Campaign Signage
Dear Editor: On Oct. 7, all state candidates in the Sitka district were notified that per state regulations, “campaign signs placed within the state rights of way are unauthorized encroachments and are subject to immediate removal by DOT&PF staff” and “political signs may not be erected or maintained within 660 feet of the nearest edge of the right of way if the sole purpose of being read from that travel way. If a sign is observed as a hazard, the property owner and candidate will receive a letter stating so and requiring removal of the sign within 30 days.”
As far as I can tell, no signs have been removed by candidates, their supporters or DOT&PF staff who are responsible for policing the situation. In fact, more have appeared.
One campaign committee member told me “Well, we have 30 days and the election will be over by then so we’re not taking any signs down” and another asked, “So what?”
Being a scofflaw certainly makes me think twice about voting for any of these candidates. Do they think being in public office puts them above the law?
Megan Pasternak, Sitka
Election Distortion
Dear Editor: I listened to House candidate Sheila Finkenbinder’s opinion piece on Raven Radio last night. She critiqued Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkin’s performance in the House. While I found several of her statements misleading or off-the-mark, one in particular struck me as a cheap shot ... as well as being completely false.
She spoke of SB 91, a substantial overhaul of our criminal justice system by the 2016 Legislature. The bill was supported by Rep. Kreiss-Tomkins and nearly three-quarters of both the House and Senate – members of both parties. In her criticism she said, “Sex offenders love it.” The innuendo here is that JKT, and three-quarters of the Legislature, have been doing something to help out sex offenders. There is no truth to this.
I have read every word in this 123-page bill. It is largely focused on sentencing issues. Penalties for sex offenses weren’t changed. At all. Now there were several amendments with respect to parole procedures and eligibility – addressed now in the amended Alaska Statutes 33.16.089, 33.16.090(a)(2) and 33.16.210. But the bill stated that these revised and loosened parole rules would NOT extend to those convicted of sex offenses. Throughout the bill, the Legislature clarified that the changes were inapplicable to those convicted of sex crimes.
That’s it. Nothing to “love” if you are a sex offender.
This campaign season has seen many smearing comments in the national race. I had hoped that we wouldn’t have distortions by local candidates, such as this nonsensical claim by Ms. Finkenbinder. I’m disappointed in this.
James W. McGowan, Sitka
Support Sheila
Dear Editor: I would like to express my support for Sheila in the race for Sitka’s district seat in the Alaska State Legislature.
I have known her for a long time, since the mill closure. It was then that she took her own action to help this community when she formed a nonprofit that focused on helping displaced mill workers, and others, in their effort to stay in Sitka by forming “Sitka Works.” She helped counsel, and also brought in professionals, to help small businesses stabilize during financial challenges from a mill closure, and she also help small business opportunities happen.
She also did an incredible job for the Sitka Chamber of Commerce as its executive director. In a one person office, she was a tireless worker, advocate, and supporter of the business community of Sitka. The business community, and many of its workers, saw her consistently, constantly stopping by and seeing what else she could do to help Sitka businesses.
I was on the Assembly back in those days of substantial struggle for this community. We needed people like her to help Sitka through tough times. She didn’t wait to ask or to act - she took action to help where she could and she made an impact on so many small businesses or displaced mill workers trying to stay in Sitka. I appreciate that about her.
In a difficult time for Alaska and its budget struggles, we need to be on the inside of the decision making in Juneau where we have been taking difficult hits to state support for the district. The glaring one is losing out when Sitka voted out the sitting House Co-Chair of Finance and lost the $40 million in grant money for Blue Lake which has now translated into borrowed money which is the utility bill you are frustrated at, and will be for 30 or so years. It is what it is in politics. With more political focus from the railbelt, we need to get back inside the room in Juneau where decisions are made.
Sheila has a track record of diligence, financial accountability, supporting the broad community, honesty, and a strong desire to help the entire community. Her 25-year track record of helping Sitkans is already there. I’ll be voting for Sheila.
Keith Perkins, Sitka
Age Issue
Dear Editor: I would like to invoke Ronald Reagan’s quip from the 1984 debate and applaud JKT for not making age an issue in this campaign and for not exploiting his opponent’s relative age and lack of youthful energy.
Stephen Rhoads, Sitka
Help Officer’s Family
Dear Editor: Police lives matter. Our police officers protect us against danger and educate us about our laws. We need to support them and their families.
Recently Sgt. Allen Brandt of the Fairbanks Police Department, an 11-year veteran, died after being shot while on duty. We can help his family financially during this tragedy by placing funds into account #60591-3067 which is set up for them at Wells Fargo Bank. Let’s do what we can. Thank you.
Stanley Schoening, Sitka
Vote for Jonathan
Dear Editor: I voted early for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins as Representative for Alaska House District 35. I voted for Jonathan because he has done good work representing Sitka in the Alaska House during his previous two terms. I also voted for Jonathan because he represents the voice of the next generation and the future of Alaska.
As one of the youngest legislators in the entire state, Jonathan’s age is an asset. He is an inspiration to both his constituents and his peers. He shows them that the future of our state lies in their hands. As a young Alaskan, Jonathan approaches issues in the Alaska Legislature with an eye to the future. He carefully considers how his decisions will impact our state not just in the short run but also over the next 30 to 40 years. He is part of a generation that will be living through the decisions the Alaska Legislature makes today. As the generation that is inheriting the end of Alaska’s oil economy and the growing impacts of climate change, the decisions the Legislature makes now are critical to how our state is able to deal with these huge challenges.
Jonathan is part of a much needed generational shift in Alaska state politics. He understands that the way the Alaska Legislature governs needs to change. Jonathan is part of that change. He has already brought new energy and new leadership into Alaska’s government and he will continue to do so throughout his career as an Alaska politician.
I encourage everyone to get out and vote and to choose Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins as our Alaska House Representative.
Andrew Thoms, Sitka
