I want to express my disappointment in the assembly and Mayor for their recent actions in the surprise firing of manager Debra Schnabel. This hasty action is definitely not in the best interest of the borough. A good manager is a valuable and scarce asset to the borough, one that Debra has been for three years. Because of […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Town lost committed, passionate leader
I hold the Haines Borough Assembly in contempt. Debra Schnabel has managed borough affairs admirably for three years. If she is at fault for anything relevant, the assembly might first look to themselves. The assembly has the responsibility as a unit to review Debra periodically and give feedback. Prompt is best. As a citizen, I fault the assembly first […]
Posted inNews
Assembly narrowly fires manager: mayor breaks tie
The Haines Borough Assembly voted Tuesday evening to fire borough manager Debra Schnabel without cause, with Mayor Jan Hill breaking a 3-3 tie vote. Assembly member Jerry Lapp, Stephanie Scott and Zephyr Sincerny were opposed to the motion to fire Schnabel while members Paul Rogers, Brenda Josephson, Gabe Thomas and Jan Hill voted in support. The assembly met in executive session with its attorney for more than […]
Posted inNews
CARES Act could buy Chilkat Center another year
The Chilkat Center for the Arts is on the chopping block for the fiscal year beginning July 1. CARES Act coronavirus relief funding may offer the assembly an alternative to eliminating the facility from the borough’s budget. During budget discussions this spring, assembly members have said that cuts will be necessary to compensate for an […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly used crisis to push agenda
I’ve owned land and paid taxes here for 35 years. Haines can be fractious, but it’s shocking that in the midst of a global pandemic and an economic crisis that we didn’t create, we’re firing the manager for reasons which should be addressed in an annual evaluation. This demonstrates failed leadership on the part of […]
Posted inNews
Assembly suspends manager with pay
The Haines Borough Assembly voted 4-2 at its regular meeting Tuesday to suspend borough manager Debra Schnabel with pay. The assembly will hold an executive session and will meet with the borough attorney to consider “the necessary steps to terminate the manager without cause.” Assembly members Paul Rogers, Brenda Josephson, Gabe Thomas and Jerry Lapp were in favor while members Stephanie Scott and […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly should reconsider action on manager
I am astounded by the action of the Borough Assembly in suspending our manager Debra Schnabel this past Tuesday. During these chaotic times of virus threats, ferry reductions, budgetary challenges, and reduced local services, this action is totally misguided. I have witnessed many disputes in this community for more than 40 years and this is right up […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly conspired to fire Schnabel
Ah! I now see the simplicity of the borough assembly’s recent appointment of Jerry Lapp! It’s so you have the numbers to oust our manager. I can think of no one who has the grit, enthusiasm, intelligence and, perhaps more importantly, the local commitment, knowledge and contacts than Debra Schnabel. Your GROD (Get Rid Of Debra) clique […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Time to defend borough facilities
During the May 5 Haines Borough Assembly budget discussion, manager Debra Schnabel presented a budget proposal to close the Sheldon Museum to the public for one year and close the public library one month per year, while eliminating four part-time positions there. Several assembly members also would eliminate Chilkat Center funding. No commensurate cuts are proposed to staff at […]
Posted inNews
Assembly to consider suspending manager with aim to fire
On Monday, May 11 assembly member Paul Rogers asked borough manager Debra Schnabel to resign and said that if she declines to step down, he will make a motion to begin the process of firing her at Tuesday’s regular meeting. Rogers confirmed to the CVN Tuesday morning that he intends to introduce a motion to suspend borough […]