As reported in last week’s CVN, “local government specialists” see no issue with our Mayor attending assembly meetings by teleconference and voting when needed. Their advice: “Since the specific situation wasn’t in code…the situation is permissible.” Interpretational methodology in the Constitution argues strongly to the contrary. In his lecture series, constitutional law scholar Burt Neuborne argues the […]
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Splitting of mayor’s duties OK’d
Can the Haines Borough Mayor vote in a meeting without presiding over it as chair? Mayor Jan Hill did that on Dec. 29, casting two important tie-breaking votes after turning over the chair to deputy Mayor Diana Lapham. Assembly member Margaret Friedenauer said she looked into it and doesn’t believe anything illegal occurred. Lapham chaired the meeting at the request of Hill, […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Saddened by mayor’s comments
I was saddened by Mayor Jan Hill’s recent comments at the Dec. 15 assembly meeting describing our community as “hateful and vindictive.” It appears that the mayor’s experience of some residents exercising their right to public participation inspired her to categorically label the entire community. Whoever said doing community service would always feel good? You put yourself in the […]
Posted inNews
Mayor creates new harbor group
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill created a joint committee this week charged with “monitoring” the aesthetic design of the waterfront and Small Boat Harbor expansion project, but many community members who showed up said the project’s problems go beyond merely tweaking appearances. The new committee will consist of Hill, a Planning Commission representative, a Tourism Advisory Board representative, […]
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Mayor scratches early-bird meeting
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill intervened this week after assembly members scheduled a 6 a.m. committee meeting to discuss a proposal for a new cruise ship waiver program. At Tuesday’s meeting, assembly member George Campbell said in order for him to attend the Commerce Committee meeting on May 19, it would have to be either early or late […]
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Mayor: Juneau trip netted many connections
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill recently returned from a trip to Juneau for the Alaska Municipal League Winter Legislative conference, where she hobnobbed with legislators and made “very good connections.” The conference ran from Feb. 16-18. Former Rep. Bill Thomas, who was in Juneau on other business, introduced Hill “to several legislators that I may or may not have […]
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Former mayor continues fight in rate case
After being stonewalled by the Haines Borough Assembly, former Mayor Stephanie Scott is asking the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to explain how an 11 percent settlement with the Alaska Power Company would serve the public’s interest. Scott submitted a letter to the RCA last week asking the agency commissioners responsible for accepting the settlement to publicly “shed light on” […]
Posted inNews
Mayor sets office hours
Haines Borough Mayor Jan Hill has set office hours from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hill said residents and assembly members can find her in her office at the borough administration building during those times, though she will also make herself available by appointment. “I plan to be pretty flexible, but I want to spend […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Mayor Scott will continue to help Haines
I want to say thank you for bestowing the honor of “mayor” on me for the past three years. I am disappointed that I was not re-elected, but I am not disappointed in Haines. I have high hopes for us! I hope that you will continue to help Haines with all kinds of positive transformations: […]