Supports JKT
Dear Editor: I’d like to look at the integrity and ethics of our state Representative JKT by recalling a few of the initiatives and laws that he has initiated and/or supported.
Earlier this year, many of us in Sitka signed a “Alaskans for public integrity” ballot initiative. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins was the statewide co-chair of this ballot initiative and a cosponsor of the legislation that ultimately passed the Alaska Legislature.
Thanks to the initiative and thanks to Jonathan, this initiative is now the law of Alaska.
The ethics reforms include two biggies:
1. “No budget, no pay.” Remember how these last few years the legislature has gone to the brink of government shutdown almost every year? The reforms Rep. JKT championed, and that are now law, puts legislators’ skin the game: if they try to play a game of “chicken” with the budget and Alaskans’ livelihoods, per diem is similarly cut off.
2. Closes the ethics loophole that allows lobbyists to wine and dine legislators over $100 meals. There are all too many examples of lobbyists taking legislators and their spouses out for $100 meals, sometimes literally the night before a major vote is cast on an issue important to the lobbyist’s client. Thanks to Rep. JKT and his partners, this will be no more.
A variety of other measures, including relating to transparency relating to legislators’ international travel and declaring conflicts of interest, were included in the legislation.
These reforms are long overdue and we are fortunate to have Jonathan pushing for good governance in Juneau. I, for one, want two more years of his leadership representing us in the Alaska Legislature.
Grace Brooks, Sitka
Idle Free Thanks
Dear Editor: Thanks to everyone who has participated and supported the new Stop Idling, Start Saving campaign. Idling is the common practice of running a gas-powered vehicle when it’s not moving. Since idling vehicles emit 30 million tons of carbon dioxide (the main greenhouse gas) into the atmosphere every year, the Sitka Health Summit’s CO2 reducers action group approved a $500 grant to support this work. Thanks to them and to LFS Marine Supplies, the STUDIO by Emily, Unity Botanicals, and Evergreen Natural Foods who provided prizes for the Turn your key and be idle free raffle. We sincerely appreciate the 170 Sitkans who entered by signing a pledge to limit idling. Your commitment to protect yourself, others and the environment is greatly needed.
Last week, the United Nations released an alarming report on climate change. It had more than 6,000 scientific references and one clear message: urgent action is needed. The severity of this report was punctuated by hurricane Michael, a massive storm that was strengthened by warmer ocean waters. We need to make hundreds of improvements and changes. One simple action that can be implemented now is just turning your engine off when parked and limiting warm up times in cold weather to the recommended 30 second maximum. Turning your engine off when parked is simple, it saves you money and it’s a step in the right direction.
Stephanie Staley and Doug Osborne
Suicide Awareness
Dear Editor: I wanted to thank all those who took part in the first Sitka Suicide Awareness and Prevention Walk on Saturday, Oct. 6. We had around 50 people and three good-natured dogs take part in the walk from Crescent Harbor over the bridge to UAS, where we had treats, fellowship, meditation and a craft project to bring awareness to suicide or to memorialize loved ones. It helped immensely that it was perfect weather too.
Special thanks to UAS for allowing us to host the event there, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska for providing healthy fruit trays, Melissa Marconi-Wentzel, Kelsie Barbour, Crystal Duncan and David Felts for help in planning, and Melissa and Cindy Westergaard for speaking at the gathering. Thanks also to Chad at UAS for vacuuming up enormous amounts of glitter after the event!
I hope to make this a yearly event to bring awareness to the problem of suicide and to share resources that are available in Sitka. I hope to see more of you there next year, wearing purple and supporting this wonderful community.
Kathy Ingallinera, Sitka
Yes on Ballot Measure 1
Dear Editor: Stand for Salmon.
Well it’s been a confusing time but it’s become clear the way I’ll vote on Ballot Measure 1.
Here’s part of my reasoning Stand for Salmon/Stand for Alaska. Dang no brainer right? WRONG. Stand for Alaska seems to be playing the sleight of hand/ hoodwink to sow confusion with Alaskans. Well that was until a court ruling was handed down saying they had to state their opposition in their title. Voila- Stand for Alaska vote no on 1. Just a simple mistake? I don’t think so. With over $10 million rolling into Stand for Alaska vote no on 1 coffers they bought the best and sleaziest ad campaign big money can buy.
Along with the sleaze comes innuendo, misrepresentations and scare tactics. In a development state like Alaska it’s a “tried and true” recipe.
Take for example Shee Atika’ board’s ad, (which is also on their web site) in the Daily Sitka Sentinel last Friday. 6 points to create unease, distrust written by yours truly Stand for Alaska vote no on 1. Along with one bonus point “-This can impact the Katlian Bay Road Project” written by Shee Atika. I appreciate their local concern much more then the six others not written by them.
The above are only some of the reasons I’ll vote YES on Ballot Measure 1. I will add a my local perspective on why I support Stand for Salmon later.
John Murray, Sitka
