The Haines Borough Parks and Recreation Committee’s job is to address issues concerning lands and activities then make recommendations to the borough assembly. The purpose of cataloging winter recreational use in the borough is not to restrict access but to provide additional information for locals and visitors who want to get out and enjoy activities, whether it is snowmachining, snowshoeing, skiing, etc.
Misinformation was spread via social media that I and others on the committee were planning on closing half of the borough to snowmachines. This was a misrepresentation of the issue. There was no hidden agenda. Residents serve as volunteers on these committees because they have an interest in the subject. The ultimate decision on laws and ordinances to introduce is the assembly’s.
Our community does not need to mirror the national mood. A rant is an argument that is fueled by passion, not shaped by facts. Rant comes from the Dutch ranten, “to talk nonsense.” Rave is a close synonym. Running this town requires people to work together, communicate, coordinate and compromise. Stirring the pot results in polarization, divisiveness, and perpetuates the “us vs. them” mentality. I hope we can choose the former.
Thom Ely