Supports Kreiss-Tomkins
Dear Editor: I don’t consider myself a particularly “political” person. I’ve never before volunteered for a political campaign, nor have I written a letter to the editor — on any subject.
But this year feels very different. On Nov. 6 Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins will run to represent Sitka and Southeast in the state House. I couldn’t be more excited to vote for Jonathan —a young Sitkan who cares about the long-term future of our community.
Growing up in Sitka I’ve known Jonathan from many different organizations and activities and the same qualities that impressed me then continue to impress me now: his incredible work ethic, his energy, and his kindness.
Throughout his life, Jonathan has put these qualities to work in striving to improve life in Sitka. Even while away at college, Jonathan founded two programs working to encourage more talented young people to come to Sitka: Bulldogs on Baranof and Sitka Fellows.
To me, these programs exemplify Jonathan’s long-term perspective on our home. Jonathan cares deeply about strengthening the foundations of our economy: by prioritizing spending on infrastructure, supporting our fishing fleet, and fully funding our schools. He’s also focused on planning for the long-term and on finding innovative ways to keep Sitka and Southeast strong in the years to come.
I trust Jonathan’s long-term vision for Sitka and southeast. And more importantly, I know that he has the energy, intelligence, and drive to realize that vision. As a young person looking to build a life in Sitka, that’s hugely important to me.
Alaina Brown, Sitka
Supports Thomas
Dear Editor: I have known and worked with Bill Thomas since I was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1995. Either as a lobbyist or now the representative for the Southeast Alaska, Bill has demonstrated his commitment to your area of the state.
Some legislators never learn the value of being a team member or the value of leadership positions, such as the co-chairmanship of the House Finance Committee. Bill has! He is very effective in his position in the Legislature and has been a strong advocate for Southeast Alaska.
For the continued benefit of Southeast Alaska, you should re-elect Bill Thomas to the House of Representatives.
Alan Austerman, Kodiak
‘Music by Prudence’
Dear Editor: Southeast Alaska Independent Living would like to thank all those who attending the showing of the film ‘‘Music by Prudence.’’ A big thanks to the Sitka Film Society, Shannon Haugland, J. Bradley, Old Harbor Books and the PAC for presenting the film.
SAIL also thanks all those in our community of Sitka who celebrate National Disability Awareness and Employment Month all year by allowing everyone we meet extra time and consideration. When we get to know those around us, we find that we all can use a little more acceptance.
Dave Nuetzel, Program Director,
Southeast Alaska
Independent Living
Voting for JKT
Dear Editor: I am hoping the citizens and government representatives of Alaska can resist giving away our dollars and resources to the oil companies, who certainly are doing fine without additional perks. I’m also hoping that we can fund quality Alaskan education to grow our own Alaskan leaders of tomorrow. That’s why I’m voting for Jonathan Kreiss Tomkins.
Bill Hutton, Sitka
Jonathan Support
Dear Editor: In recent weeks, we’ve had the chance to learn about one of the most extraordinary people ever to run for election in Alaska – Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
Jonathan was born and raised in Sitka, but he made a name for himself nationally by serving as the Alaska organizer for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign – at the age of 13.
He went on to study public policy at Yale, and after graduating he brought back a team of young volunteers that he’d organized to work in our community.
At the same time, Jonathan founded the Sitka Fellows Program, which brings outstanding professionals to pursue their work and donate their talents to Sitka. Many of them were showcased at last summer’s TEDx talks.
It’s an understatement to say that Jonathan is well-rounded. He is an exceptionally talented musician and athlete. His work experience ranges from troller deckhand to policy specialist for local nonprofits. He is gifted with a remarkable intellect, kindness and generosity of spirit,a nd above all, truly unlimited energy.
To better inform himself about Alaska, Jonathan spent a summer traveling throughout the state, studying community life and learning about local issues. During this legislative campaign, he has visited every community and almost every household in the district.
I say with absolute conviction that if he is elected, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins will be one of the most extraordinary and insightful legislators we’ve ever had in Alaska. He will make us grateful and proud to say that he is one of our own.
I’m excited about the Nov. 6 election, because it’s a chance to vote for someone with such amazing promise, commitment, and potential – Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
Richard K. Nelson, Sitka
Thomas Support
Dear Editor: As the ever-shifting sands of redistricting have drifted, we now find Haines and Sitka in the same Alaska House District (34). Although Rep. Bill Thomas may be relatively new or unknown to some in Sitka, I urge you to contact your acquaintances in the communities those shifting sands have removed from representation by Mr. Thomas (e.g. Cordova, Yakutat, Skagway, Gustavus, Tenakee, etc.). I am confident you will find the vast majority of each community felt well-represented by Rep. Thomas. Bill is an effective legislator that works tirelessly for his constituents and region. He currently serves as co-chair of the finance committee. If you choose to elect Mr. Thomas, Sitka will be heard and effectively represented by an individual with a long track record of creating contented constituents, Bill will not disappoint you.
Gregg Richmond, Haines
Voting JKT
Dear Editor: I understand Rep. Bill Thomas’ experience value; however, I’ve not heard why fossil fuel harvesters need to not ‘‘pay dock price,’’ if experience of planning and management for the last 25 years or so has left us with 1 percent controlling 40 percent of national revenue or local grassroots reasoning why highest paying entry-level job is city multiservicer. Thirty years ago it was $17 an hour to sweep floors at the mill. I’m voting for the kid who won’t be bought, JKT.
I’m here for the duration.
Scott Saline, Sitka
Dr. T.M. Moore
Dear Editor: Old-timers will remember when Dr. T.M. Moore practiced surgery here. At one point his office was in the building next to True Value.
To note his passing, we decided to share a not-from T.M.’s daughter, Ann, received by De Ingwersen in August. She wrote:
‘‘On the morning of June 30, our dad, Tillman, died peacefully at home two weeks shy of his 85th birthday. He had a full and fulfilling life. He was a man of many interests and met friends along the way. Our family thanks you for the years of friendship. Sincerely, Anne Moore Wichenich.’’
Dr. T.M. was ordained to the Episcopal priesthood while Father Stratman was at St. Peter’s. He visited St. Peter’s in recent years with a daughter and a granddaughter.
Pauline Fredrickson, Secretary,
Episcopal Church Women
Florence Donnelly
Dear Editor: Mrs. Donnelly, my “Indian Mom,” was a very important part of Sitka’s effort to try to civilize me back in the 1940s. She was always interested in what I was up to. Always cheerful.
Always supportive. A love unearned, unqualified, spontaneous, and consistent.
Warm memories of this wonderful second Mom include being greeted at the front door when I hand-delivered the Sentinel, and she handed me the most gorgeous, aromatic, thick slice of hot white bread right out of the oven, smothered with real butter with a perfect brown crust all the way around the edge. My other Mom made great bread, but Mrs. Donnelly’s was, well, better.
Very early memories of my childhood include being picked up, snuggled, and then threatened to be thrown out the window. Or in the oven. A moment of fright was followed by squeals of delight and an abundance of laughter.
Everyone in any gym in town knew when Mrs. Donnelly was at a basketball game – her voice rose above all others. For many decades Mrs. Donnelly cheered, loudly. And we all knew she was there.
Later in life, when “Mrs. Donnelly” became “Florence,” I learned bits and pieces about her life. But not very much. The theme again and again, visit after visit, was “what is happening at Sheldon Jackson?” Most of the time I didn’t know. Really, I didn’t have a clue. I was as puzzled as everyone else, but somehow she would kind of prod me into wandering down Jeff Davis to campus to try to find out. Sometimes I felt like her private spy, with the unspoken expectation to report back before returning to Anchorage. Florence cared a great deal about SJ. She loved SJ. You should hear her sing the Sheldon Jackson Fight Song! A powerful voice, full of amazing oomph. Another Florence trademark was playing the piano and bellowing out the song “I Love Humpback Salmon.”
It was a privilege to be one of many local kids who grew up with Florence’s cheerful love. She made me feel special. And, I’d like to thank Bunny and Eva and their families for sharing their Mother, their grandmother, with the rest of us, a lot of us.
Also, I’d like to thank Mary Joy Malassab, CNA, her skilled home health provider; Ruth Roth, a most helpful, faithful friend; and her granddaughter, Angela Smisek, who combined many trips from California with regular telephone calls to help during these recent, difficult years.
Finally, the passing of Florence Donnelly reminds me, sharply, about the importance of quality child care for kids at one end of life, the importance of supportive friends throughout life, and the importance of quality health care at the end of life.
Nancy Yaw Davis, Sitka
Corporate Players
Dear Editor: I don’t believe it would be in Sitka’s best interest to be represented in the Legislature solely by two members of Sealaska Corporation’s board of directors, Sen. Albert Kookesh and Rep. Bill Thomas.
After all, it was Sen. Kookesh, the board chairman, who made lightly veiled threats to eliminate state funding in Sitka if the Sitka Assembly did not support the Sealaska Lands legislation. It is the Sealaska Corporation who is fighting to take private ownership of Redoubt. And Sealaska would like to minimize fisheries protection so they can maximize profit from timber harvest. None of these things are in the best interests of our community.
Together these two men make around well over $100,000 each year from Sealaska Corporation. How can they impartially represent their entire district under these circumstances?
I’ve had enough of behind-the-scenes corporate players controlling public policy. I’ll be voting for Sen. Bert Stedman and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins next Tuesday because I believe they are smart, honest, and forward looking.
Barth Hamberg, Sitka
