Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

The sentinel paper is a small paper, that’s a given, but when a local citizen feels it’s important to attend a city meeting to speak on an issue, it would be fair to expect that the reporting of any opinion or sentiment be represented fairly. That’s what reporting is all about; giving a voice to various sides of an issue and making people aware of the concerns of residents.

I’m referring to the March 19th, 2015 issue and the article about the planning and zoning meeting - the variance request by the Whites, where a quip of a few statements was printed, and the overall intent of what I stood up to speak about was cut down to a simple statement that totally, in my opinion, misrepresented what I went up to speak about.

Wrangell is growing at a rate high, new businesses, new residents, new buildings. Our city planning and zoning need to take note and begin safeguarding building codes and regulations, and developing new ones; possibly emulating other shore-side towns that have successfully taken steps to protect their individual appeal and value. Wrangell has a unique setting that could be shared and enjoyed by land owners and residents. There are cities that have looked far enough ahead in their future development and taken steps that actually enhance their appeal by regulating building and land ordinances.

It’s time that Wrangell take steps to do the same. That is why I took time to attend the meeting and, as much as I don’t like getting up to speak to an audience, I did. However, it was very unfortunate that the reporter took only a quip of what was said and over-looked the actual content and value of what was brought to the table for discussion.

Liz Buness