Vote for Himschoot
Dear Editor: Rebecca Himschoot would bring problem solving, science, education, community involvement, commitment and balance to the Assembly. Join me in voting for Rebecca Himschoot, Sitka Assembly.
John Stein, Sitka
Vote for Eisenbeisz
Dear Editor: As a 35-year-old lifelong Sitkan, father and commercial fisherman, I am very excited to have the opportunity to vote for Steve Eisenbeisz in representing Sitka as our next mayor.
Seeing and hearing Steve at the Assembly table over the last six years I have developed sincere gratitude, appreciation and respect for his devoted volunteerism and leadership. As a veteran, past employee of the SPD, local business owner and father, Steve brings balanced and moderate personal experience to the table. His background coupled with his Assembly experience prove him qualified for the mayoral seat. Steve’s thoughtful, analytical and patient demeanor repeatedly demonstrated at the Assembly table indicates the productive tone he will set as the leader of our next Assembly.
I strongly urge your promotion of Sitka’s future by voting for Steve Eisenbeisz as our next forward-looking and moderate mayor.
Adam Hackett, Sitka
Vote for Duncan
Dear Editor: Crystal Duncan has earned my vote. I have had the pleasure of working with Crystal in various community forums and her professionalism, dedication and thoughtfulness are the qualities we need at the Assembly table.
As a deeply rooted Sitkan, with an MBA and a strong track record in education, health care and tribal government, Crystal is qualified and ready to serve. She has the skills to tackle complex issues, the humility to seek out best practices and the values to work for the well-being of all community members.
Crystal has a strong vision for a healthy Sitka, with an accessible, thriving economy. We can trust her to listen well, to make wise investments, to support local business and affordable housing efforts, and to explore innovative funding and partnership opportunities to help us through these difficult times and to lay a foundation for generations to come.
Please join me in supporting Crystal Duncan for Assembly. Early voting starts today!
Chandler O’Connell, Sitka
Deep Concern
Dear Editor: I am deeply concerned that one of the candidates for the Sitka Assembly advocates shooting looters, vandals at BLM protests and demonstrations. He also advocates running lefties and “indoctrinating” Sitka school teachers out of town “one way or the other.”
Marshall Albertson has done so repeatedly on YouTube, TikTok and most recently during his interview on Sitka’s Problem Corner (all of which are available for viewing or listening.)
First, property crimes are not capital offenses. Second, what is really being advocated is vigilantism, which is the act of enacting perceived justice summarily (arrest, judge, jury and executioner) and without legal authority. Anyone that endorses vigilantism cannot claim to be an upholder of “law and order” and a supporter of the police. Third, summarily shooting or killing a looter or vandal at a protest is a violation of U.S. Constitutional guarantees of due process (our day in court).
Before you vote, I urge the citizens of Sitka to take a moment and watch and listen to Mr. Albertson’s own words on his selfie recordings and his radio interview. We are fortunate to have a good police department in Sitka. I can feel safe here, but not with vigilantes.
Dr. Ronald E. Dick, Sitka
PermaFund Filing
Dear Editor: The following has been issued to residents of Alaska.
The Permanent Fund Dividend Division would like to take a moment to say “Thank You!” to Alaskans for participating in one of the most successful filing seasons to date. The prompt delivery of this year’s historic July 1 payment was only possible because of the many Alaskans who allowed us to utilize effective and efficient paperless communication methods.
If you chose to file online, “thank you!” If you chose direct deposit, “thank you!” If you chose to sign your application electronically, “thank you!” If you allowed us to communicate with you via e-mail, “thank you!” Your decisions allowed us to work more efficiently, ensuring we were able to pay the greatest number of Alaskans possible during the July payment run.
Over the past three years, Alaskans have decreased paper filings by over 48,000 applications while increasing electronic signature usage by 172,000 individuals. As a result, our paper processing workload has declined by nearly 220,000 pieces of mail. This year’s numbers are the best yet, with 605,000 Alaskans filling online and 562,000 of those individuals providing a digital signature.
Not only have you allowed us to use staff more efficiently, you’ve allowed us to shift resources into other critical areas. Be on the lookout for future improvements as we work diligently to expand the myPFD portal while continuing to broaden our paperless offerings.
Moving forward, we will continue to strive for improvements that benefit all Alaskans. But as we work to provide a quicker, easier, and more accessible application, we must carefully balance these changes with the ever-present need to ask questions which ensure the integrity of the program. We are thankful for your understanding as we make these adjustments each year.
Most importantly, thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us as we work to provide Alaskans with the best customer service, most efficient application process, and maximum number of timely payments. Without your cooperation, moments like the one we experienced together this July would not have been possible. Thank you, Alaska, for the role you played in making this year’s distribution process a resounding success.
Lucinda Mahoney, Commissioner,
Alaska Department of Revenue
Dementia
Dear Editor: Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska is observing World Alzheimer’s Day today. Right now 8,500 Alaskans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementia, yet people are reluctant to talk about it. There is no reason to be embarrassed. Diseases like cancer or diabetes are talked about openly. Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain. Let’s talk.
Talking about dementia helps tackle the stigma, normalizes language and encourages people to get more information and assistance. With an expected almost 30% increase in the number of Alaskans with Alzheimer’s to 11,000 by 2025, they and their families need support now. Understanding the experiences of those affected remains important to support inclusion, empowerment and respect. Greater awareness, including recognizing the symptoms of dementia, is crucial to encourage more people to seek diagnoses and receive support. If you’re interested ARA has a class: ‘‘Overview of Dementia’’ on Friday, Sept. 25, via Zoom.
If you are living with dementia you don’t have to go through it alone. It is possible to live more positively with dementia than is often the perception. If you haven’t already, seek support from your family and friends, health care professionals and organizations like Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska.
If you are a family caregiver, know that we recognize you have a very difficult job and could probably use some help. Make sure you take good care of yourself. If you have trouble setting aside time for yourself or recognizing what to do for self-care, ARA has a class on Care for the Caregiver on Monday, Sept. 28, via Zoom, and it is at no cost for you.
If you have questions, want a free, quick and completely confidential memory screening, contact the Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska in Anchorage at (907) 561-3313 or 1-800-478-1080 to set up an appointment for screening.
Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska
