Dog Rescue
Dear Editor: It’s almost been a year since Ken Buxton brought us some sad little dogs from Ketchikan.
I was one of the lucky ones when I met my Trooper, an 8-pound terrier-mix. He was blind in one eye, one leg was damaged, a very bad heart and his hearing left something to be desired.
It was love at first sight! I am 80 years old and live alone, so I had time to help with his needs.
What a wonderful year we have had. My family bought me a pet carrier on wheels, so we take walks without a balance problem.
Many thanks to Ken Buxton! I have talked to others who agree – only in Sitka, Alaska, would you find a Ken Buxton, and a Dr. Burgess Bauder, who brought so much joy to families, and myself!
A humble thank you from a grateful lady.
Vicky Porter, Sitka
Vote for JKT and Bert
Dear Editor: I have seen a lot of ‘‘red’’ signs on lawns in Sitka this election cycle. It seems like national political mores have invaded our fair town. Many of these ‘‘red’’ signs are in front of homes of people I like and respect. I don’t quite understand why many are choosing to support the ‘‘red’’ candidate for the State House of Representatives.
On the other hand, I cannot imagine myself voting for someone other than Bert Stedman, a so-called, ‘‘red’’ guy. He is intelligent, experienced, and is working hard for Alaska’s fiscal future, fighting the oil companies the majority ‘‘red’’ candidates have enriched to our detriment. I guess you would say that he is affiliated with the ‘‘red’’ sign people, but his behavior shows that he is working for what is right for Alaska and Southeast, not some political dogma. With the ‘‘red’’ candidate for the House, we hear and see in her ads the ‘‘red’’ policies that have taken Alaska to the brink of economic disaster.
Similarly, I cannot imagine voting for someone other tham Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. Like Bert, he is extraordinarily intelligent, has gotten great experience, and is working hard for Alaska’s fiscal future, fighting the oil companies the majority ‘‘red’’ candidates have enriched to our detriment. I like the fact that my representative is, I can comfortably say in this case, a lot more intelligent than me. He also is working not just for ‘‘blue’’ ideas, but for the best ideas for Alaskans. In this way, he is like Senator Stedman.
I hope that when we put up signs here in Sitka, what counts is the name on it and the experiences and ideas that the name brings with it. Let the ‘‘reds’’ and ‘‘blues’’ fight it out on the national stage, but here in S.E. Alaska, let’s not vote a color, but for the best people for the job. If you are paying attention it is extremely clear that those people are Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins for the State House and Bert Stedman for the Senate.
Bob Potrzuski, Sitka
Support Kreiss-Tomkins
Dear Editor: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is remarkably well suited to the work of the Legislature. He is brilliant, astonishingly hard-working, creative and humble. He can work with anyone, on either side of the aisle, to accomplish work on behalf of Alaskans.
I sought Jonathan’s help in creating affordable housing in Sitka. His response to my request has been tremendously supportive. He is working on state land acquisitions on behalf of Sitka, he makes specific local zoning text recommendations, and he regularly sends creative ideas. His response to my request demonstrates that he took the concern of a citizen and made it his concern.
Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is devoted to serving Southeast Alaskans. One hears the word “devoted” used more casually than I mean it here. Jonathan is devoted to serve in the deep and pervasive sense of the word.
There is a quote of Jonathan’s on his campaign website (http://jonathanforstatehouse.com/) which I think illustrates the sort of legislator and person he is:
“I believe in the politics of humility: good ideas are good ideas no matter where they come from, and good people are good people no matter what party they belong to.”
I am going to vote for Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, and I heartily recommend that you do the same.
Randy Hughey, Sitka
Ferry Schedule
Dear Editor: The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities recently presented its proposed summer 2017 AMHS ferry schedule for review and public comment. I would encourage Sitkans to take a look and provide feedback.
One year ago, Sitkans spoke loudly and clearly about the need for consistent, reliable, reasonable service. The AMHS responded and the LeConte returned to Sitka for summer 2016, making alternate week stops in Angoon on the way to/from Juneau. The proposed 2017 schedule pulls the LeConte off a Sitka run, and Sitka is left with one southbound and two northbound ferries per week.
There is no connection to Angoon, which presents a huge issue for residents needing medical care at SEARHC. AMHS has had to make cuts due to the state’s fiscal crisis, but a compromise with our Lynn Canal neighbors would be a way for all of us to share the burden in this difficult economic climate. Returning the LeConte to the service provided last summer would be a reasonable accommodation. The deadline for comments is Oct. 24. Go to the AMHS website – Service Notices – Oct. 11 Press Release. There you will find the proposed schedule, contacts via FAX and email, and information on a public teleconference to be held Oct. 27. Send copies of your feedback to our elected officials. Let them know how critical the Alaska Marine Highway System is to Sitka’s economy and community well-being.
Brenda Campen, Sitka
JKT and Fisheries
Dear Editor: Although Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkin’s current priority is balancing the state’s budget, when I think of JKT I think of his work on fisheries issues.
I’m a young fisherman; I grew up in Point Baker and have lived in Southeast Alaska for most of my life. Last winter, shortly after making my first payment on my power troller, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop that was designed to help community leaders, fishermen, and advocates better understand the “graying of the fleet.” Like many of you, I have first-hand experience with the challenges of fisheries access, and I was heartened to see a politician at the workshop who had done significant research and was actively pursuing solutions.
One of JKT’s solutions is legislation that will create a framework for locally governed permit banks; essentially keeping a small number of fishing permits off the market and permanently anchored in our communities to provide young people an affordable start to their fishing career. It’s a well-constructed piece of legislation, and I think is exemplar of JKT’s approach to governance.
JKT’s work on fisheries access is informed by an understanding of his constituent communities across Southeast Alaska. The many miles that JKT has traveled to communities large and small allows him to frame policy solutions that play to our region’s common strengths. The permit bank bill was also shaped by an impressive collaborative effort, which included UFA, CDQ groups, tribal entities and young fishermen like me.
Problems like fisheries access are complex, and although there’s no silver bullet, JKT and his team were able to draw on their understanding of Alaska while looking outside the state to learn from other fishing communities that have endeavored to sustain small boat fleets. You’ve heard people talk about Jonathan’s hard work and research, and I’ve seen it in action on this bill.
In the current political environment, I look to a leader like JKT – who is committed to building a bipartisan coalition in Juneau, and whose legislation represents the collaborative effort of leaders outside of Juneau as well – to develop innovative and lasting solutions for our state’s problems. I appreciate Jonathan’s sincerity and commitment, and I know that his approach to governance goes beyond ideology.
When JKT takes a stand or drafts a bill I can trust that he has done his research, sought council from a diversity of people, and above all else is thinking about what he has learned from face to face meetings with his constituents. I’ll be glad to support Jonathan’s bid for reelection on Nov. 8.
Elsa Sebastian, Sitka
