597 

 Senator Wirth. Steve Brenner. 



STATEMENT OF STEVE BRENNER 



Mr. Brenner. My name is Steve Brenner and I thank you for the 

 opportunity to address you on this important issue. 



First of all, let me say I support Senate Bill 237 and I am against 

 Senate Bill 346. 



I have lived in Alaska over 25 years and have lived in the com- 

 munities of Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Anchorage, and now Sitka. 



We live in Sitka because we want to live here, not because we 

 have to. We love this community. My wife, Bonnie, was born and 

 raised here. She remembers well the dairy that was located on the 

 present site of the pulp mill. 



One of the reasons we came back here to make our home is be- 

 cause Sitka has a balanced economy, one not dependent on just oil 

 or any one single factor. Sitka has a society in balance and is a 

 good place to raise a family. We have two children, who we believe 

 will also make Sitka their home when they are adults. 



Right now my wife and I are faced with one of the largest eco- 

 nomic issues in our lives. After working for all our adult lives, we 

 have the opportunity to purchase the building she operates her 

 clothing store out of. The thought of buying the building and then 

 having one of the community's main economic engines shut down 

 is not a particularly happy one. This would probably cause us a lot 

 of grief, but we are not alone. It would also affect the people she 

 has working for her, as some would probably lose their jobs as busi- 

 ness is sure to be slower. 



We feel we need a balanced economy with the timber industry 

 along with fishing, mining, and tourism. All of the industries can 

 co-exist, can work in conjunction with one another and can help 

 everyone in the process. 



We implore you, do not destroy this place called Sitka, but allow 

 us to maintain our dignity and the lifestyle that we love. 



Thank you. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Brenner follows:] 



