Regarding the editorial that appeared in the Wrangell Sentinel on Feb. 28: As a lifelong resident of Southeast Alaska, I’ve experienced the growth of the mega tourist industry and, yes, some of it is good for the economy. Along with that comes negative things, which should also be considered when deciding to jump into the fray.
A few things to be explored are hands-on talks with the people of the other communities, not just the officials. Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Sitka have been totally overrun with shops owned by the tour industry and out-of-state owners that are closed during the off-season.
Juneau for instance has 28 jewelry stores just from the Triangle Bar to the Mount Roberts Tramway.
Workers are being shipped in from all over the country and outside the country at cheap labor. Hoonah brings in more than 250 outside workers per season. The property values have skyrocketed to the point no one locally can afford housing, especially young people who want to stay in their hometown.
The industry touts itself as the “clean industry” — don’t believe it! When you first step off a plane or a boat in Wrangell, you can feel the spirit that has bonded lifelong Alaskans as special pioneers and strong families. Hopefully, that is always retained.
William Tonsgard Jr.
Juneau
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