The Haines Borough is looking at getting into the waste management business. Assembly member Debra Schnabel recently submitted a draft solid waste management ordinance to the municipality’s commerce committee for consideration. Her 17-page document proposes every residence, business, nonprofit, government and harbor slip holder in the borough either pay for curbside garbage collection or pay a lower rate to […]
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Hiring panel gives nod to Culbeck
A five-person hiring committee has recommended the Haines Borough hire Darsie Culbeck as the new Community and Economic Development Director. Mayor Stephanie Scott said the committee recommended 4-1 to hire Culbeck, who was competing for the job against only one other candidate. Manager David Sosa refused to comment on the recommendation Tuesday, but said he would issue a press […]
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‘Vote No on 2’ presentation draws residents on both sides
About a dozen residents turned out Monday to hear a presentation opposing a ballot measure that would legalize and commercialize marijuana in Alaska. Voters will cast ballots on Proposition 2 on Nov. 4. Anticipating a heated discussion, Haines Borough Assembly member Dave Berry urged the audience to “be civil” and “be on our best behavior” or risk […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly’s action not myopic
In response to candidate Mario Benassi’s representation of the assembly as myopic, I looked it up on Dictionary.com: 1. unable or unwilling to act prudently; short-sighted 2. lacking tolerance or understanding; narrow-minded. I began to think about collective decision-making. I do not agree that the assembly is unwilling to act prudently, but it may be […]
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Five candidates seek 2 seats on assembly
As of Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline, five candidates had filed for two open seats on the Haines Borough Assembly. Residents Jerry Erny, Ron Jackson, Joe Parnell, Mario Benassi and Mike Case will appear on the ballot Oct. 7 vying for three-year seats held by assembly members Debra Schnabel and Jerry Lapp, who are not seeking re-election. Interested candidates can […]
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Locals buck state trend on oil vote
In Tuesday’s primary election, Chilkat Valley voters overwhelmingly supported repealing the state’s oil tax structure, diverging from voters statewide who prevailed by supporting the status quo. In Haines, 67.3 percent of voters backed repeal of the tax structure approved by the Alaska Legislature last year. Highway voters also supported the repeal (72.7 percent), as did Klukwan voters […]
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Watershed council won’t review mine
The Takshanuk Watershed Council apparently won’t facilitate stakeholder meetings and community forums on the potential development of a mine near 40 Mile. The council, Haines Borough and Chilkoot Indian Association decided to remove Takshanuk from consideration following a negative public response to its involvement. CIA tribal administrator Dave Berry said perceptions of bias could have spoiled the […]
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Assembly flip-flops on tour moratorium
A moratorium on Chilkoot River corridor tour permits ended Tuesday after the Haines Borough Assembly reversed its July 29 decision and issued a canoe tour permit to Alaska Mountain Guides. The assembly voted 4-2 to reconsider the motion passed at the July 29 meeting, which postponed action on the AMG permit and placed a moratorium on Chilkoot […]
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Assembly ranks grant requests by non-profits
Members of a Haines Borough Assembly ad hoc committee will decide on 11 applications from local nonprofits requesting more than $127,000 in borough funds. During budgeting, the assembly set aside $78,760 to distribute to nonprofits: $32,500 in the “community chest” or general fund, $28,760 in the medical service area fund and $17,500 in the tourism and economic […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Writer apologizes for use of word
I would like to apologize to Mayor Stephanie Scott for using the word “appalled” in my letter to the editor. Though alarmed at Scott’s suggestion that Mosquito Lake School could be disposed of and sold, I regret that I may have caused Scott to feel discouraged or attacked. I do hope she will forgive me. I agree that […]