Does Josephson really support agriculture?

Brenda Josephson is running for Haines Borough Assembly. This time she’s promoting local agriculture.

As a previous Assembly-person, she had an opportunity to support local agriculture and food security. She did neither. In fact, she made the motion to reallocate the majority of the $100,000 CARES Act grant funds dedicated to food security, rather than discuss a proposal I presented the Haines Borough for a plan to create year-round community food storage; it was dismissed with no discussion or follow up.

Brenda stated, “Not only could we grow an agricultural community to meet more of our needs locally, it could be something regionally that we could be effective at.” Brenda voted to cut funding for HEDC. I wonder if she is even aware that HEDC is currently working with the Alaska Food Policy Council to create a 10-year strategy for Alaska. As one of the four local leaders representing the Upper Lynn Canal, I can attest that this work is essential, undervalued, understaffed and underfunded.

I watched Brenda’s sly maneuverings. Where was her support when she had the power to act? Many may not remember, but I will never forget. To my knowledge, she has never been involved in local discussions, strategic planning, work parties or fundraising efforts related to food security or local agriculture. It is unfortunate that the Haines Borough never took a leadership role in this discussion.

Try a different campaign angle. Or maybe just do the work. We already have the ideas.

Erika Merklin

Coordinator of the Victory Garden

Mosquito Lake Community Center