As survivors of sexual violence, we cannot stay silent as our community faces a choice that speaks to the very core of who we are. When we elect leaders with a history of violence against women, we send the message that this behavior is tolerable, that it can be overlooked, and that women’s safety does not matter as much as political convenience.

The Chilkat Valley is a place where neighbors look out for one another, where our children should be able to grow up safe, and where respect and care are values we claim to hold dear. Choosing to place someone with a documented record of domestic violence in a position of power undermines these values and normalizes harm.

This is not about party lines or political factions. This is about the standards of safety, accountability, and integrity that we as a community are willing to uphold. Do we accept that violence has no consequence? Or do we insist that those who represent us reflect the care and respect our community deserves?

Electing someone with known violence against women is not acceptable. It makes our community less safe, less just, and less whole. We deserve better.

Sheri Loomis on behalf of sexual and domestic violence survivors