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 Kimberly Rosado 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?

Kimberly Rosado —Unless the assembly specifically asks us to identify a property suitable for a childcare facility, creating affordable childcare seems beyond the commission’s scope.

Regarding affordable housing—what’s affordable to one person may not be to another. We all know it’s expensive to build in Haines. But none of this will matter if we don’t have a year-round economy. Without a stable economy, nothing will be affordable. 

I’ve heard the argument that it’s not the local government’s job to create an economy. I disagree. Local government can support economic growth—by making Haines a more welcoming place for businesses and by avoiding policies or attitudes that drive them away.

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

Kimberly Rosado — Over the past several years, Haines has lost at least 400 residents and we’re at risk of losing more  if things don’t change.
The heart of the issue is our struggling year-round economy. Without stable jobs and opportunities, families can’t stay, and new ones won’t come.
We need to take a serious look at how we’re using our resources—including our tourism fund, which isn’t just for promoting tourism, but also for economic development. Let’s start thinking about long-term infrastructure —things like a hospital that can attract and retain professionals, or training facilities for vocational trades that give our young people a reason to stay and build a life here.

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?

Kimberly Rosado — I don’t believe our community numbers are staying the same. I believe we are down to 2,100. This may not be exact but our numbers are diminishing.

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?

Kimberly Rosado — A good next step would be to rezone General Use areas into clearer categories—residential, commercial, and industrial—so everyone knows what’s allowed. In town, review whether current industrial zones are large enough to support future growth, and expand if needed.

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

Kimberly Rosado — We need to preserve our local use area, but we have a lot of acres in the borough. We can surely find some place that wouldn’t affect people doing what we love to do in Haines. 

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?

Kimberly Rosado — Set clear rules for respectful conduct, keep discussions fact-based, and ensure everyone gets a fair chance to speak. Focusing on shared goals and listening first helps keep meetings civil and productive.

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

Kimberly Rosado — This is an assembly answer because that’s where it is at right now. There is nothing at this point the planning commission can do.

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

Kimberly Rosado — The Mosquito Lake Community Center is not something the borough can afford to subsidize right now. I’d like to see the group using it work toward being self-supporting through things like low-cost community dinners, memberships, or other activities. That way it can become more valuable to those invested in it. For emergencies, the church has already shown it can provide temporary shelter when needed.