Letter Response
Dear Editor: I am in total agreement with Charles Morgan in his call for moderation in Wednesday’s, Sept. 26, paper. Let us all seek out the facts and remember that the City of Sitka needs to get its money from somewhere. We all use the infrastructure, we all need emergency services, etc.
We need to all work together and support the city, not fight everything. Let us all seek out the facts on all situations and not jump to conclusions. Thank you, Charles, for your call for moderation.
Lorraine Inez Lil, Sitka
Vote No on Prop 2
Dear Editor: Like many Alaskans, I waited many years for the state to pass a smoke-free workplaces law this spring. But I was disappointed to see the Legislature add an opt-out clause to the law, and for Sitka to pursue an opt-out.
I plan to vote against the opt-out when I go to the polls on Tuesday. Smoking tobacco has been linked to many health problems, and being exposed to tobacco in the workplace shouldn’t be a requirement to hold any job.
I have several health problems, including asthma and the need to sleep with respiratory assistance at night, so exposure to smoke causes problems for me. When I was younger, I loved playing in bar bands. But the amount of smoke (and when you’re on risers you catch more of the smoke than at ground level) made me give up the music career. Not only was it hard to breathe, but every time I got home I had to immediately wash my clothes to get rid of the tobacco smell.
I don’t want other bar workers to have to deal with the same problems caused by tobacco. I know several bartenders (smokers and nonsmokers) from other communities that have banned smoking, and they all said they prefer working in bars where they don’t have a constant haze of smoke. Even if they smoke, they said they breathed easier without all of the smoke in the bars.
Now that we finally have a state law, which takes effect the day before we vote, I’d like Sitka to try it before we try to opt out. I think some of the people who want smoking in bars will find they actually prefer it when patrons have to take their tobacco outside. It’s better for everyone, so I’m voting no on Proposition 2.
Charles Bingham, Sitka
Yes on Prop 1
Dear Editor: I would like to remind everyone to vote and to strongly consider voting YES for reinstating the Senior Sales Tax Exemption. There has been a lot of talk on both sides of the issue and the public is fortunate to have a chance to vote on this issue.
Many seniors are well off, and some vocal ones have indicated that they are willing and ready to burn or cut up their senior cards. Well, they can and anyone may decide not to take the tax break. But I would venture to say that many seniors did not plan so well for retirement and do not appreciate the vocal minority that is trying to represent them because they are not so well off and the senior tax exemption helps them greatly.
The sales tax exemption was never meant to be a handout or a welfare program but was a measure of respect for your elders prevalent in the spirit of the development of the Pioneers Homes and the Longevity bonus. I hope we can keep that in mind when voting, and take care of “the senior you will beccome.”
Stephen Morse, Sitka
Supports Miyasato
Dear Editor: For mayor, we urge Sitkans to vote for the middle-aged candidate: energetic and experienced. And Ben Miyasato’s experience is appropriate to the position – 20 years working in baking, 20 years in the National Guard (tours in Iraq and Kuwait), city Assemblyman currently (2017-2019) and previously (2013-2017), Sitka Tribe Councilman (2011-January 2017), served as treasurer for three years and as vice chairman for two years during a time of significant financial stress.
Ben considers the two most important characteristics of mayor to be: 1. Being approachable and responsible to public input, AND 2. Helping to moderate the Assembly meetings.
Ben is an alert listener and he responds with specifics rather than generalities. ‘‘The city needs to increase revenue without increasing fees or taxes.’’
In Ben’s opinion, efforts that need attention are: 1. Attracting new businesses, particularly businesses that would use our excess electricity; new families would increase school enrollment, thus increasing state funding. 2. Freezing or lowering utility rates. 3. Disposing of some of the 1,800 acres of land owned by the City of Sitka, particularly a portion for building tiny homes. 4. Keeping the PAC open (increase user fees). 5. Contacting SeaAlaska Corporation and Goldbelt Corporation regarding establishing businesses in Sitka. 6. Sooner rather than later, a new facility needs to be provided for the Sitka Police Department; the current facility is too small, too old, has health hazards, allows no privacy and contributes to turnover of police officers. 7. As the economy improves, the city should be more involved in the provision of public transportation (The RIDE.)
Ben is passionate about our nation and about Sitka. His experience is recent/current. He is devoted and eager to help Sitka recover from its current economic stress.
We thank Mr. Bean for his service on the Assembly; we love and honor Mr. Paxton and his wife for their past service to our city, but we will be voting Ben Miyasato for mayor, and we hope you will too.
Richard and Alice Smith, Sitka
Assault
Dear Editor: Businesses where indoor smoking is allowed are permitting customers and employees to commit assault (exposure to the proven harmful physical effects of smoke on health) on each other and all who enter in.
The effects may not be as immediate or visible as those caused by a fist, bullet or knife, but are just as deadly over time. Laws addressing assault have long been on the books in Sitka and are addressed by the police. Conscientious Sitkans can address the smoking assault ongoing in our community by voting “NO” on Proposition 2 Tuesday, October 2, and joining the rest of the state in protecting our family members, friends and neighbors from this known harm. It’s the right thing to do.
Jean Frank, Sitka
