Editorial
Haines voters called for change Tuesday.
Although results aren't final, the tourism industry may have lost ground on all fronts, as
voters boroughwide are favoring taxes on tours and accommodations. The outcome of an
advisory measure capping dockings of large cruise ships also is too close to call, but it
appears residents want limits on the cruise industry. The ballot question -- capping large
ship visits at year 2000 levels -- was specific and more restrictive than one common
suggestion of industry supporters and elected leaders: That the limit should be whatever
the area's single dock can accommodate. Putting limits on an industry is a fairly radical
notion for Haines, and support for the idea reflects a level of dissatisfaction with the
cruise business that leaders would be wise to investigate and remedy. Residents have been
out in front of the area's leaders in pushing for tourism planning. Tuesday's vote shows
that if leaders won't set limits, the people will. Hopefully, tax opponents who were
advocating bringing the two governments together a week ago will continue the push,
because Tuesday's election again reflected the schizophrenic nature of our two-government
system. The tourism industry -- as well as most of the leadership of the City of Haines --
stood opposed to taxes and limits that most valley residents favored. Tourism happens
boroughwide. It should be planned areawide, by a single government that represents all.
-- Bonnie Hedrick
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