An excise tax on tobacco will go to a fourth public hearing after strong words from community members opposing the tax who said they’d “make sure the borough loses tax dollars as a consequence of this overreach” and that the tax would cause smoking parents to spend less money on their children. The proposed tax […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
Less hate, more respect
During the past three years, Jan Hill has called the community “hateful.” She has called assembly members “axe-hurlers.” She has – without a word of proof or substantiation – alleged a plot or “set-up” to make Debra Schnabel our borough manager, a statement that borders on slander. Hill cast the deciding vote that denied borough residents an opportunity to […]
Posted inNews
Borough candidates talk business in final forum
The Haines Chamber of Commerce asked business and economy-focused questions of assembly and mayoral candidates at the third and final candidate forum before the Oct. 3 municipal election. Chamber Executive Director Tracy Harmon asked the eight candidates seven questions and each had one minute to respond. Chamber president John Hagen assisted in moderating the forum […]
Posted inNews
Three of these six candidates will be Haines’ next assembly members
Common criticisms of assembly meetings are that discussions tend to be lengthy, repetitive and inefficient. Do you agree? If so, how will you participate in discussions? Gray: Unfortunately, yes. I will not bring personal tirades and unnecessary things to the meetings and I will be the most studied, most well-read person on the packet that we’re […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Divisiveness and vitriol behind us?
It’s difficult to sit through candidate forums and hear some say the recent political divisiveness is “behind us.” It’s not. To casually dismiss that awful period that included criminal complaints against assembly members, threats of lawsuits and the recall, when some of us were just doing the job we were elected to do the best […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Wagner displays leadership
As a leader, Joanie Wagner has many personal qualities that are important for our community now. We need someone who can bridge our differing perspectives into a community that respects other opinions and uses them to forge even better decisions. Joanie is open, friendly, thoughtful and approachable. She comes with fresh perspectives and will create […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Wagner offers fresh outlook
Joanie Wagner is offering her talents, skills, and love of community to all in her run for the office of Mayor of Haines. Positivity, creativity, openness, compassion, enthusiasm, a solid work ethic, respectful communications, and commitment to goals are traits Joanie brings to everything she does in life. A fresh, respectful approach to local governing that encourages […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
New tone needed for Haines
Our leaders set the tone for public discourse, and by the power we give them, their actions and words hold us to their standards of respect, trust, honesty and transparency. While I respect Jan Hill and appreciate her dedication to Haines, she has been unable and often unwilling to demonstrate leadership that would help our community move […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Haines needs Hill’s experience
I was glad to learn that two people, Joanie Wagner and Jan Hill, are running for Mayor in the forthcoming election. If applicable experience was not a factor, it might be a difficult choice. But applicable experience is an extremely important factor, especially in these uncertain financial times. For that reason, I strongly support Jan Hill for Mayor. Jan is a […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
First responders honor 9/11 fallen
The Patriot’s Day Dinner this last Monday night was a gathering to remember the lives lost in the attack on Sept. 11, 2001 and to show our support and gratitude for our first responders. We were honored by the presence of Mayor Jan Hill, Police Chief Heath Scott, Fire Chief Brian Clay, Al Giddings and members of […]