Our Climate
Dear Editor: I have been reading more and more about climate change. I liken the spot our earth is in to a science fiction disaster horror show. Aliens are attacking earth and all the people and countries of the world have to unite to remedy the situation.
We know there is a problem. Denying it magnifies it and is the very cause of the problem. The leaders of this state, this country, and worldwide are in denial or lack the courage to face their financial masters and do what is best for the population. It is time for us to do what we know is critical: reduce our footprint, use less, get the chemicals out of the atmosphere, oceans, our bodies, and get people with a backbone into office.
I think if 99 out of 100 doctors told me I was sick and needed to change my diet or climate, I would listen.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Ferry System
Dear Editor: Tongass/Roadless: Climate change demands saving the Earth’s carbon-soaking forests. Yet Alaska and the nation want to weaken the current ROADLESS designations of our priceless Tongass National Forest for more uses? Sullivan, Murkowski and Young rejoice that the country’s largest forest can be irresponsibly logged, mined and recreated for economic gain. “Pennywise and Pound Foolish,’’ I say. ‘‘The Death of Common Sense and Cents,’’ punishing people for profit.
Connect the dots: Alaska is spending at least $30 million to build a 9-mile road to unpopulated Katlian Bay. This single-lane gravel road somehow will be open all year to “provide increased recreational and subsistence opportunities on Baranof Island, provide access to Native Corporation (Shee Atika) lands and provide access to potential new material sources on state, federal and Native corporation lands for possible future development.”
At the same time: La Conte is grounded for want of $2 million maintenance monies. The Malispina is in long-term layup because the $16 million needed for repairs is not in the budget. Consequently hundreds of folks in Gustavus, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Angoon will have no ferry service! None!
Roadless be darned. Our ferry system is a vital part of Alaska’s roadways. It’s just common cents that they halt the road building and fix the ferries!
Ann Stephenson, Sitka
Car Recall Notices
Dear Editor: In 2018 we bought a 2018 Subaru with lots of extras thought to be good choices for safe driving.
We received a recall notice in October of 2018 involving our ‘‘information center.’’
Talking to a local car repair business, we found no one in Sitka has the ability/equipment to reset certain computer related issues. At first glance, we didn’t think the recall was a major issue.
We also discovered a Juneau dealership had sent someone to Sitka with everything needed to reset computers in Hondas. We e-mailed Juneau suggesting the same could be done for Subarus (and others). We did not receive a reply and were reluctant to spend the time and money for a round-trip (think ferry system/hotels, etc.)
A few days ago our entire information system went blank – no backup or other warnings, no radio, nothing. We again sent a note to Juneau suggesting a visit to Sitka might be worthwhile. No response.
If you have computer issues (on any brand) we would suggest you contact the dealer from which you purchased the vehicle and the home office of the brand. How hard would it be to honor warranty and recalls?
Alice and Jon Wolcott, Sitka
