The filing period for the Haines Borough’s October municipal election closed Friday, with contested races for Mayor and the Haines Borough Assembly, but a shortage of school board candidates. The race for assembly seat “E” is a rematch of sorts, pitting Karen Hess against Norm Smith. Greg Goodman replaced Smith on the assembly last October, after defeating write-in candidate Hess. […]
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Posted inNews
Assembly proceeds with demolition
The Haines Borough Assembly on July 26 voted to start the process of demolishing the rest of the old elementary school building. Assemblyman Scott Rossman was absent for the 4-0 vote. The building has been proposed for a community recreation center. Borough manager Mark Earnest said assembly approval would be required before the borough awards a contract for demolition. […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Vick spared from recall
Haines Borough clerk Julie Cozzi on July 21 rejected an application for the recall of assemblyman Steve Vick, on the recommendation of borough attorney Brooks Chandler. Cozzi approved the recall applications for Haines Borough Assembly members Daymond Hoffman and Joanne Waterman on the single charge they failed to perform their duties when they voted June 13 to set a special election instead of […]
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ATV ordinance postponed until September; Police chief opposes, citing safety concerns
Adoption of a proposed ordinance to permit the operation of all-terrain vehicles on Haines Borough streets and roads has been postponed until at least September. The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday discussed the ordinance following its second public hearing. Members moved to place the ordinance on the agenda for a regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 13, so adjustments could […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Recall effort initiated
Update, Thursday, July 21 4 p.m .: Haines Borough clerk Julie Cozzi on Thursday afternoon rejected the application for the recall of assemblyman Steve Vick, on the recommendation of borough attorney Brooks Chandler. Chandler in a memo wrote the only “required duty” in the portion of borough code cited in the rejected application was for the assembly […]
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Rec center could make October ballot
A vote to measure demand for a community recreation center could join a potentially crowded ballot in October, but a decision on the future of the building targeted to house the facility might not wait that long. Steve Vick of the Haines Borough Assembly requested for a community center feasibility study to be a discussion item at the […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Say no to recall effort
What a waste of time and energy. We’ve been there, done that, appealed all the way to the Alaska Supreme Court, divided the community, cost taxpayers thousands of dollars and all for nothing. For me, Karen Hess and her committee are showing their true colors by constantly litigating any time she doesn’t get her way, […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Local citizens group files applications for recall
By Margaret Friedenauer and Krista Kielsmeier A local citizens group on Friday filed applications for recall of Haines Borough Assembly members Daymond Hoffman, Steve Vick and Joanne Waterman. The Haines Recall Committee officially filed the paperwork with the Alaska Public Offices Commission and the borough to initiate the recall effort. Resident Jim Shook is named as chairman. Assembly members Jerry Lapp and […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Assembly takes steps to put tour tax on ballot
The Haines Borough Assembly on Tuesday showed support for placing the borough’s 1 percent municipal sales tax dedicated for tourism promotion and economic development back on the ballot, possibly as early as the October municipal election. Mayor Jan Hill put the tax on the agenda as a discussion item following a request from resident Sally McGuire, who has considered […]
Posted inNews
Expert: Assembly violated code
According to a government specialist with the Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs, the Haines Borough Assembly “should have appointed somebody” to fill a vacated seat earlier this month, but “there’s no real code police” to enforce any penalty. Glen Hamburg, who advises and assists local governments, said the borough code is “quite clear” about a […]