With 14 open seats, the upcoming general municipal election in Haines could be one of the most consequential in the town. The candidate filing period started Aug. 1, and ends Aug. 20. But so far, only one candidate has filed for office and has their declaration of candidacy certified by the borough, leading some to worry that there won’t be enough candidates to fill all the elected positions.

The seats for Mayor, three assembly members, three school board members, and all seven planning commissioners are up for grabs for the first time ever, after Haines citizens voted to elect borough planning commissioners during the June 6 special election.

Tom Morphet organized the ballot measure partially as a result of the planning commission’s decision to approve a heliport in a residential area that was later appealed and overturned. Since the planning commission makes decisions that impact residents’ lives in myriad ways, Morphet viewed an elected body as a means to increase accountability. He said he wasn’t worried about the early shortage of candidates.

“Most people file in the last couple of days. It’s ludicrous to believe that people won’t put their names in,” said Morphet.

While borough clerk Alekka Fullerton acknowledged that Haines is a “last minute town,” and the number of candidates who file vary from year to year, she worried that not enough people will run for the vacant offices.

“Having 14 seats on a ballot is a lot for a small town,” she said.

Planning commissioner Diana Lapham said she hasn’t made up her mind yet about whether she is running, and what office she would run for. But she also said the current lack of candidates isn’t a concern. “We’ll just see who comes out in the candidacy. The more the merrier,” she said.

Planning commissioner Travis Eckhoff said he is not running for any office. Commissioners Don Turner and Justin Mitman declined to comment on whether or not they were running for reelection.

The only person to have filed paperwork for any office is planning commissioner Richard Clement.

Clement said he is running to remain on the commission because he is “qualified and experienced.” Speaking to KHNS in May, he expressed some concerns over the cost of campaigns for an elected planning commission. But now, Clement said, “I’ve decided not to spend any money.”

Clement said he hopes to see more involvement in the community not only by citizens running for office but also speaking up about issues during the process of rewriting the borough’s comprehensive plan. He is anxious to see how the revised comprehensive plan could change how the future planning commission makes decisions. The plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

Fullerton said if there are fewer than seven candidates running for the planning commission seats, then the Mayor would appoint the rest from interested parties, meaning community members who send in letters of interest.

Morphet had a different idea of how to approach the possibility of not having enough candidates.

“If people won’t put their names in and only four people do, then maybe we need a four-person commission,” he said.

Mayor Doug Olerud is not running for reelection. “I only planned to serve for three years when I first ran,” he said. Running a business and being Mayor at the same time has also taken its toll. “I need a break,” he said.

Jan Hill, who has served four terms as the borough Mayor, said she is considering running for Mayor. “I have not made a firm commitment,” she said. However, she said she has been approached by community members who want to see her in office again.

CVN was unable to get in contact with members of the assembly whose terms are coming to close in October. They include Margarette Jones, Cheryl Stickler and Jerry Lapp.

The clerk’s office is conducting a training for anyone considering running for office on Monday, Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m at the assembly chambers.

Editor’s note: Commissioner Scott Hansen confirmed on Friday that he is running for office.