I’m Rebecca Himschoot, and I’m asking for your vote as a candidate for the Sitka Assembly this fall. I first came to Sitka in 1988, and I’ve lived here for a total of 22 years. I’m 52 years old, a homeowner and a longtime classroom teacher at Keet Gooshi Heen.
I’m running for Assembly this year because I love Sitka, and I believe I have the experience, personal qualities, skills, and values our City government needs to help our community survive and recover from the pandemic.
As a former member of the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development, I understand how public boards work. They work best when members are prepared, thoughtful, respectful and responsive. As a member of the Sitka Assembly, I will study our municipal code and City budget, and make sure I understand our enterprise funds and debt obligations. I’ll seek information from City staff, and regular feedback from residents and business owners. I commit to listening, learning, and working toward consensus whenever possible.
As a longtime resident of Sitka, I’ve seen the community experience and recover from economic shocks in the past, including the closure of the pulp mill in the 1990s and the closure of Sheldon Jackson College in 2007. I’ve been encouraged by the way Sitkans came up with great new ideas to help our local economy, such as our trails system, the creation of Sitka Sound Science Center, a variety of tour operations, and the expansion of Sitka Fine Arts Camp. All of these projects increased the appeal of our community to residents and visitors. As a member of the Assembly, I’ll support projects like these.
I’ll also be a voice for Sitkans who are struggling economically, including but not limited to seniors, young adults, and residents with part-time or unstable employment and housing. It’s expensive to live here. As a member of the Assembly, I’ll work to limit future increases in the cost of City services and explore public-private partnerships to develop affordable housing and business infrastructure, including a marine haulout facility and boatyard that meets the needs of our commercial fishing fleet. I am concerned about our present and focused on our future. My decisions will be based on the needs of all residents, including our children who will inherit this community.
I believe that our local government has an essential role to play in providing common goods – education, public safety, public works and more – to make life better for all residents. As a member of the Assembly, I’ll work to provide the highest quality public services as efficiently and effectively as possible. For more information, check out my Facebook page. Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
