The Haines Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors would like to address recent letters and phone calls received regarding our stance against Proposition 1. The board voted (not by unanimous vote) to oppose Proposition 1 because it encompasses all corporations, non-profits, labor unions, etc. and because we believe this battle should be fought on a state or national level, not locally.
Since this type of action is unprecedented, there is much left unknown. The board’s main concern was at what stake was Haines leaving itself exposed to litigation and liability should an ordinance be enacted. The board felt a resolution made by the Haines Borough Assembly or a statewide effort by a group such as We the People would better send the message of ridding our electoral process of corporate influence.
We believe elected officials should represent constituents objectively and any kind of strong corporate influence or lobbying will sway representatives into making decisions that may or may not help the average American. But, as we have seen recently by letters written by individuals to our senators regarding our own highway improvements delaying the STIP due to eagle roosting trees and negative fisheries impacts, individuals do have influence on our elected officials.
The Chamber hopes that the message of reducing corporate influence on our electoral process is received without any financial repercussions to the community of Haines. Ultimately, if constitutional rights are stripped from all corporations, where does that leave small municipalities such as ours in the face of litigation?
Barbara Mulford
for the Haines Chamber of Commerce board of directors