Connectivity
Dear Editor: Without internet access for the last week, I, like many in Sitka, have come to realize how vulnerable our communication access is for our island town. Not having access to the internet in the evening has given me time to reflect and appreciate some of the amazing everyday services and organizations that have saved our bacon.
I’d like to give a huge shout out to the City of Sitka’s Sitka Public Library for keeping the library open and welcoming in everyone to use Starlink and WiFi. This service has allowed us to maintain communications, brought people together and made it possible to maintain business for many of us. I’m proud that Sitka has such a strong library presence, and they serve people of all ages, and diverse backgrounds.
I’d also like to thank the Daily Sitka Sentinel and KCAW for continuing to deliver news and information from inside and outside our community. These organizations with their team of hardworking dedicated journalists provide critical connections and has helped business, government and community activities carry on. We are so lucky to have local news organizations that tell our stories and encourage us to engage in our community.
Thank you also to Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska for distributing internet access via Starlink when our community is in need. And there have been many individuals who have freely shared their satellite connection to the internet with others. These acts of kindness our community bonds. In gratitude,
Lisa Busch, Sitka
Cruise Industry
Dear Editor: I am bothered by the recent letter to the editor complaining about the bus traffic and tourist infiltration in Sitka.
Before Chris McGraw put in that dock, stores were closing left and right. If I remember correctly, we had five stores close down in downtown Sitka. Our city benefits greatly from the cruise ship industry.
I think Chris is doing a fine job. People complain about the buses. However, Chris was already replacing the large buses with smaller, more fuel-efficient ones.
I also believe the increased activities and attractions closer to the dock area will help alleviate some of the downtown traffic.
I am all in favor of what Chris is doing for the economy and well-being of Sitka.
Gene Newcomb, Sitka
