Editor’s Note: The Chilkat Valley News called each of the candidates to ask about their AI use in responding to these questions. Two candidates, Kimberly Rosado and Nathanael Reams, disclosed the use of AI in assisting with answering these questions. In Reams’ case, he used it for grammar and proofreading. Rosado used it to proofread and, in some cases, help answer the questions. We edited candidates’ answers to be closer to the 100-word limit we asked them to adhere to.

A more in-depth profile of Dan Schultz can be found here.

Our next borough election is set to take place on Oct. 7. That means we’re working to get you the information you need to know to cast an informed vote here at the Chilkat Valley News.

We asked Chilkat Valley residents to weigh-in on what they’d like to hear from candidates and dozens weighed in asking nearly 50 questions. 

We pared down the list to 12 and asked candidates to answer them in about 100 words. We’ve edited those that came in significantly longer or contained grammatical errors.

Question 1 (from Carol Tuynman): What role can the planning commission play in providing affordable childcare; affordable housing; and/or workforce development?

Dan Schultz — The planning commission can work with the borough planning department to initiate conversations and research these issues. Currently we are discussing land sales and looking at a borough-owned parcel on Small Tracts Spur Road as a test case to determine the optimal course of action for the borough to sell land. We then hope to take what we learned from this and apply it to future sales. Having a fully staffed planning department is allowing us to pursue some of the ideas that we have generated in our meetings over the past two years.

Question 2 (from Fran Tuenge): Do you want Haines to thrive and grow economically? Give an example of what you will promote.

Dan Schultz — Like everyone, I want to see Haines thrive. When we went through the 2035 Comprehensive Plan process, the facilitators told us that they had not seen another community with such a diverse economy. This diversity in employment creates a resilient economy. Therefore, I would promote Haines-based businesses, possible trade school development, the SEARHC campus and anything else that contributes to a diverse economy. There are many examples of communities in Alaska that are beholden to industries due to their lopsided economies. I don’t want to see the Haines Borough lose its identity in this way.

Question 3 (from Thom Ely): Our population in the Haines Borough has remained relatively stable over the past 40 years at about 2,500 residents. Do you want our population to grow or stay about the same?

Dan Schultz — I believe that sustainability is what communities need to strive for. The problem with our stable population is that the median age is increasing while the population has stayed consistent, which means young people are leaving and older people are moving in. I would like to see a more balanced population, which means we need to work on our housing needs and listen to what younger people say they want out of this community. We all know this is a desirable place to live. We just need to find ways to make this more feasible for the younger generations.

Question 4 (from Patty Brown, current planning commission member): The category of General Use in zoning designations is intended to be a transitional label during a period which would lead to more specific zoning applications later. Since the Haines Borough was reclassified as a Home Rule Borough in 2002, more than two decades have passed. As there have been conflicts expressed in the past several years and new residents moving into the area, particularly out the Haines Highway, what ideas do you have for establishing some restrictions and formally declaring allowances that meet today’s needs while allowing for future economic growth?

Dan Schultz — My feelings about zoning changes are that the residents are the ones who should decide how their community ought to move forward. For some, the least restrictive zoning policy is what attracted them to the area. I am open to having a dialog about zoning changes, but it would need to be a community-led conversation and decision.

Question 5: What do you recommend as consideration criteria in deciding whether to increase commercial use of public infrastructure that could displace local users?

Dan Schultz — For me the displacement of local users from public infrastructure is a non-starter. Our public infrastructure is for the public, not the sole use of commercial enterprises. In most cases we can find a compromise that will allow dual use of public infrastructure where local users are not displaced. If this is not possible then the commercial user needs to build their own infrastructure.

Question 6 (from Deborah Gravel): How would you support civility in all and any public meetings, including the school board, planning commission, and borough assembly?

Dan Schultz — First, if a person wants to be treated in a civil manner, then one needs to treat others in this way. So, leading by example is the most important step that one can take. It is vital to our discourse that we communicate clearly and listen to everyone who speaks, and it comes down to everyone in attendance to take it upon themselves to act in this matter. We can’t control how others act but we can listen and understand our different points of view.

Question 7 (from Karen Wallace): What is your vision for the Lutak Dock?

Dan Schultz — We are not located in an area central to shipping, so we need a simple dock with low maintenance costs. All the communities in the Yukon except Haines Junction are about three hundred miles round trip closer to Skagway, and the rest of central Alaska uses Valdez and Anchorage. We need a dock for Haines, Klukwan and the fuel barge. Any large-scale operation (i.e. a mine) can afford their own dock, such as in Skagway where the Yukon mining industry paid for the repair and upgrade of the dock to fit their needs.

Question 8 (from Kay Clements): What is your position on the Mosquito Lake Community Center?

Dan Schultz — I am a big proponent of the Mosquito Lake Community Center. I have been involved in the end of the season cleanup of the Victory Garden and have seen the community grow and use the center more from year to year. This infrastructure will not come back if it is lost. This center also acts as an emergency shelter and meeting area for local residents. People living up the highway pay taxes, work hard, and deserve this cost-effective partnership. Further discussion is underway about lowering the approximate $40,000 annual costs and possibly creating a nonprofit to take over the center.