Sitka DV Numbers
Dear Editor: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. You might have seen the flag display at Crescent Harbor symbolizing the numbers Sitkans Against Family Violence collected for our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
If not, we want to share them here. For comparison, please see the numbers of the previous year in parentheses. Eighty-six (89) children and 165 (131) women stayed at the shelter during this year because of domestic violence, for a total of 4,174 (3,512) bednights. SAFV received and responded to 384 (568) crisis calls, and the Sitka Police Department responded to 136 (157) domestic violence calls.
These numbers show a dark side of our community. We encourage everyone who witnesses violent behavior of a couple, physically or verbally, to intervene if it’s safe to do. You can contact SAFV for some creative intervention strategies by calling 747-3370. We are all bystanders who can make a difference.
Martina Kurzer,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
Slashed Tire
Dear Editor: For four days (Oct. 10 through 13) a road grader sat near the corner of Monastery Street and Shennett Street. Leaning against the front corner of the road grader was a road-grader tire – five feet in diameter and about two feet across its thick tread. In the side of the tire was a seven-inch knife slash. Who? And, why would someone slow the road work and burden the city with the cost of replacing this tire? Replacing it must have cost the city several hundred dollars. Sitka’s citizenry is noteworthy for having many caring and helpful people – but not all. There are a few who are neither caring and helpful – nor thinking. How can we help these few to be better citizens?
Alice Smith, Sitka
Support JKT
Dear Editor: I am writing to support Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins’ re-election to the Legislature. Our state is in a difficult period, and we need to retain smart, compassionate, dedicated legislators who listen to us.
Too many legislators listen to a few well-funded voices that support them and do not consider the future of Alaska’s people. Exceptions like Jonathan give one some hope in the process.
I have lived in Haines for 40 years, and served in the Legislature for eight. Jonathan represented me for the past two years, and has proven without question that his door is open and that he is sincere about providing each Alaskan with equal access to government and equal protection under the law.
Jonathan continues his outreach efforts between elections, spending significant time in each community between sessions. He has demonstrated integrity, an open ear and an open mind, and he has won the respect of his colleagues.
I am sorry that reapportionment prevents me from having Jonathan as my representative, and hope you will allow him to continue to serve Alaska.
Peter Goll, Haines
Gun Safety Education
Dear Editor: I would like to publicly thank Corporal Lance R. Ewers, who is a staff instructor at the Alaska State Troopers Public Safety Training Academy here in Sitka.
It started with a casual conversation during a flag football game recently. My husband and I planned on giving our son a BB gun for his upcoming 9th birthday. We felt there should be some type of gun safety instruction that went along with this milestone gift. Someone at the game mentioned that Cpl. Lance Ewers might know of such a class. Well, after a short discussion he offered to give an age-appropriate gun safety course at the trooper academy for our son and several of his friends.
Corporal Lance gave 60 minutes of his own time along with several of his recruits last night giving very important education to five 8- and 9-year-olds. The way he presented the information was both educational and fun. He has laid a great foundation for these boys to build upon in the years to come in their respect for firearms and law enforcement.
Thank you, Corporal Lance, and thank you to the Alaska State Trooper Public Training Academy for allowing this opportunity for our son and his friend.
Jeff and Kat Richards, Sitka
