November 09, 2010
Tuesday AM

I am writing this in agreement to Mr. Tom Fisher's letter in regards to the Ketchikan City Council members who voted to use raw fish tax funds to hire 2 police ofiicers. After inquiring about this and having it confirmed the $220,000.00 that was taken away from the small harbors fund for 2 police officer positions, that makes an annual salary of $110,000.00 per officer?

We, as commercial fishermen who pay into this tax every time we deliver our fish products have boats moored in the city owned harbors, should in the near future expect police foot-patrols during the evening hours to insure the amount of recent vessel break-ins and theft ends. With these funds being stripped from the harbors and going to another department, the harbors' projects and operating budget has been cut and some employees of that department have lost jobs and will now have to try and find employment to be able to make ends meet and provide for their families.

And now, we, as harbor users will now have to wait for who knows how long to see float improvments, better dock carts, net racks for gillnet repairs (which I emailed certain city council members photos of from the Wrangell harbors' dock carts and net racks). Our existing net float is in need of repair and or replacement.

Why couldn't the city find funding elsewhere? Iisn't there any Homeland Security monies or grants available to come up with money to hire more police? Crime is up and arrests are down in some criminal sectors of this community. We don't exactly live in Swellville anymore.

Kevin Kristovich
Ketchikan, AK

About: "Lifelong resident of Ketchikan and a 3rd generation commercial fisherman"

Received November 07, 2010 - Published November 09, 2010

Related Viewpoint:

Raw fish tax: Shame on the City Council By Tom Fisher

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