Newly hired Haines Borough planner Dave Long begins work on June 14. Long, who co-owns Haines Real Estate with his wife Pam, will distance himself from the business’ day-to-day operations when he steps into the new role.
Long said he’s been interested in serving as planner since Holly Smith vacated the position in 2019. Last year, the Haines Borough Assembly turned the position into a planning and zoning tech in an effort to save money. This year, they added $10,000 to the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to upgrade the position to a planner, once again.
Long’s hire has raised concerns about a conflict of interest with his real estate business. Both Long and interim manager Alekka Fullerton say this isn’t an issue.
“I will be going to inactive status with my state real estate license and no longer be involved or privy to any office transactions information. I don’t want any perception of conflict of interest in regards to issuing permits and land use recommendations. I will be focusing on borough land sales which I feel my background will be a great asset to,” Long said.
It’s fairly common for government officials to move between private and public sector jobs, according to Alaska Municipal League director Nils Andreassen. He said he’s not well-versed in the typical background for municipal planners, but it seems reasonable to hire someone with experience in land sales.
Long was the only qualified candidate who applied for the position, according to Fullerton.
“He was the only real applicant, but I will also say that I wanted him to apply… We need someone with some experience and skills beyond a planning and zoning tech to help us,” she said, referencing borough plans for development of roughly 450 acres on the northeast side of Mount Riley.
Last fall, the borough began working on plans to develop the area. Little progress has been made since then. Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded landslide mapping and slope analysis of the area could impact development plans.