Commission Seat
Dear Editor: We are very concerned by the Assembly decision to deny Ben Hughey a seat on the advisory Police and Fire Commission. There is a need to improve our local police departments across the nation. It is encouraging to hear that our own struggling police department is heading in the right direction, but it is a perfect time to be listening to new ideas and novel approaches as to how we can further improve.
When folks are running for Assembly, we also hear how candidates are open to hear all opinions and are good listeners. We are missing an opportunity to hear new ideas for change. I think it is important for them now to revisit this denial of an advisory position to this energetic, motivated, thoughtful and educated young Sitkan.
Ben Hughey will be an asset to the commission.
Bob and Kim Hunter, Sitka
Alyse Galvin
Dear Editor: Two years ago my friend Noel asked me if we would host Alyse Galvin when she came to Sitka.
I was reluctant as we had non-stop company that summer, plus hosted a family reunion.
But Noel was a good friend and I knew she was working hard on Alyse’s campaign.
I met Alyse at the airport and she gave me a huge hug. After a quick bite to eat, we hit the streets. Alyse was so approachable, genuine, and interested in people. Her running for Congress was her commitment to Alaska. She worked tirelessly but unfortunately lost to Don Young.
Alyse is running again. Her work history is diverse ... working in a cannery, restaurant, schools, and community groups. This is a woman that gets things done. She believes in education and has fought fiercely for teachers and students.
She returned to Sitka for Alaska Day a month later and marched in the parade. She went to the pie sale at the Lutheran Church, walked Biorka Street and introduced herself to strangers. When the day was done, she sat on the couch with our neighbor. We all felt we had met a new friend.
We saw Alyse last fall. She was attending the memorial of our friend Noel. She was so present and so kind.
I hope you vote for Alyse.
She will make a difference.
Patti Hudson, Sitka
Assembly Seats
Dear Editor: We are fortunate to have eight choices for two Assembly seats this year. I am writing in support for Crystal Duncan and Rebecca Himschoot who will bring respect, thoughtfulness, and strong leadership to the Assembly.
Crystal is a lifelong Sitkan who will listen to the needs of Sitkans and will use her voice on the Assembly to make sure those needs are heard. She values education, both in her personal life, and in advocating for education. Crystal works to bring people together with diverse backgrounds and opinions. She understands what it takes to be on the Assembly as the daughter of a former Assembly member. I think Crystal is a creative thinker who will bring a new perspective to the challenges our town faces.
Rebecca is a longtime Sitkan who has a deep understanding of Sitka families, based on her 32 years as a classroom educator. As a teacher, she has had to master problem solving, listening, planning, being flexible, and being efficient with her time. Rebecca has also served on the Alaska State Board of Education where she learned to build consensus and to listen effectively to members of the public. She will work on ideas and solutions that have broad support.
Although I believe Crystal Duncan and Rebecca Himschoot are the best choices for our Assembly, I urge everyone to vote! During these crazy times, this is one thing we can do something about.
Bridget Hitchcock, Sitka
Juxtaposition
Dear Editor: I’m completely at a loss as to how Mr. Marshall Albertson, who threatened people’s lives online and in person, in Sitka, and went/goes around carrying a weapon with the capacity to kill multiple people at a time, is considered fine to run for the Assembly, but Mr. Ben Hughey was not accepted to be on the Police and Fire Commission. This, paired with Mr. Hughey, who grew up here, protested police violence in a different place, doesn’t behave or threaten violence but was arrested during a police sweep while peacefully participating in a protest in a different state, and writes online of his ideas for non-violent change in policing, was not acceptable to serve on an advisory commission in Sitka. It’s incomprehensible to me.
I’ve experienced the compassion of the Sitka Police and Fire Departments. I’m forever grateful to so many for all the ways they were helpful to my family when we lost William in the slide. I also heard my share of otherwise before I retired as a Clinical Social Worker. Generally, Sitkans today seem to feel policing has been improving under Chief Baty. I’m gratified that Police Chief Baty met with Mr. Hughey after the Assembly meeting. Mr. Hughey would likely have been a terrific voice on the commission and did nothing that under criteria previously used for serving, should have disqualified him.
We are in a time where our communities, states and country demand that we rectify the long, disproportionately harsh treatment of people of color. While of course all people need and deserve fair treatment, for people of color, that hasn’t been the case in our country since its inception. No one is saying that white immigrant families never had a tough time becoming an accepted and even embraced part of U.S. society. But indigenous people, African American citizens and immigrants of color, have never experienced equal nor just treatment under the law. They live in fear of even a traffic stop because they seem to have a 50/50 chance of its ending in their death. None of us ever feels comfortable about being stopped for that. I have felt anxious when I’ve gone over the speed limit and been stopped. But as a white person I haven’t ever thought I might be killed for it. I sure do know though that when white nationalists shout about my ethnic group or shoot up a place of worship of my ethnic group, I’m in fear of my life in the U.S.
Change is long overdue. These are challenging times. If this is not the time and place when and where is it?
Libby Stortz, Sitka
