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Dear John and Dianne,
I sure have to concur with you, about the article in this weeks Homer Tribune. Not only unfortunate because city officials are not able to explain let alone respond, but the title was so, so totally misleading. I notice the on line version title has now been changed to “ Seldovia awaits word on policeman's status”, which is certainly a lot more accurate of the situation.
As for the temporary suspension, I have no clue why, but when I am told that they were so advised by their attorney, I have to accept they are acting responsibly.
Don’t know if you recall, but last fall the Borough Assembly was not allowed to seat three members who had been duly re elected by their district constituents, on the advice of our attorneys. Worse, this advice and rationale, was given during executive session, and we could not explain to our colleagues why we had to act as we did. And to this day I cannot. It has created a rift that still exists to a degree. It is unfortunate. But I see a lot of similarity to the situation in Seldovia.
I do believe the Seldovia City Council, City Mayor and the City Manager are acting in the best interest of your community. I am working them, with Rep. Seaton’s office, and Senator Gary Stevens office to see if this can be soon resolved, at least with temporary Trooper coverage for Seldovia.
I ask you please be patient with them all.
Thank you,
Milli Martin
P.O. Box 2652
Homer, AK 99603
235-6652
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Some people go through their whole life without ever really knowing how others feel about them. That certainly is no longer the case in my life. I guess I am a very fortunate person. I have recently learned that those who indeed care about you, “The Silent Majority”, will step up and voice their opinions when they don’t agree with what is happening. Such was the case recently following my being placed on suspension. In the Administrations defense, they are mandated to protect the City against potential lawsuits and they must have felt the suspension was warranted, under the circumstances. They felt I had created a liability for both the City and myself. When I was reinstated I was told the subsequent investigation revealed that no liability existed for either the City or for me.
I am overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of support for me and the Police Department. Those of you who signed the “Petition of Support”, those of you who wrote letters supporting me and those of you who personally voiced your objections to the Administration in my behalf can’t imagine how impacting it was for me. I have been your Police Chief for 28 and ½ years and I know most all of you on a first name basis. I have impacted most of your lives in one way or another and I have been forced to take legal action against many of you, as my job mandates. But regardless of the actions I’ve taken, you stepped up and let it be known that you were behind me and your Police Department and not in agreement with the Administrations actions. I’m sure the public’s response had a huge impact on the Administration but it couldn’t have been nearly as impacting on them as it was on me personally. To say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. It’s hard to put in words the gratitude I feel for all the support that has been shown. This community has always pulled together when they felt threatened and the idea of not having a Police presence, and depending on the Troopers to respond to their needs, was taken by many of you as a threat to your safety. We are a very diverse community, with many different opinions, but you came forward as one and made everyone aware that you want, and need, a Police presence and you have asked that I continue in that role. For that Ann and I want to sincerely thank you. Somehow the job doesn’t seem as thankless a position as it did a few weeks ago. I don’t think we have ever felt more at home than we do right now. I vow to continue the duties of the Office and I will do everything in my power to live up to your expectations. With your continued support and your assistance we can continue to keep Seldovia and the surrounding area a safe place for all of us.
Thank You One and All,
A.W. (Andy) Anderson
Chief of Police
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Dear Editor:
Recently Meghan Holtan was in Seldovia for two weeks to share her expertise in circus skills with the students of Susan B. English School. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped make her stay possible and enjoyable.
A huge thanks to Gordon and Carlena Giles. These wonderful people allowed Meghan to stay in their guest house with a short notice and at no charge. She couldn’t believe that she had such wonderful accommodations with such a gorgeous view.
Thank you to the community members who made Meghan feel welcome in Seldovia. She left with a very favorable impression of our students, the school, and the community. We also want to thank those who attended the community workshop, the circus performance, and Meghan’s performance Friday night. Your support is very much appreciated.
Thank you also to our state legislators who budget money to the Alaska State Council on the Arts. This organization funds the Artists in Schools Program and made Ms. Holtan’s two weeks in Seldovia financially feasible.
The Students and Staff at Susan B. English School
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