Let’s look at the voting records of  borough assembly members Gabe Thomas and Richard Clement: 

— Voted against approving or modifying the ordinance on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) put forth by the planning commission. This is a common first-step option used by many communities in Southeast Alaska to assist in addressing housing crises in small communities. We need to explore options and take immediate action to address the severe affordable housing shortage in Haines.

— Voted against funding for nonprofits, which provide a huge service to our community.  For example, Haines Friends of Recycling has provided recycling and waste reduction services and education since 1999.  The more people recycle and reduce waste, the longer our landfill will be able to operate. When the landfill is full, we’ll have to ship out waste, which will be very expensive. In previous years, the borough has distributed $100,000 to local nonprofits.

— This past year the assembly put further strain on nonprofits when it re-interpreted the Community Purpose Tax Exemption.  According to borough code, land/portions of land owned by nonprofits used exclusively for “community purposes,” are exempt from taxation. This resulted in several plots of land owned by nonprofits not receiving the tax exemption, after qualifying and receiving it for many years.

Eben Sargent and John Norton will use common sense, and work for “the most good for the most people.”  Let’s get them elected to the borough assembly.  Vote on Oct. 7.

Dena Selby