Dear Editor: Larry Edward’s recent LTE was very helpful in putting the effects, and lack of dire consequences, of the 300,000 cruise passenger cap in perspective.
Two reports were presented at the last Assembly meeting that give me hope and further make the case for limiting our dependence on the cruise industry (with emphasis on “industry”). Randy Hughey, executive director of the Sitka Community Land Trust, reported that they are successfully nearing completion of their housing project on Halibut Point Road, that the first house has now changed hands with a profit to the homeowner while maintaining an affordable price for the new owner, and that with this proof of concept, they are now seeking more land to further provide affordable housing for year-round Sitkans.
Rachel Roy’s report on Visit Sitka’s new marketing program dovetailed nicely with the promise of increased affordable housing for locals. The program will focus on regenerative tourism. Paraphrasing Marc Truyols on Mize.tech, regenerative tourism views tourism as a living system, not just an industry, and fosters harmony in nature, culture, and economy, with a focus on restoring ecosystems and empowering local communities beyond minimizing impact.
Rachel described Visit Sitka’s approach (again paraphrasing) as increasing their efforts to welcome year-round independent travelers, supporting and enhancing their experiences in a way that will foster an appreciation for the natural beauty, culture and historical authenticity of Sitka, nurturing a sense of connection that can lead to return multi-day visits. Boosting Sitka’s desirability as a conference destination is also an important piece of the program.
Martina Kurzer’s excellent and detailed LTE on Friday supports the positivity of the reports to the Assembly by pointing out that bed tax (as well as revenue from broad community spending by multi-day visitors) is a significant piece of our economy, that fish prices are improving (if we can protect our ocean ecosystems), and that the airport and SEARHC expansions are/will also create jobs.
All of this contributes to year-round economic prosperity for families who choose to make Sitka their home. Limiting the unsustainable impacts of the corporate cruise industry while still allowing hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers to experience a town that protects its authenticity, environmental health and diversity will only enhance their experience. I’m voting Yes on One to give us the space to protect and nourish the existing priceless gifts this place already affords us and to grow the healthy thriving community we all want.
Barbara Bingham,
43-year Sitka Resident
