Dear Editor: We wanted to share with the community the letter we have been sending in response to all recent requests from the Sitka community-based nonprofit organizations asking for our financial support.
‘‘As Sitka residents and downtown owners for well over 25 years, we have financially supported pretty much all of the numerous and deserving non-profits based in Sitka. We understand the importance of such organizations, and the good work that they do to enhance the quality of life in our small town.
‘‘However, due to the recent financial uncertainties brought forth by the anti-tourism and anti-cruise ship referendum, we regret to inform you that we are having to suspend consideration at this time of any financial support for your group.
‘‘Economic stability, and a robust small-business environment based on tourism, is vital to sustain and grow our community. If the referendum passes, it will ultimately result in closure of numerous Sitka businesses such as ours, and the perhaps unintended consequences will profoundly affect not just the direct business based upon tourism, but vital non-profits such as your organization, as well as virtually every segment of our community’s population.
‘‘If this referendum passes, the loss of employment opportunities will exacerbate the continued outmigration of young employable families, create a loss of school funding, and most importantly contribute to a significant loss of sales taxes and property taxes that fund our city, our police and fire departments, and all other City of Sitka services. The financial damages will be profound and lasting.
‘‘On behalf of ourselves as long-time Sitka business owners and our six full-time employees, thank you for your understanding. Please keep in mind that if the anti-cruise ship referendum fails to pass, you can count on us, and I am sure most all in the Sitka business community, for our continuing financial support of your organization.’’
Doug and Olga Borland, owners
The Russian American Company
