In 43 years of observing local politics I cannot recall a more misguided decision as the one the current assembly made in choosing not to hire Brad Ryan as borough manager.
Mr. Ryan, by all accounts, had maintained excellent relations with both borough staff and the general public while consistently showing competence in an obviously challenging job. He had a calm management style, an objective stance on issues, and a proven track record of common-sense decision making.
What more were we looking for in a borough manager?
Given our community’s chronic inability to find and keep a manager that can successfully function in Haines, the assembly’s vote is especially troubling. KHNS reported that the assembly had chosen to go in a different direction. My fear is this new direction will lead us further down the path of divisiveness and dysfunction. I hope I am wrong.
Jim Szymanski