Himschoot Support
Dear Editor: I’m thrilled to be casting my vote for Rebecca Himschoot to represent us in the Alaska House of Representatives, and I would love to share why I hope Rebecca can earn your support tomorrow.
The last four years of the Alaska Legislature, and specifically the Alaska House, have been a cross between a Netflix political drama and a soap opera… but rather than pure entertainment, what’s happened in Juneau has shaped the future of our state.
In 2018, the Alaska House was de facto deadlocked 20-20. Both sides were unable to recruit a 21st vote to elect a speaker of the house and do the business of a legislative session. After 30-plus days, a group of moderate Republicans joined Democrats and independents to form a Bipartisan Coalition.
2020 was deja vu all over again: a 20-20 stalemate, a game of chicken, and the formation of a Bipartisan Coalition.
The Alaska House is going to be closely divided again in 2022 (though God help us if it’s another 20-20 split). Which is to say, every seat will matter, and that includes ours, which is a more competitive seat than some might think.
At stake is the responsible management of the $70 billion Permanent Fund and the sustainability of the PFD, the future of the ferry system, and whether Alaska fisheries management is wholly taken over by Southcentral sports fish interests. I’d greatly prefer to have a Coalition in power, helping mediate the answer of these tremendously important issues.
Rebecca is a Bipartisan Coalition kind of candidate. Her opponent is not.
I’m so excited to be able to vote for Rebecca. I hope you’ll consider doing the same.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Sitka
A Vote for Rebecca
Dear Editor: As Sitka’s former Fire Chief and a city government employee for 25 years, I know that public service requires hard work, patient listening, and genuine dedication to the community.
That’s why I’m voting for Rebecca Himschoot for State House on November 8. In her work as a teacher and on the Assembly, I’ve seen Rebecca embody these qualities. I’m confident that she would be a powerful advocate for us in Juneau.
Rebecca is not only an award-winning long-time educator in the Sitka School District, but a thoughtful and community-centered Assembly member. In her time on the Assembly, she has helped get the Sitka Bear Task Force up and running, and helped to spearhead the creation of the Sitka Climate Action Task Force, which is now a permanent commission.
On the Assembly and in the classroom, Rebecca has demonstrated that she can thoughtfully listen and persistently advocate for a community with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. That’s exactly what we need in Juneau.
I’ll be voting for her on November 8, and I hope you do the same.
Dave Miller, Sitka
Voting for Himschoot
Dear Editor: Please vote for Rebecca Himschoot for Alaska State Legislature. She will represent Sitka well. Thank you.
Benjamin Miyasato, Sitka
