Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill and borough manager Debra Schnabel are working to refine and release a publicly subsidized solid waste program plan that will be palatable for the public. The Solid Waste Working Group presented a plan to the borough assembly Monday that includes up to a 1 percent sales tax increase to help pay for the estimated $500,000 […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Divisive mayor hurts civil discourse
In Haines the mayor’s job is to run meetings with fairness and civility, ensuring that things go smoothly and with everyone having a voice. That’s how it should be. When things go otherwise it’s a sign of poor management. Under Jan Hill we’ve had endless angry meetings, limited citizen participation, representatives walking out (for any reason), serious […]
Posted inNews
One of these candidates will be Haines’ next mayor
Challenger Joanie Wagner says Haines needs a fresh perspective. Incumbent Jan Hill says experience counts. In one sentence, please describe the role of the mayor. Wagner: The Mayor sets the tone for our community and also is an example for the community. Hill: The role of the Mayor is to run assembly meetings, represent the community locally and beyond, and to […]
Posted inNews
Mayoral candidates differ on leadership style
Differences in leadership style and how to conduct civil discourse in the midst of divisiveness were two themes incumbent Mayor Mayor Jan Hill and challenger Joanie Wagner touched on during Monday’s candidate forum at the Chilkat Center. Wagner went on the attack in her opening remarks, criticizing Hill for enabling divisiveness in Haines. “The reputation of Haines has been […]
Posted inLocal News, Elections
Mayor, assembly candidates want to repair wounds
October’s municipal race heated up this week after a handful of residents declared their candidacy for Mayor and assembly just before Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline. Artist and Skipping Stone Studios owner Joanie Wagner is challenging incumbent Jan Hill for a three-year term as Mayor. As of last week only two candidates had filed for the three open assembly seats. But […]
Posted inNews
Public criticizes proposed salary cut for mayor
The Haines Borough Assembly considered an appeal from a resident to reimburse them for the cost of providing adequate water pressure to their future home and held several public hearings on ordinances that would decrease the mayor’s annual salary and change the funding source for service areas. John Winge, Carol Tuynman and Cindy Jones, spoke out against […]
Posted inNews
Hill seeks to keep mayor job
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill filed a letter of intent in May that she will seek re-election, according to the Alaska Public Offices Commission. With her letter submitted to the state, Hill can begin accepting campaign contributions for October’s municipal election. “There’s a lot going on here right now and I want to be a part of it,” […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Mayor blasts assembly, calls hire a ‘set-up’
Haines Mayor Jan Hill lambasted the borough assembly Tuesday evening, accusing members of violating borough charter and saying the hiring of Debra Schnabel as borough manager was a “set-up.” “I agree with those community members who have stated that this assembly violated our charter which clearly states that the manager shall be hired based solely on professional qualifications,” Hill read […]
Posted inNews, Elections
Assembly favors former mayor for Case’s seat
Former Haines Mayor Stephanie Scott will likely fill the vacant assembly seat, left by Mike Case after he resigned last month, if the Haines Borough Assembly follows through with a recommendation made last week. The assembly will make an official appointment at their Tuesday meeting but voted 4-1 Thursday to recommend Scott, citing her experience as a municipal staff member […]