Dear Editor: On October 7, Sitkans will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 1. This measure would dedicate funds from the Sitka Community Hospital Fund (funded primarily through the Tobacco Tax) to repairing, maintaining, and building recreation and athletic infrastructure in our community. We strongly encourage you to vote YES on Prop 1.
We’d like to address a few of the most common questions we’ve heard:
1. Why not use this money for child care instead?
This fund simply cannot generate enough money quickly enough to make a meaningful impact on child care. Child care also requires a much larger investment. That said, we agree child care is a critical need in Sitka. Along with another Assembly member, we are actively exploring two separate funding sources that would allow the City to support providers – helping lower costs for parents while encouraging more providers to open. This effort should have begun sooner, and we acknowledge that. In the coming months, we will bring forward more information and invite public input. If possible, we hope to bring a child care funding proposal to the voters in October 2026. Child care deserves a plan done right.
2. Will this funding go to new facilities, or fixing what we already have?
Both. If Prop 1 passes, the funds can be used for maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement of existing facilities – as well as new projects – so long as they support recreation or athletics.
3. Why do this now?
Investing in recreation and athletics is a long-term plan, but Prop 1 is the foundation. By approving this dedicated funding, Sitka sends a clear signal that we are committed to improving our recreational infrastructure. That signal will strengthen our ability to pursue state, federal, local, and private grants. There has even been discussion at the state level of future general obligation (GO) bonds. If that happens, Sitka could request funds for both housing and recreation/athletics.
While not every opportunity is guaranteed, passing Prop 1 positions Sitka to leverage these funds and multiply their impact. This could mean repairing and modernizing existing facilities, and eventually building new ones.
Please join us in voting YES on Proposition 1 on October 7th. Together, we can invest in Sitka’s future.
Chris Ysted, Kevin Mosher, Sitka
