The flyer in last week’s paper by “Citizens for Haines” is a perfect example of how divisive political rhetoric corrodes complex issues into an exhausting and fruitless blame game. Accusations about the current assembly being responsible for property tax hikes, for example, are simply untrue. In fact, this assembly saw through a complete property tax overhaul, hired a new assessor, and appointed a new BOE (including the chair of “Citizens for Haines” and one of the candidates she’s backing).
A few other factual corrections:
There are no pending lawsuits between the borough and SECON or Turnagain Marine.
The Lutak Dock project was never “paused,” but did have delays incurred by the contractor prematurely procuring materials, which resulted in federal investigation.
There is plenty of common ground for debate and cooperation in Haines. But those conversations must purge the kind of misleading and accusatory language employed by “Citizens for Haines.”
The solution to Haines’s famous divisiveness can be found in sincere and constructive compromise. This makes room for inevitable disagreements, and won’t end in dismissal. Let’s set a higher standard for our town above this tired and predictable rhetoric, which does not serve to build community.
Ben Aultman-Moore, Haines borough assembly member