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The views I am about to express are of my own, and not representative of my employers or unions, past or present. I worked for the City and Borough of Wrangell for approximately six years, two as a Harbor Security/Maintenance, and four as a Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator. Last year my family and I had to make the hard decision to move to Petersburg. The main contributing factor for us was, as in most cases, money. While working for the borough in those six years, there was no true C.O.L.A. (cost of living adjustment.) We received a $750...
Southeast Alaska’s beautiful scenery, abundant recreation facilities and pristine wilderness make us proud to call this land our home. We know our lands need regular beach clean-ups, invasive species must be pulled, and trails should be maintained for maximum safety and enjoyment. We also know our vast public lands are a prime resource for wilderness skills training, seasonal employment, and youth education. The Alaska Forest Fund is a potential opportunity for providing jobs, skills training, and improved maintenance of our public lands. I...
In My Opinion I am the art teacher for Wrangell Middle and High School, and I’m very proud of that position. As an art teacher I try to get my students to see things differently; I encourage them to see outside the box. I want them to see themselves as artists and to learn to be creative. Not everyone can see their own potential. They have to learn how. I think we used to teach that here in Wrangell. I think our school district is changing and not for the benefit of the students. I see a pattern in this district of people leaving Wrangell (Elem...
What are the priorities of Alaskans? Does our budget reflect those priorities? The Senate’s priority is loud and clear: oil companies. The Senate’s revision of HB 111, “Oil and Gas Production Tax,” works only for oil companies while leaving Alaskans worse for the wear. Originally, the House version of HB 111 reduced the base tax rate on oil from 35% to 25% to encourage increased exploration and development on the North Slope. It protected Alaskans during low oil prices by hardening the minimum tax floor. The House version was projected to brin...
For those following the issues facing our state, it’s no surprise that Alaska’s $2.7 billion budget deficit is the biggest issue. For the last five years, Alaska has had a budget deficit. Those deficits have caused the state to burn through at least $12 billion in savings, and we are quickly running out of savings. In the previous legislative sessions (2013-2016), the Legislature – led by Republican majorities – was unable to address the issue in any meaningful way other than to continue reducing the budget and kicking the can down the road. S...
As expected, it’s been a challenging legislative session, and from here on, the budget will be the forefront of every discussion. Both the House and the Senate are creating Alaska’s budget, but it’s clear that the bodies have differing approaches. Last week, I wrote a letter explaining the House approach to resolving Alaska’s fiscal crisis. To recap, the House proposed budget is $81.7 million in General Funds less than our current fiscal year. State agencies have been reduced by $62 million. Despite these cuts, the House Majority Coaliti...
In the last few weeks, folks have called and emailed to ask about our budget and what’s happening in the Capitol. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and in this climate, where every Alaskan is worried about the future, it’s important to keep things in focus. With budget numbers flying and hundreds of amendments under consideration, I’m going to pick out the most significant changes – those that will affect you and your family – to highlight. Keep in mind that this is the budget as of March 16th, 2018, 3:30 PM. With hours of debate and...
To the Editor: When it comes to a program that collects solid scientific data, and provides resources that lead to more sustainable approaches, look no further than Wrangell IGAP, administered by the Wrangell Cooperative Association. IGAP provides our community with services such as gill net recycling, and E-waste collection, which take a big bite out of our solid waste burden. The program networks with other tribes in Southeast, collaborates with the City and USFS, and presents to science classes in our schools. Wrangell IGAP works to provide...
To the Editor: I want to thank the Wrangell Sentinel for printing Ivan Simonek’s letter to the editor in the February 2 edition. The letter was well written and I think 100% right and needed to be said. Ivan was comparing Russian communism to what is happening in America today. What is happening in America today I call American communism and it is alive and well. Vladimir Lenin once said that liberals are useful idiots. Jon Gruber, an architect of Obamacare, said that the reason Obamacare passed was because of non transparency and stupid v...
This session, I am honored to be serving as Chair of the House Finance Department of Education and Early Learning Budget Subcommittee, which reviews Alaska’s education budget. In this capacity I will closely examine Alaska’s school funding, and the unique programs and services that support effective learning. My years as a Kayhi teacher and coach, as well as a principal at the elementary level, offer a good base for understanding the practical impact of budget decisions. I understand the value of education for our students, and its imp...
Gary James Stevens, 75, passed away Feb. 12, 2017, just days after his birthday. He was born on Feb. 10, 1942 to James C. Stevens and Patricia Younes, one of five children born to them. Gary spent most of his life commercial fishing after school and college. For years he would bring the "Herring Eggs" into town from Sitka which was a treat for most of the town. He lost two of his sisters a few years ago and is survived by his two sons: Gary A. Stevens and Mark C. Stevens; brothers Carl Stevens...
To the Editor: Hospice of Wrangell awards Kim Covalt, Tammy Davidson, David McQueen, Nancy McQueen, Ron “Butch” Merritt, and Cori Robinson “Hospice Hearts” for their wonderful help with our 2016 activities. Wrangell First Presbyterian Church, Alaska Island Community Services, and Wrangell Medical Center for are part of our support network. We look forward to continuing the Community Loan Closet, Dove Tree Ceremony, Christmas Tree Lane, and direct services in the year ahead. Alice Rooney, Hospice of Wrangell...
To the Editor: It may be time to check and see if any pigs are flying by, I agree with Ivan Simonek. I too believe that Trump deserves the same “chance” that he and the Republican leadership in Congress gave President Obama after his landslide victory in 2008. John Morse...
To the Editor: When my wife and I had arrived to Wrangell 48 years ago (as fresh refugees from communist Czechoslovakia) we had only a very faint idea about democracy. I admit it took us some time to get over the inherited fear of being arrested for freely speaking our minds. I quickly learned the cornerstone of democracy is to respect everybody else`s opinion which should guarantee us the same. No room for a double standard or hypocrisy. I also realized democracy required a degree of self control and civility, simply agree to disagree. I...
To the Editor: When my wife and I had arrived to Wrangell 48 years ago (as fresh refugees from communist Czechoslovakia) we had only a very faint idea about democracy. I admit it took us some time to get over the inherited fear of being arrested for freely speaking our minds. I quickly learned the cornerstone of democracy is to respect everybody else`s opinion which should guarantee us the same. No room for a double standard or hypocrisy. I also realized democracy required a degree of self control and civility, simply agree to disagree. I...
By Representative Dan Ortiz Governor Walker submitted a budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes three primary items: cuts in government spending, increased revenue, and the use of some Permanent Fund earnings, which is a separate fund from where we collect our dividend. During his State of the State, Governor Walker emphasized the significant cuts we’ve made since 2015. We’ve cut the budget from $8 billion to $5 billion. We’ve cut government spending by 44%. When factoring in inflation and population growth, our current spendin...
“House boats” To the Editor: I’ve been following the Stikine River houseboat dilemma for some time now with interest. I did moose patrols for the Fish and Wildlife Service on the river in 1957, 58 and 59. I also ran the river in the 70 and 80s with friends in Petersburg and Telegraph Creek with a youth camp. There were no house boats on the river in that time. There were, however, numerous private cabins and moose tree huts. Soon after statehood, the Forest Service, after taking much criticism for being a mere “Logging Service” started their so...
To the Editor: Watch out. It did happen here. Several years ago I filled out carefully all the documents I was told would direct those in medical care to know how to meet my wishes in case of a medical emergency. I felt secure in the assurance that these legal directives would be followed. Because of several times when my daughter had not been advised that I was hospitalized we also had a special directive that she was to be called by the hospital of any occurrence putting me in their care. However, I had such an emergency on Seward’s Day a...
Thanks… 1.Thessalonians 5:18 says “In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you all.” The dictionary states… Thankful ADJECTIVE pleased and relieved: synonyms: grateful · appreciative · filled with gratitude · expressing gratitude and relief: As in…“an earnest and thankful prayer” We should be giving thanks for all things and in all circumstances all of the time. This time of year we even have a holiday to remind us to be thankful. I believe that as a nation we need to be reminded of being thankful a...
To the Editor: This fall Governor Walker has been weighing the pros and cons of proceeding with the Juneau road extension. The project entails fifty miles of new pavement, which would dead end at a ferry terminal on the uninhabited Katzehin River delta across the Lynn Canal from Haines. As residents of Petersburg and Wrangell know, long roads with short shuttle ferries have not worked out as hoped for in Southeast Alaska. The South Mitkof and Coffman Cove terminals, while beautiful facilities, have been largely shuttered since they were built....
By Representative Dan Ortiz The Stikine, Taku and Unuk watersheds are a major factor in the reliability of our seafood and tourism industries. Our fisheries, mariculture, and tourism industries rely on healthy watersheds, which replenish these resources and maintain our scenic reputation and seafood quality. If these rivers are not maintained for quality, our resources will diminish, as vital nutrients and safety conditions will lapse. According to recent estimates from the McDowell Group, the total annual economic contribution of these...
To the Editor: I would like to correct some recent negative comments about being a member of a Republican majority in Juneau. First, the positives. The house majority writes the budgets through a committee process. Republican principals of spend carefully so you can tax Alaskans less are built into the budget in a committee process. When the budget comes to the floor, any legislator can offer and vote on any amendments they want. Majority members can also take their issues up in caucus. Majority members vote together for the final passage of...
Public radio is a lifeline for rural communities. It connects our community of islands here in Southeast, and our neighbors scattered across the far and wide villages of Northern Alaska. In many areas of Alaska public radio is the only means of issuing emergency alerts, public safety announcements, and relaying important community information. Public radio should be an investment of the Department of Public Safety. Public radio currently finds its support from the Department of Administration, but that is not the appropriate category of...
The Lost Ship There was a boy who loved to watch the ships sail. One day while walking home, He thought “I can build a sailboat.” He thought about the design and went about collecting the needed materials. He borrowed tools from his dad, a saw, a drill, sand paper, paint and a brush. He made the boat with his own two hands. He took it on the water and a wind came up and blew it away from shore. As he was searching for it, he heard his mom call him to dinner. He obediently went home. Sadly he sat through the meal and then the family helped him l...
As we journey through life there are so many different obstacles we encounter. Not only do we encounter obstacles but we have many adventures which create many memories for us which we carry for a lifetime. Some of the memories I personally can call to mind are what I call “landmarks,” they help me to make my ancestry personal and real; such as, my great-grandfather was born in 1858, two years before the start of the Civil War and the same year as old “Rough & Ready,” President Theodore Roosevelt was born. If you were born in the 1950s or befo...