A four-person hiring committee interviewed candidates this week for the Haines Borough’s community and economic development director position.
The committee is comprised of manager David Sosa, school superintendent Ginger Jewell, clerk Julie Cozzi and assembly member Diana Lapham.
The committee scheduled two interviews for Tuesday and three for Wednesday. The interviews were held via Skype, even for local applicants.
“Based on the results of this round of interviews the committee will either recommend a nominee or schedule a second round to further narrow the field,” Sosa said.
Applicants included Debra Schnabel of Haines, Christina Baskaya of Haines, Joe Poor of Haines, Jim Kallenberg of California, Harry Staven of North Carolina and Bill Mandeville of Washington.
The committee didn’t interview Schnabel because of her recent tenure on the assembly, Sosa said. Borough law establishes that for one year after leaving office, a former assembly member can’t hold a paid borough position that was created or saw a salary increase during the former member’s last year in office.
Poor has offered to do the job as a volunteer.