Natalie Dawson is a dedicated, informed and fair-minded community member who has shown her commitment to Haines over the past year in her service on the borough assembly. She is extremely well prepared for meetings, speaks intelligently to the issues and acts beyond the divisive politics that some people in our town seem passionate to […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
CVN insert contained misinformation about the current assembly
“Whoa, this needs some serious fact checking…” I said to myself as I read the paid insert in last week’s CVN. The insert, which blamed the current assembly for just about everything that’s wrong in the world, was sponsored by supporters of three assembly candidates: Smith, Stickler and Clement. Sadly, the support it offered for […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
CVN insert contained more spin than fact
Last week’s CVN insert was as upsetting as it was untruthful – more spin than fact. For example, I participated in the community uproar over the borough contract with previous assessor Michael Dahle. There was clearly something amazingly problematic with a man who could piss off and unite so many people across the Haines political […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Critics ignore the productive, engaged work the current assembly is performing
The loudest voices in our newspaper, the KHNS candidate interviews, and people on the street are pointing fingers, finding fault, blaming sitting borough assembly members, and claiming they represent the good and just information and policy leaders. I’ve yet to see civility and responsible governance come from accusatory language as a challenge to seated leaders […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Current assembly inherited many issues and is handling them wisely
Just because the group of assembly candidates insert a document filled with misleading accusations and have many placards posted everywhere doesn’t make them good stewards of our government and people. There are always difficult circumstances and issues that every assembly has to face – many of which seem to be controversial at least to some […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
CVN insert contained misinformation
Last week’s CVN insert about next week’s election deserves a factual response. The insert implied that folks who don’t live here year-round shouldn’t be allowed to vote. Part-time residents and snow-birds of all political persuasions are allowed to vote in Haines’ elections; it’s the law. The current assembly allegedly failed on tax issues, even though […]
Posted inLocal News, Tlingit Language, Haines Borough
Assembly Briefs: Deishú signage, changes to the junk car disposal program, a new head tax, and a burn permit overhaul
Welcome to Haines/Deishú round two? In his report to the assembly, Mayor Tom Morphet wrote that interim manager Elke Doom and he met with Chilkoot Indian Association tribal administrator Harriet Brouillette and – among other things – spoke about the borough placing signs reading “Deishú” in parentheses, under the “Welcome to Haines” signs currently sitting […]
Posted inInside CVN
Come work for us!
The Chilkat Valley News is looking for a community-minded reporter to cover the stunning Chilkat Valley in rural Southeast Alaska. As our new reporter, you’ll cover everything from climate change and local economics to tribal governance, outdoor adventures, community arts and – yes, local government. Your stories will come from the people who live here […]
Posted inNews, Local News, Elections, Haines Borough
Your questions answered: Planning Commission
This year the Chilkat Valley News asked members of its audience to submit questions they have for candidates. While most of them were for borough assembly candidates, David Thomas asked, “If the planning commission is there to only interpret code and advise the assembly on development based on the comprehensive plan – do you feel […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Local News
KHNS talks fundraising, joining public media collaboratives during annual meeting
About 65 people sipped beer and crowded around a table full of pizza at Haines Brewing Company on Monday as members of the KHNS staff and board updated them on the past year’s activities and what’s in store for the next. On the fundraising and membership side, development director Dawn Drotos told the crowd that […]