Ferry Teleconference
Dear Editor: Our ferry system is struggling.
Tomorrow, Friday, noon-2 p.m. at the Legislative Information Office, the office next to AT&T in the Totem Square Inn building, is a public meeting. It’s important.
DOT sets the ferry schedule. Next summer’s schedule is one of the worst we’ve seen. Perhaps the worst ever. (Several collaborators and I are going into the State of Alaska archives to see just how bad it is, relative to all schedules since the creation of the ferry system in the ’60s.)
DOT senior brass, who ultimately set the schedule, as well as Sen. Peter Micciche (mi-CHEE-kee), a state senator from Soldotna, who serves on a committee responsible for setting ferry system budgets, will be there.
Be sure to share your perspective. These two hours tomorrow will really matter.
Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
Slave Auction
Dear Editor: Slavery, and enslavement, are, and historically have proven to be, part and parcel of the human condition from time immemorial on planet Earth. Which slavery were we talking about? In thirty-one years, no one told me; plus the fact, no one ever meant offense by the words, ‘‘slave auction.’’ Nonetheless, an apology is due for offending those who may have interpreted the name differently.
I’m with Rita. ... What was the ‘‘big deal?’’
Karen Lucas, Sitka
Ferry Service
Dear Editor: Marlene Campbell’s recent letter to the editor accurately described the alarming diminishment of ferry service to Sitka under the proposed summer 2016 summer schedule. The one northbound and one southbound sailings per week will adversely affect the entire community. Her plea, as well as that of Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott in a related news story, should be heard and acted upon by all Sitkans.
What was not mentioned in Campbell’s letter is that the connection between Angoon and Sitka, which had been reestablished in 2012 with the rebuilding of the Angoon dock, is eliminated in the proposed schedule. To address this issue, the additional sailings to Sitka that Campbell requests should be done by the LeConte, which can dock in Angoon. The Matanuska cannot. Adding a sailing of the LeConte would benefit both Sitkans and our neighbors in Angoon, for whom medical care at SEARHC and historic connections with family and friends in Sitka are vital.
I encourage all Sitkans to speak out by providing public comments until Nov. 3 at this email address: dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov. On Friday from noon-2 p.m. at the Legislative Information Office there will be a “Listening Session” with Senator Micciche, co-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. Please attend. Campbell’s letter also details other opportunities to weigh in on this critical issue. Let’s all get on board to expect equity in the ferry service to SE Alaska communities, and to start looking at long-term solutions for reliable ferry service to Sitka.
Brenda Campen, Sitka
Quilt Donation
Dear Editor: The Sitka Sound Science Center would like to thank Dana Pitts for her glorious donation of a quilt for a raffle that helped our board raise needed funds for our nonprofit organization. The quilt was won by Bay Mulligan. His grandma Phyllis purchased the winning ticket for him. Dana’s marine-themed quilt is amazing and will surely keep 6-year-old Bay warm and remind him of good science times for years to come.
Dana is a Science Center member, supporter and cheerleader. She has been trained as a docent and has provided a myriad of volunteer hours to our organization helping us improve our ability to deliver science education and research programs for the community.
Thank you, also, to the Elks Lodge for providing the permit and to the other people who took their chance with the raffle. In appreciation,
Science Center Board and Staff
