I’d just like to clarify my support for borough staff. In January, when issues arose about our former manager, I insisted on an evaluation and discussion, not termination. Later, at the end of the manager’s contract, I urged keeping the manager on as long as possible. Further, I established an annual assembly planning session to […]
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Mayor, assembly are neglecting Lutak corrosion
Twenty-two years ago, our freight dock was showing signs of failure. Twenty years ago, the dock spilled debris into Lutak Inlet. Twelve years ago, many more sinkholes appeared along the length of the dock face. Just over one year ago, the borough had a plan to address the constant corrosion. There was opposition to the […]
Duly Noted: A dozen Dunk the Mayor, trash king and queen named, Bridge players take second in tournament
Dozens of residents came out for the spring clean up, organized by the Haines Chamber of Commerce. Pete and Joan Degen were named Trash King and Trash Queen for collecting the most trash over the weekend “It’s really about her. I married into that,” said Pete Degen. “(Picking up trash) is a way of being […]
After eventful three years in Haines, Olerud steps down as mayor
When Douglas Olerud took over as Haines Mayor in November of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. A few weeks later, a fatal landslide on Beach Road shook the community to its core. Many public officials credited Olerud with improving public discourse and trust in government throughout his term. As he stepped down, he was […]
Tom Morphet for Borough Mayor
Two very different candidates are vying for Haines Borough’s mayoral seat. Jan Hill — highly experienced in seats of power, serious about politics, possessing a guarded political style, and playing things “close to the vest.” Tom Morphet — gregarious, a writer and storyteller by trade, neither guarded nor political in his personal style. Jan Hill has repeatedly campaigned as […]
Jan Hill showed she’s unfit for mayor
In the Sept. 21 CVN interview for mayoral candidates, Jan Hill exposed her true self. When both candidates were asked to say something kind about the other candidate, Tom Morphet laid out a thoughtful list of kind attributes in regards to Jan Hill. But Jan Hill could not say one kind thing. Not one. Are you kidding me? I can […]
We need civil leadership for mayor
Now is a time of great need for civility and cooperation in our community and in our municipal government. To see us through these challenging and budget-limited times, we need partnerships and collaboration between the Haines Borough and the organizations and nonprofits in Haines that improve quality of life for all. We need leaders and officials who […]
Support Morphet for mayor
I am writing in support of Tom Morphet for Mayor of Haines. Tom speaks from a voice of unity and cohesiveness, wanting to work together to solve our community issues. I think he will bring thoughtfulness, intelligence, and insight to our local issues. As a former newspaper person, Tom knows how to dig deep into a subject […]
Morphet, Hill square off in mayoral race
This election season, there are two candidates running for Mayor, Tom Morphet and Jan Hill. The two candidates have deep roots in the community and have served Haines in myriad ways. While both Morphet and Hill have expressed that they want the best for the community, their visions and priorities diverge. CVN interviewed the two candidates separately […]
PAID COMMENTARY: Morphet unfit for mayor
Tom Morphet Is not fit to be borough Mayor. He has a bad temper. He is vindictive. He has a foul mouth that most people would not use in a bar. The Mayor broke the tie vote to move the boat harbor project forward. Assembly member Tom Morphet spearheaded a move to cut the mayor’s wages by about […]