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Editorial
September 7, 1955
Daily Sitka Sentinel And The Arrowhead Press
Sitka, Alaska
What is this article about?
Editorial on declining interest in running for office in Sitka, citing four reasons including failed party system, gender bias against women candidates, effective boards reducing need, and public criticism deterring participation. Urges constructive involvement over complaints.
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Full Text
An Editorial.
We were asked to write an editorial giving the people of Sitka the very devil for not taking more interest in city politics. But, an editorial is not written on the spur of the moment, nor is it something which takes a dig at someone or something.
Interest in running for office in Sitka has reached a low ebb -- but the reasons behind it are as clear as can be.
1. -- Several years ago an attempt was made to make the election a two party affair -- Republicans against Democrats. That didn't work but the after effects are still with us. Men wait until they are tapped by a private caucus.
2. -- No woman in the past ten years has ever been elected to the city council, school board or SPU. At times they have run but the fire because of their femininity has been so great that other women will not put up with the name calling which is whispered behind upheld palms.
3. - The creation of boards and the very fact that these boards are accomplishing many things, has taken a large number of prospective candidates out of the running. They are working for the betterment of the city without having to enter the lists.
4. - The fact that the only time anyone goes to an elective officer concerning their activities is to "jump down their throat." In fact this is so great that several people have stated privately they can't afford to be on the city council, SPU or school board.
So now that filing time is here -- stop and consider if you are guilty of any of the above. If you are - and that includes a lot of Sitkans -- it is time that you take a constructive interest in Sitka. Try to help and not "holler" about what your elected and appointed representatives do.
We were asked to write an editorial giving the people of Sitka the very devil for not taking more interest in city politics. But, an editorial is not written on the spur of the moment, nor is it something which takes a dig at someone or something.
Interest in running for office in Sitka has reached a low ebb -- but the reasons behind it are as clear as can be.
1. -- Several years ago an attempt was made to make the election a two party affair -- Republicans against Democrats. That didn't work but the after effects are still with us. Men wait until they are tapped by a private caucus.
2. -- No woman in the past ten years has ever been elected to the city council, school board or SPU. At times they have run but the fire because of their femininity has been so great that other women will not put up with the name calling which is whispered behind upheld palms.
3. - The creation of boards and the very fact that these boards are accomplishing many things, has taken a large number of prospective candidates out of the running. They are working for the betterment of the city without having to enter the lists.
4. - The fact that the only time anyone goes to an elective officer concerning their activities is to "jump down their throat." In fact this is so great that several people have stated privately they can't afford to be on the city council, SPU or school board.
So now that filing time is here -- stop and consider if you are guilty of any of the above. If you are - and that includes a lot of Sitkans -- it is time that you take a constructive interest in Sitka. Try to help and not "holler" about what your elected and appointed representatives do.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Sitka Politics
Elections
Candidate Shortage
Gender Bias
Public Criticism
Citizen Participation
What entities or persons were involved?
Sitka Residents
City Council
School Board
Spu
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Low Interest In Sitka City Elections
Stance / Tone
Encouraging Constructive Participation
Key Figures
Sitka Residents
City Council
School Board
Spu
Key Arguments
Failed Attempt At Two Party System Leads To Private Caucuses Selecting Candidates
Women Face Severe Gender Based Criticism Preventing Election
Effective Boards Reduce Need For Elective Office Seekers
Public Only Criticizes Officials, Deterring Potential Candidates