Opinion & Letters

AP&T provides landline service

I write in response to Alec Carrington’s letter to the editor titled: “The FCC deregulation leaves Skagway’s rural areas behind.” Please know that AP&T provides landline service in the Skagway region, and is committed to providing this service to all customers in its service area for the foreseeable future. Customers should not expect this to change, as Mr. Carrington’s letter suggests. While it is true that much of AP&T’s “landline” service is currently fed via fiber vs copper (and has been for some time), this improves – rather than impairs – the long-term sustainability of landline services. AP&T is always glad to provide information regarding its services, and encourages customers with concerns to reach out directly. As a small business founded in Skagway, we are here to support the community, and are always available to help address your questions. Please feel welcome to contact skagway@aptalaska.com at any time.

Darren Belisle Manager of Power Operations Skagway, Haines & Gustavus Alaska Power and Telephone

Keep the three-person train crews

As someone who covered the ups and downs of White Pass, including labor strife and the reduction of train crews over the years, I can tell you firsthand what an impact even the threat of a strike can have on our community.

When WP&YR convinced the state to do away with the old five-man crew law in the late 1970s-early 1980s, it sort of made economic sense, but it was not popular. The railroad was losing freight and eventually all ore traffic would stop. During the five-year shutdown, the previous owners held fast far away in eastern Canada and eventually convinced the workers to compromise with just three on a train (one engineer, one conductor, one brakeman) in order to reopen the line for tourist traffic in 1988. Since then, except for the pandemic, the railroad has thrived and actually added a fourth person as a guide to announce to the hundreds of thousand cruise visitors and independent travelers who ride our rails.

This all works very well on a line that is truly the “Scenic Railway of the World.” It’s a shame that a strike vote had to be held on the eve of WP&YR’s 125th anniversary this month. From my limited understanding, the workers are asking for a fair wage. I say find a way to give it to them, Mr. Berto. They work hard five months a year to feed families 12 months a year.

But more importantly, do not reduce the size of the train crew and create an unsafe situation on trains that routinely haul 400-plus people several times a day over difficult terrain. Believe me, you don’t want the traveling public knowing that you are cutting back on the number of train crew members who could help in an emergency. Heck, I would be hesitant to take my granddaughter to ride the Santa Train with just an engineer and a conductor on board, and she’s the great-great granddaughter of one of your first brakemen!

So what it really comes down to is protecting families. Keeping them here, keeping kids in the school, keeping teachers in the classroom. Cutting back on jobs is the wrong thing to do right now, especially in a town trying to get back on its economic footing. The railroad surely is trying to do the same, losing half its port revenue (which you knew was coming) and dealing with that rockslide thing and bridges going out. We get it. But you also must understand that when you bought the railroad, it was like marrying into a big family (something I know about). You better treat them with love and respect or you will hear about it.

White Pass has an honored history in our community, and one that has valued its family of workers. Do the right thing by them, please. Only then can you celebrate proudly, and Skagway will celebrate with you.

Jeff Brady Dyea

(Continued from front page) don, who went busking on one of two days he’s had off this season. Between four jobs, the tour guide/musician/magician/singer has found it difficult to take advantage of the code change.

He describes his Skagway act as music, magic and friendly con games mixed in with a little bit of Robert Service poetry.

Nadon, a year-round resident who performs on cruise ships, once supported himself by busking on the streets of Salt Lake City for a year.

The performer found a few challenges with his Skagway busking experience. He said his tips were “discouraging” and estimated he made about $5 per hour. Per the current code, artists are allowed to accept but not solicit gratuities. Nadon said there is an art to asking for tips.

“I get that they don’t want us accosting people. There’s a line there,” he said.

Nadon, who set up behind the centennial statue, felt “lonely” being the only busker in the area and suggested more performers would easily fit and add to the atmosphere.

“There’s no reason there couldn’t be two or three at a time,” he said.

All in all, Nadon is excited about the future of the busking program.

“It was fun,” he said. “I’m so grateful that they have made this possible for artists. I think it can be successful.”

Tourism Director Jaime Bricker is eager to debrief buskers and hear about their experiences.

“I want to revisit this,” she said. “What works, what doesn’t. I hope it‘s lucrative for buskers and entertaining for visitors.”