Note: Opinions expressed in commentaries on Raven Radio are those of the author, and are not necessarily shared by the station’s board, staff, or volunteers.
My name is Martina Kurzer. I have lived in Sitka since 1995. We have heard a lot recently about the question what number of cruise ship passengers would be appropriate to maintain a robust economy in our home town. I presented my thoughts at the tourism task force town hall meeting and was asked to let more people know about them.
If we have to close down Lincoln Street, the numbers are too high.
If we can’t timely get through the Lake and Lincoln intersection, they are too high.
When Grandpa is worried the kid breathes too much exhaust, the numbers are too high.
If the painter gets sick after days of working close to the bus route, the numbers are too high.
If we can’t enjoy our trails because of overcrowding, they are too high.
If we can’t get a cell signal and can’t place emergency calls, they are too high.
If an elder doesn’t get her medicine because a cruise ship visitor just got the last pack, the numbers are too high.
If the emergency doc can’t provide for locals, they are too high.
If an entire community suffers to accommodate the vision of one businessman, the numbers are too high.
If we have to place toilets on main street, they are too high.
If we avoid businesses downtown, they are too high.
If we need to change our lives to accommodate visitors, the numbers are too high.
If we start suffering from anxiety, the numbers are too high.
You are asking us to submit numbers, but numbers don’t reflect our grief. Any number can be taken out of context and be used to justify any action against our way of life.
That’s not community.
That’s not why we live here.
That’s toxic. That’s abuse.
That’s a pattern I know.
That violates my soul.
I resist to accept that this complex issue of quality of live is boiled down to numbers.
Let’s look at the costs these numbers bring us.
Then let’s go back to pre-pandemic levels of cruise visitors that maintain the balance we deserve.
Through my professional experience for the last 18 years I am well acquainted with behavior patterns that lead to unhealthy and dangerous relationships that begin with grooming. That’s when a person showers an often vulnerable person of interest with compliments and gifts to create a false sense of love and care. The victim feels desired and allows the most hideous acts to be committed against them.
When I see how this city rolls over to the demands of the international cruise ship industry that doesn’t even pay taxes in this country, I see the patterns of abusers who intentionally and strategically plan profits at the expense of their victims.
I urge the City and Borough of Sitka to not act like a victim in a relationship where the cruise ship industry has power and control over us. We don’t have to sell ourselves to the international cruise ship industry. Let’s remember that our economy is one of strength and diversity, and where individual travelers are really bringing the money.
And if you give in to the demands of the industry, please also consider the physical, emotional, and economic costs all community members have to pay. Don’t only look at the increase in sales taxes.
