Holland for lending us your expertise!
Devin Tatro,
AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer,
Hames Welness Fund Coordinator
House Race
Dear Editor: Based on the interview in the Sentinel, Steve Samuelson comes across as another guy saying whatever he thinks we in Sitka want to hear in order to get our vote. He will vote, “how the district wants.” The rest of the boys in Juneau, “are concerned” about our representation with our current rep. Vote for him so that Sitka has “a seat at the table.” Our current rep, “writes funny.”
How will Mr. Samuelson decide what the district wants? Call each of us and tally?
Talk to some special folks he can trust in the district? Vote the way his friends in the district want him to vote? This can’t work. We vote for people to
represent us by gauging how their values match ours. Jonathan Kriess-Tomkins is Southeast Alaska/Sitka born and bred and he understands our community. The oil giveaway? Jonathan and his key partner, Bert Stedman spearheaded the overturn.
Mr. Samuelson has consistently supported the giveaway. Is he going to suddenly not be a friend to big oil if we in Sitka support him? I dare say, not a chance. Unlike JKT, he will be one of the boys.
I believe that if Jonathan had any confrontations in Juneau it might have been because he refuses to go along to get along. He refuses to follow the money. But, since JKT has amazing people skills, a positive outlook, and the ability to negotiate, anything that Mr. Samuelson alludes to is likely blown up hearsay that he is throwing out to try to put doubt in our minds about his effectiveness.
Returning JKT to Juneau to represent us is the smartest thing we can do. Smart like Jonathan’s writing. Which Mr. Samuelson clearly does not get.
Ever since JKT was in my ninth-grade English class, he has had an ability to write simply and straight-forward. He could and can say what he wants in a crystal-clear manner. His reports from Juneau are all of that, but he also anticipates the questions that the rest of us might have. If you haven’t asked, “What are those guys doing?” regarding news from Juneau, you are not trying to pay attention to what is going on in our government. Perhaps, that is exactly what Mr. Samuelson would want.
There are far too many Steve Samuelsons in our government today. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is the man for our district and Alaska could use a whole lot more like him in our government. Let’s keep a guy that is in Juneau for us, keeps us informed, and has the perspective and skills to be governing and not politicking.
Bob Potrzuski, Sitka
Grateful for JKT
Dear Editor: Here’s why I’m grateful for the chance to vote for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins:
He works harder than anyone I have ever known.
He has used some of that phenomenal energy to meet and listen to almost every person in our district.
He has devoted much of his life to learning about the people, the communities and cultures, and the ways of life that define us and shape our needs.
Jonathan’s character is absolutely defined by honesty, integrity, and a deeply genuine commitment to improving the quality of our lives.
Jonathan literally shines with an enthusiastic, open, and gentle love for people.
He is an exceptional person by every measure that counts. We are incredibly lucky to have this brilliant young man representing us in the Alaska Legislature.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is like no one else I have ever seen in any political office. I am grateful and proud that he represents us, and I feel very lucky for the opportunity to vote for him.
Richard K. Nelson, Sitka
A Vote for JKT
Dear Editor: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ candidacy for state House makes me feel hopeful and energized. Most politicians make me feel the opposite. It’s been a long campaign season, with a lot of negativity, which is why Jonathan’s campaign feels so different: Jonathan never goes negative.
Instead, he uses his energy to generate new ideas - and he’s equally gifted at following through. I’m constantly impressed by his ability to connect people with one another. He doesn’t try to go at it alone – he creates partnerships and solicits feedback whenever he can.
His collaborators are all over the map in terms of background, outlook, and political beliefs, but Jonathan has a gift for finding common ground. This kind of skill to connect others sometimes goes unnoticed, because it happens behind the scenes, but I believe it is crucially important in a legislator. It’s this skill and enthusiasm of Jonathan’s that makes me most supportive of his candidacy. It’s a labor of love – Jonathan’s passion for Southeast Alaska is palpable in all of his work.
I’m exhausted hearing about politicians who seem to waste a ton of time and money bickering, and I know that Jonathan is not that kind of politician. I believe in him, and I’m voting for him. I hope you’ll join me.
Sally Helm, Sitka
