SCS Supports Prop 2
Dear Editor: Sitka Conservation Society is in support of Ballot Proposition 2, which asks whether the City of Sitka shall withdraw just over $8 million from the Permanent Fund to pay for the construction of a marine vessel haulout and shipyard at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.
Traditional harvest, recreational, sport, and commercial fishing industries are a critical part of Sitka’s economic development strategy, our food security, and community wellbeing. Sitka hosts the largest commercial fishing fleet in Southeast Alaska, and hosts a large transient fleet of recreators, visitors, and fishermen from across the region and the Pacific Northwest throughout the seasons. These fleets make up the fabric of our community. These fishermen are our neighbors and friends; they are us and our families. The impact of this industry is felt well beyond the docks; from sales tax to school enrollment, to restaurants, grocery stores and myriad other local businesses.
This decision was not taken lightly, as we believe that the integrity of the Sitka Permanent Fund is of utmost importance for current and future generations and, ultimately, any withdrawal should be paid back so that future generations can continue to recognize returns from this fund. In addition, we believe that building a community haulout is also an investment in future generations, and the future of Sitka as a fishing community. Instead of stock markets, we are physically investing in our community’s ability to continue harvesting, recreating and earning a living from the surrounding waters and the fisheries they support.
Many fishermen are stalwart defenders of the Tongass and advocates for the sustainable management and use of the resources provided by the land and sea. In dedication to this ethic of ensuring the vitality of this place for generations to come, we encourage responsible development of this facility in a way that will minimize the environmental impacts on the surrounding natural resources. This investment demonstrates Sitka’s dedication to building a vibrant, diversified community and economy that can continue to thrive off the productive waters of the Tongass National Forest and we are proud to support it.
Katie Riley and Steve Fish,
Sitka Conservation Society
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Dear Editor: I am inviting all Sitka families to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 10, from 5-8 p.m. at UAS-Sitka Campus. Together we can take “Our Journey Forward” as we honor ancestors and envision our future.
Tasty food and an artists’ market will kick off an evening with U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola and Alaska Native dance groups. At 7 p.m. there will be breakout activities, many specifically crafted for young children.
Sitka 4-H will host a session called ‘‘Berries!’’ Each family will receive a berry activity kit and a copy of Michaela Goade’s latest book, ‘‘Berry Song.’’ Thank you, Sitka Conservation Society, for your support in providing books.
The Sitka Native Education Program invites you to a session highlighting summer camps and stop-motion films created by students. Popcorn with local toppings will be served.
We will have a “world premiere” of the new animated Netflix series ‘‘Spirit Rangers.’’ One of the series writers is Mt. Edgecumbe graduate Carlee Malemute, a member of the all-Native writing team. Come celebrate the creativity of one of Alaska’s own and enjoy a bag of popcorn with your family.
Sealaska Heritage Institute will highlight their Baby Raven Reads program with a story path of their new book ‘‘Celebration.’’ The book is written by Wooshkindein Da.áat Lily Hope and illustrated by Jaax̱snée Kelsey Mata Foote. Literacy kits will be handed out to families.
Other sessions include formline art, paddle-making, and many other exciting opportunities – it’s truly a family-friendly celebration.
Our expectation is that families and children will be on their way to homes and beds by 8 p.m. with happy memories, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation of living on Tlingit Aaní. Please join us.
Kari Sagel
Sitka School District
Family Engagement
Yes on Proposition 2
Dear Editor: Tomorrow, voters will have the opportunity to vote for a much needed vessel haulout facility at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park (GPIP).
Petersburg is in the process of building a city-owned haulout facility, such as what the Sitka vessel owners are requesting and very much need. I suspect that since Petersburg is closer to Sitka than Wrangell, Petersburg would siphon off vessels traveling to Wrangell to be hauled. The City of Sitka will loose that revenue if we don’t vote YES on Proposition 2.
I recently read a letter to the editor where Captain Carlos Schwantes spent $100,000 in Wrangell having work performed on his boat. The money he spent in Wrangell would have stayed in Sitka if we had a haulout. One boat, $100,000 loss.
“I don’t have a dog in this fight,” since I sold my vessel that would benefit if Prop 2 passes. But, in full disclosure, I admit that my son and other relatives, friends, would benefit from having a local haulout. In the long run, “you,” the citizens of Sitka, would also benefit.
I encourage you to vote YES on Proposition 2.
George Eliason, Sitka
Support Proposition 2
Dear Editor: I support Proposition 2, Build the Sitka Community Shipyard.
Located on the Pacific Rim, Sitka is a strategic port of call. The Gary Paxton Industrial Park site has been identified as a suitable location for a boatyard. Marine services is an important contributor to Sitka’s economy. I see the boatyard as a job creator. The majority of boat repair/maintenance happens in the shoulder seasons when vessels are not plying the waters. My experience is that it employs skilled workers that bring a wealth of knowledge and subsequent livable wages. Employment in the winter months has long been a stabilizing force for Sitka’s resilience. Public investment in marine infrastructure adds diversity to the towns economic portfolio.
Please participate in voting for Proposition 2. Thank you,
Terry Perensovich, Sitka
Rosary Rally
Dear Editor: There will be a public Rosary Rally of Our Lady of Fatima in Sitka at the roundabout (along LakeStreet, Sawmill Creek Road and Halibut Point Road) on Oct. 15 at noon to 2 p.m.
Everyone is invited. Refreshment will be served after the Rosary rally. If you have questions, call ‘‘Buddy’’ at 907-738-0123.
Salvador Agne, Sitka
