Himschoot for Assembly
Dear Editor: Oct. 6 is an important day for our community. That’s when we’ll elect two new members to the Sitka Assembly and task them with charting a course through these extraordinarily challenging times. I’ll be putting my trust in Rebecca Himschoot, and here’s why.
Rebecca moved to Sitka in 1988 and knows this town. As a longtime teacher, she has listened to our families, recognizes the struggles we face, and understands what we care about most – the jobs and industries that support us, the schools that educate our children, and the unique culture that is our way of life.
Rebecca has served on a number of boards and commissions at both the local and state level. A combination of this experience and her good character makes her a problem-solver who approaches leadership with professionalism and respect for others, something all members of our community deserve. Use your vote to help Rebecca Himschoot take her seat at the assembly table.
Beth Short-Rhoads, Sitka
ADN Article
Dear Editor: I was the attorney on the trial in 1997 in which Richard Bingham was found not guilty of a homicide. The Alaska Daily News printed an article on Saturday about the investigation of this case which was highly critical of law enforcement, and correctly quoted me as one of the many sources.
This case was investigated under very different police leadership. In no way should the current police chief, Robert Baty, and his department, be held responsible for what was a poor investigation 24 years ago. Chief Baty has had years of investigative experience with the Alaska State Troopers, and I believe that the handling of this case may well have been very different if he had been the investigating supervisor.
As a community we need law enforcement. Who else will respond to an assault, a traffic accident, or a bear in the garage? And as a community and as individuals we need to evaluate Chief Baty and his officers based on their own performance, not on institutional failures which occurred before their time.
Galen Paine, Sitka
Natural Order
Dear Editors: As a white man I realize that I am not entirely appreciated. The devaluation culminated among those I had neatly categorized. The names I applied with the goal of keeping my thoughts about everyone organized, now are impugned as divisive. All kinds of people think I had them pigeonholed. Nobody values the efficiency of my thinking.
With these thoughts stewing, I drove out to an ocean overlook. Nature would heal me. It did not take me long to realize that nearly countless seagulls seemed to be doing whatever they felt like. How disturbing. A parallel in nature.
I soon was soon able to distinguish gender, association, purpose and motivation for each seagull. What a relief. Natural order. This is the genius of Western Heritage. Reality conforms, Birds or people, it makes no difference. The laws of nature prevail.
Sincerely, (tongue in cheek)
John Welsh, Sitka
Vote for Himschoot
Dear Editor: I think we have a wonderful opportunity here in Sitka. In a climate of distractions and inflammation, there are some good candidates to lead us forward in a healthy way. A standout is Rebecca Himschoot.
Thankfully, she is a person of character and intelligence that will help to educate and bring our town together. With broader vision and the ability to see issues from many angles, her perspective will allow for thorough and smart decision making. She deeply cares for Sitka and all residents, and she has a strong mind to make the tough decisions for what is best for our diverse population.
I’m hopeful that Sitkans choose the right leadership dedicated to a healthy social, economic and physical environment here for everyone. Let’s avoid the path of disrespect, unprofessionalism and blaming that detours the good (and difficult) work that needs to get done. Join me and let’s vote for Rebecca and a brighter future for Sitkans.
Cindy Edwards, Sitka
Assembly Meeting
Dear Editor: As I am sure most of you are aware, I have been questioning the Assembly’s decisions on how to allocate the CARES Act funds. I feel that many of you along with myself have been wronged by those decisions, I feel that they are not exhibiting the level of transparency to where that money is going that they should.
The CARES Act money was given to the City of Sitka to help businesses and individuals struggling (to which no fault of their own) due of this COVID-19 crisis. I spoke with many citizens recently that have been denied these funds, whether it be like me because they have more than one business, or as individuals asking for help. I want to be your voice, to stand up for you. I am asking all citizens to come to the Assembly meeting tonight, to show your faces to our Assembly members, show them how many of you they have denied. You heard it from one of our current standing Assembly members just two weeks ago, his first concern was to nonprofit organizations. You would think that helping the businesses and citizens that support our economy would come first.
I will be your voice if you allow me to, I will stand up for you and the silent majority. If you want change in our community it starts now. So please show up Tuesday, you don’t have to speak but come show your faces. Stand up Sitka. I truly do love this community and want to see it thriving again. Thank you.
Marshall Albertson, Sitka
