In a recent GASC meeting, an assembly member stated it was not a First Amendment issue when the mayor gaveled a citizen prior to making critical statements of another member. And in a Feb. 8 LTE the member stated, “assembly meetings are business meetings,” and the podium at the Assembly Chambers “serves citizens who address […]
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Posted inHousing, News, Local News
Haines borough loses Census appeal
The U.S. Census Bureau rejected Haines’ appeal over the 2020 population count, which showed Haines’ population dropping by around 500 residents. “I’m deeply disappointed. I really thought that our response was compelling,” said borough clerk Alekka Fullerton, who worked on the appeal. “I was mad – it’s a big deal to our community.” The bureau […]
Posted inHaines Borough, News, Local News
Assembly Briefs: A new process for property assessments, pushing back on federal land withdrawals
Appointed Board of Equalization Haines will have a separate board of equalization to adjudicate disputes about property assessments next year instead of relying on assembly members to do the job. A resolution to make the change passed at Tuesday’s meeting unanimously, the first change in the city’s tax assessment process after controversy with the process […]
Posted inNews, Southeast News, Alaska Marine Highway System, Transportation
AMHS director: return of Prince Rupert stop faces substantial challenges
Numerous challenges are stopping the resumption of Alaska Marine Highway service to Prince Rupert, British Columbia, the ferry system’s director said at a conference of Southeast officials last week. During a Southeast Conference transportation symposium in Juneau on Feb. 8, Ketchikan Vice Mayor Glen Thompson asked for an update about service to the Canadian port, […]
Posted inState of Alaska, News, Local News, Alaska Legislature
State tax assessment bill follows Haines residents’ push
An advocacy push by Haines residents frustrated over the property tax assessment process has led a state senator to announce a pending bill to codify some of their requests in state law. Sen. Jesse Kiehl made an announcement in his Feb. 3 newsletter “Real Deal with Jesse Kiehl.” He said his bill would include provisions […]
Posted inNews, Local News
Relationship with community, tribe emerges as top priority at assembly session
A four-hour assembly session with a discussion facilitator on Saturday whittled down some of the sprawling goals members had put forward, but left more work to be done before putting forward concrete proposals. At the top of the priorities was the yet-nebulous topic of improving relations between the borough assembly, administration, local tribes and the […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Assembly meetings aren’t for personal beefs
I’m disappointed that the mayor’s refusal to allow a citizen the floor at the Jan. 22 assembly meeting has generated debate about citizen’s First Amendment Right to free speech (Mike Denker, letter of 2/1). The assembly meetings are business meetings. They are not forums for citizens to bring forward their personal issues with individual assembly […]
Posted inNews, Local News
After high-profile stumbles, manager scores low in assembly evaluations
Haines Borough manager Annette Kreitzer was given low marks on her communication to assembly members in evaluation that were distributed in early January. Kreitzer received an average of 1.1 out of 5 for keeping “the assembly informed about important and/or changing situations,” 1.3 out of 5 in seeking “assembly approval/guidance on controversial issues,” and 1.33 […]
Posted inHaines Borough, News, Local News
Assembly Briefs: No new state lobbyist, an appeal to FEMA on Porcupine Road
Mayor Tom Morphet controversially cut off a public commenter, assembly members considered an appeal to FEMA over canceled funding, and a new police chief was recommended.
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Here’s why I cut public comment short
As a former newspaper publisher and a Haines Borough Assembly member whopushed to get a second public comment period on assembly meeting agendas, I amsensitive to complaints that I limited free speech or censored public comment atTuesday’s Haines Borough Assembly meeting. As meeting chair, it’s my job to maintain order and decorum during meetings.During public […]