Yes on Prop 2
Dear Editor: Using the funds from the hospital sale to build a boat haulout/shipyard facility is the long overdue right thing to do. Every commercial fishing boat you see in our harbors is a small business. And some not so small. These businesses need access to dry land haulout every year to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Repair and maintenance of our fishing boats is an inescapable part of fishing – and it should be done here in Sitka. We have the skilled people, but no central facility. When the fleet leaves Sitka to perform this maintenance, Sitka loses an estimated $6 million per year in economic activity.
As one of the largest fishing ports on the west coast we are way past due time to have such a shipyard facility. This is an investment in our whole town’s future that needs to happen now. Vote yes on Proposition 2.
Stephen Lawrie, Sitka
Municipal Election Picks
Dear Editor: When it comes to Assembly candidates with a proven record of working for a healthy economic future for Sitka, I’ll be casting my vote for Thor Christianson and Chris Ystad.
As co-sponsor of Proposition 2, Thor has forged a viable pathway to a local shipyard and the economic engine of a vibrant working waterfront for our town. In addition, he has consistently voted to fund schools to the cap – education being another major economic engine in any community.
Chris has done great work for our waterfront as a member of the Port and Harbors Commission and as a board member of the Gary Paxton Industrial Park. He will be a strong asset to shepherding the shipyard through the public process of getting this crucial piece of city-owned infrastructure up and running.
I have worked on numerous occasions with both Thor and Chris, and can vouch for their ability to be thoughtful, level-headed, and respectful. Please help me bring both of these highly-qualified Sitkans to the Assembly table.
Beth Short-Rhoads, Sitka
Supplies to Ukraine
Dear Editor: Sitka School District’s former music teacher John DePalatis is getting needed medical supplies into Ukraine.
John works with his Ukraine friend Julia, a former flight attendant turned military medic for the war.
To learn more, Google ‘‘John and Julia save.’’
Spike and Jean Arnold, Sitka
Correction
By Sentinel Staff
In Monday’s front page story about the diesel-electric hybrid fishing boat conversion, it was incorrectly stated that a $40,000 grant was given to a local troller. The money was granted by the Acme Smoked Fish Corporation to the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, which will direct the funds to be used to convert the troller to hybrid propulsion.
Also, Eric Jordan’s vessel, the F/V I Gotta, is made of fiberglass, not wood.
The Sentinel regrets the errors.
