I know it isn't so!!

This is in response to a story in the September 22nd, Juneau Empire:

http://juneauempire.com/local/2011-09-21/former-key-saga-employees-worry-about-financial-stability#comment-19750

I have known Joe Parish since before there was a SAGA.  In 1982 I met him during my first season at Mickey’s Bagel Bistro.  Joe was one of the False Islanders.  The False Islanders were in a work service program for young people.  It was a lot like SAGA.  They did community service type work based out of camp by Sitka.  I was fortunate to be adopted by those from False Island who had come to Juneau.  I do not think that without their help I would have made it through my first season.

Every False Islander I ever met as possessed an abundance of integrity, common sense, honesty, caring and a strong work ethic.  Qualities that are admired and ones that their can never be to much of.  Joe was no exception to this,

He didn’t start SAGA for financial gain.  But because he cared and wanted others to have the same opportunity and benefit from the experiences like he had.  Now 30 years later it is inferred that Joe had his hands in the cookie jar.  I don’t think SAGA has a cookie jar.  Their budget can’t afford one.  And doubt that all of Joe’s hard work there now lets him live off the fat of the land.  It is just not that kind of a gig.

The reason Joe was given the ultimatum probably were based on reasons having nothing to do with SAGA.  It is unfortunate, but that is often the way things work in Juneau.   What a loss this is for the community.