In Haines the mayor’s job is to run meetings with fairness and civility, ensuring that things go smoothly and with everyone having a voice. That’s how it should be. When things go otherwise it’s a sign of poor management. Under Jan Hill we’ve had endless angry meetings, limited citizen participation, representatives walking out (for any reason), serious insults from the chair to both the people of Haines and to our legal representatives, and even a recall. Ms. Hill gave more than tacit support to the recall when she said that “it’s their right” rather than that it was wrong. A recall is incredibly disruptive to borough business. It should be saved for only the most serious of circumstances such as if the Mayor was embezzling funds. Ms. Hill should have spoken publicly against the recall right from the beginning. Somewhat obviously, she didn’t.
She now says that she wants to be “part of the healing process.” Well, with all due respect, I think the likelihood of success would be quite small. Surely the way to move forward is to try something different.
We are lucky to have a real chance for change in Joanie Wagner. Please vote for her. Thank you.
Sally McGuire