TESTIMONIALS
Hear from local Sitkans why you should vote NO on 1.
Sitkans from every corner of our community are saying NO to Ballot Measure 1.
These voices represent the heart of Sitka: small business owners, working families, educators and entrepreneurs who know firsthand how cruise tourism supports our economy, keeps jobs local and funds the services we all count on.
From lifelong locals to the next generation building their future here, they all agree: collaboration beats restriction.
Hear their stories and see why saying NO means a strong, sustainable Sitka.
“Tourism is a very large economic engine for our town and always has been. Our family lives off of it, and our kids went to college because of it.”
Doug and Olga Borland, Russian American Company
“I love sharing our state, our city, with visitors. We’re so fortunate to live here. And it’s so nice to see people who are passionate about Alaska.”
Stephanie Brenner, Brenner’s Fine Clothing and Gifts
“One of the things I like about cruise ship tourism is it’s really a renewable resource. There’s a new batch [of passengers] every day.”
Chris McGraw, Sitka Dock
“For me, it’s wonderful. [Working in tourism IS] a great source of extra income. It makes me able to live in Sitka and raise my family.”
Lance Ewers, Sitka Paladin Wildlife Tours
“I think that our services — and health services, everything — directly benefit from tourism. Tourism is a viable option for adding revenue to the city.”
Margie Malkuian, Bubble Tea by the Sea
“Large cruise tourism benefits more than what you think it does. I manage a hotel that has independent travelers. The large cruise tourism doesn't stay at the hotel, but we still benefit from it and we are here because of it. They market Sitka with money we couldn’t come up with on our own if we tried for a million years. Because of the large cruise tourism we have a booming independent tourism market.”
Holly Myer, Aspen Hotels of Sitka
“A decline in cruise tourism would really mean fewer opportunities for our students — and for our community as a whole.”
Andrew Friske, Mt. Edgecumbe High School
Help us safeguard Sitka's economy.
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