Thomas Support
Dear Editor: Haines and Sitka are more similar than not, and I am intrigued by what we might be able to accomplish as an election district. We want more than a shared representative; we want that representative to address regional transportation, energy and economic issues to enhance the region. We want funding for infrastructure. We want sound educational, public health and resource management policy. We want support for the arts. We will cut our opportunities short if we compete as communities.
I am asking the Sitka community to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on the election of Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins over William (Bill) Thomas. Should Jonathan be seated, we will have an intelligent, idealistic, energetic and focused representative working very hard on our behalf. Because he would be new to the Legislature, he would be seated on those committees that are saved for the inexperienced and uninitiated. That’s how it works. Should Bill Thomas be retained through the support of the Sitka community, Sitka will benefit by having a representative already positioned as co-chair of finance with the ability to influence the Legislature by virtue of his reputation. Haines has retained Bill Thomas for a reason; he has served his district well. Jonathan has many attributes, but position is not one of them.
Please consider this when you cast your ballot.
Debra Schnabel, Haines
Supports Jonathan
Dear Editor: With the barrage of election-time advertisements, it is easy to become discouraged about the nature of our political system. However, the one bright spot within this sea of twisted facts, subtle and not-too-subtle personal jabs, and confusion over where people stand (especially on the oil tax issue) is the candidacy of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. Jonathan is running on a platform of integrity, non-partisanship, and community service which should be at the core of every politician’s campaign.
There is no question he has limited political experience, but if we want to vote with the future in mind, and not just the next two years or to maintain the status quo, the choice is clear. Case in point is the Blue Lake expansion. Because Blue Lake has been already vetted through the Legislature, either Jonathan or Bill Thomas will be equally effective in securing support for Blue Lake. The real issue is the next project, whether it be Takatz or some other proposal. Jonathan has his sights on the future, and has shown that he will work with all communities to come up with a solution.
Jonathan has the intelligence and creativity to work within the political system while not compromising his values. I hope you will join me in voting for him next week.
Scott Harris, Sitka
Fishermen Support
Dear Editor: I am voting for Jonathan Kreiss Tomkins for House. I think most of us would agree that salmon is the lifeblood of Southeast Alaska. Salmon makes our commercial fishing industry one of the most sustainable in the world, it creates recreation opportunities which attract visitors and subsistence salmon fill our freezers. I believe that Jonathan understands this best of the two candidates.
Although Bill Thomas promotes himself as a commercial fishermen, his actions and words deserve a closer look. In all the campaign materials I have seen, Bill Thomas never mentions that he has been a Sealaska board member for over three years and earns approximately $50,000 annually for attending Sealaska meetings
At a recent forum in Sitka, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and Bill Thomas both were asked if they would support extending the current Alaska state forest buffers along salmon streams from the current 66 feet to 100 feet. The candidates gave very different responses. Bill Thomas seemed most concerned with the potential devaluation of Native corporation property if a 100 foot buffer was implemented. Not once in his response did he mention the importance of salmon or their habitat.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins stressed, “We really need to support the fishing industry in Southeast. It is the lifeblood of this region without question. … The forestry just needs to be conducted in a responsible manner.’’
I can’t help but wonder if Bill Thomas’s answer was influenced by what would be best for Sealaska. After all, Sealaska has spent tens of thousands of dollars on research to promote the idea that their current salmon buffers are adequate and perhaps larger than they need to be. Bill’s answer echoes his previous testimony in 2011 House Finance Committee meeting where he stated he had been involved with buffers as a Native corporation president. He added compensation was not received for the loss of timber on any private lands within buffers and large trees within the buffer could be worth $60,000. In Bill’s opinion, it seems trees are worth more turned into dollar bills rather than providing a salmon buffer.
These stated positions seem to blur the lines and call into question the connection between Rep. Thomas’s Sealaska affiliation and his elected position in the Alaskan Legislature. Sealaska has a newly formed Political Action Committee with a stated goal “To influence or attempt to influence the nomination or election of individuals in order to promote the interests of Sealaska’s shareholders. If Bill Thomas is elected, will he be looking out for commercial fishermen who know the value of stream buffers or a Sealaska board member who sees these buffers as a commodity to cut down for corporate profit?
I will vote for the candidate who looks beyond narrow self-interest and corporate values and will work for what is best for all the people of Southeast Alaska. I urge you to vote for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
Clarice Johnson, Sitka
Kreiss-Tomkins
Dear Editor: Please vote for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for state House. “Not only does Jonathan support the ideals and goals I endorse, but he is a dynamic person with incredible qualities that you may not realize with a quick look. Jonathan is an avid outdoorsman, hiking, biking, running and doing the impossible physical activities I only dream of doing. He has hiked across the wilderness of Baranof Island, three times, climbed the highest unclimbed mountain in the Western Hemisphere (El Muertito), all alone except for the company of nature and pursued many dreams that people talk of but never really attempt or accomplish.
His peaceful, quiet demeanor hide the incredible strengths that lie within. He has worked as a deckhand on a troller, majored in public policy at Yale, founded Bulldogs on Baranof and founded Sitka Fellows. He also is an accomplished cello player and performer. Jonathan is a talented young man with a very promising future. He has proven that when he takes on a task or goal, he gets it done. I totally endorse Jonathan for state House.
Kristine Fulton, Sitka
