Dear Editor: As a Tier 3 teacher in Alaska, I’m part of one of the most underfunded and unstable retirement systems in the country – with no true pension, no access to Social Security, and limited retirement security. This is a key reason Alaska faces one of the highest teacher turnover rates.
Despite these challenges, I choose to stay and teach in Sitka because I love this community, I love my students, and I want my two young boys to grow up here, just like I did. Tourism has helped me and many others in our community supplement our income, support our families, and build some form of retirement savings.
As a lifelong Sitkan, I know firsthand how essential after-school programs and youth activities are for our children—they helped shape my own life and offer belonging and support to kids who need it most. Without the funding tourism provides, these opportunities are at risk. This isn’t just about tourism—it’s about protecting the future of our families, our children, and our community. Vote NO on Proposition 1.
Jered Rivera, Sitka
