Fed up waiting, resident mows borough weeds

By Tom Morphet

Saying he couldn’t wait any longer for the Haines Borough to get the job done, resident and Hammer Museum operator Dave Pahl mowed the foot-high weeds on the front and sides of the former elementary school building on Main Street Monday.

“I think $32,000 (for downtown planning) is a moot point when you don’t even mow your lawn,” Pahl said, referring to a current government effort toward revitalizing the town’s core.

Pahl, who ties up cruise ships, said he’s also been dismayed by overflowing garbage cans near the Port Chilkoot Dock as ships were arriving there. “If they’re concerned about attracting cruise ships, and the tour industry in general, cleaning the town up a little bit wouldn’t be a bad idea,” Pahl said.

Pahl said he was disappointed that the borough located a cruise shuttle bus stop on Main Street between Third and Fourth avenues. “What better place to put a shuttle bus stop than across the street from an abandoned school.”

Pahl’s lawn mowing drew praise from several onlookers, including resident Jo Anna Egolf. “I do appreciate it. It looks much better.”

Haines Borough manager Tom Bolen and mayor Jan Hill were out of town this week. Police chief Gary Lowe was acting as interim manager in the absence of Bolen and borough clerk Julie Cozzi.

Lowe said he didn’t know why the grass had gone uncut, but lauded Pahl’s effort. “I think it’s wonderful. We certainly want the community to look good, not only for the tourists, but for the people who live here. I like seeing the weeds cut and the grass mowed.”

Messages left for public works director Bruce Smith and for school superintendent Michael Byer were not returned.