Park Commemoration
Dear Editor: The Sitka National Historical Park and the Sitka Historical Society are in preparation and planning mode for the 150th commemoration next year. There is a firm date and place for the next 150th calendaring meeting Oct. 6, 7 p.m., at the Sitka National Historical Park. The intent is to review what is planned so far, do a bit of networking, and then get out the big calendar for 2017.
We will have sticky notes available to put planned events on the calendar and then look for opportunities to avoid duplication and collaborate. We expect there will be a few more meetings while we really firm up the dates and collaboration opportunities. Questions – email or call Ryan at the Sitka National Historical Park, 747-0107, ryan_p_carpenter@nps.gov, or Jeff at 747-4821 or jbudd3500@gmail.com.
Jeff Budd, Sitka
Property Tax
Dear Editor: Sitka voters are being told that increasing the property tax rate is the responsible thing to do. It is not the responsible thing to do, it is the easy thing to do. The October ballot proposition is a quick fix that comes at a great cost. This added tax burden will make Sitka an increasingly unfeasible place to live. City officials should not be given an easy out. They should be made to do the right thing and rework the fiscal budget. This seemingly insurmountable task will be made manageable when the preservation of city government is placed second to serving citizens.
Erik Bahrt, Sitka
Yes on Proposition 1
Dear Editor: I support Proposition 1 as a parent and also as someone who relies on recruiting employees from out of state to live and work in Sitka.
The State of Alaska cuts to Sitka and other towns are upsetting, but the Sitkans I know can fix their own problems. I agree that keeping our schools and city government efficient is a priority. We can and should do this. With the current State cuts to school budgets, however, we can’t survive at the current level without also generating new income. This is not a request to get more services or school support, but a solution to simply maintain what we have.
Proposition 1 serves to raise the millage rate and provide a stable, more predicable source of income for the City of Sitka and by extension, our schools. Most business owners know that a predictable cash flow helps for planning and making efficient choices that save the business money long term. This type of revenue generation provides that stability for Sitka.
I have a child at Keet Gooshi Heen, so I am invested in school success as a parent. My child is learning and thriving, due to passionate teachers, a strong variety of school programs and manageable class sizes. It is also clear to me, as a parent, that Sitka teachers and staff already are stretching to meet students’ needs. They deserve more support, not less, for the intense work they do every day.
Finally, I see first-hand how a strong school system affects business operations. I am employed as a division director at SEARHC, one of the largest employers in Sitka. I have interviewed many candidates for jobs at SEARHC; smart, capable people who want to live in Alaska and raise their families here. Without fail, they want to know about the schools, class sizes and the success of children who live here. If we don’t fund our schools, we weaken our community’s ability to attract and keep talented workers.
Proposition 1 is our chance to show that we want a strong community both for families and for business. Please vote yes.
Martha Pearson, Sitka
