Dear Editor: As a young person and part owner of a seasonal tourism business, I believe strongly in keeping our local democracy open and accessible. Proposition 2 threatens that.
On the surface, Prop 2 claims to promote “transparency,” but in practice it silences citizens with bureaucracy and red tape. It would require anyone bringing a municipal citizenʼs initiative to first pay for costly, technical reports prepared by outside experts. That sets up an uneven playing field – favoring wealthier people who can afford the expense while shutting out many community voices.
Recently, the citizen-led initiative about cruise ship tourism and visitor caps created, in my opinion, a much-needed discussion among my peers about tourism, sustainability, and the future of our community. Whether people agreed with the proposal or not, it opened the door to dialogue. That’s exactly what citizen initiatives are meant to do: spark conversation, give residents a platform, and make sure all voices are heard. Creating roadblocks like Prop 2 would shut down these conversations before they even begin.
We can – and should – demand transparency without blocking citizen participation. Let’s keep Sitka’s democracy affordable, fair, and accessible to all. Please join me in voting NO on Proposition 2.
Alyssa Russell, Sitka
