A panel of 12 community leaders who gathered at the public library Sept. 29 said Haines could be strengthened through a loan program to encourage small businesses; by developing a central community garden; by growing the pool of active volunteers; and by adopting a code of ethics to guide contentious community discussions.
An “us versus them” mentality and volunteer burnout were the biggest impediments to moving the community forward, group members said. Panelists listed strengthening…