From massive infrastructure projects and property tax assessment controversies to big developments in tribal affairs, 2023 has been a full news year for the Chilkat Valley. Here is a brief summary of some of the developments on key issues affecting Haines residents. Tribal affairs Local tribes advanced several initiatives throughout 2023 ranging from Tlingit-language street […]
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Posted inLetters to the Editor
New assembly members put focus on transparency as they take office
Public referenda, goal-setting sessions, office hours and reinvigorated committees – those are a handful of proposals a new slate of assembly members have tossed out as they take office. New assembly members Craig Loomis, Natalie Dawson and Kevin Forster – plus new Mayor Tom Morphet – say their election represents Haines’ desire for more transparency and accountability […]
Posted inNews
New assembly members put focus on transparency
Public referenda, goal-setting sessions, office hours and reinvigorated committees – those are a handful of proposals a new slate of assembly members have tossed out as they take office. New assembly members Craig Loomis, Natalie Dawson and Kevin Forster – plus new Mayor Tom Morphet – say their election represents Haines’ desire for more transparency and accountability […]
Posted inNews, Haines Borough
Oct. 10 Assembly Briefs
Election results certified Official election results were announced at Tuesday’s assembly meeting after 19 absentee, question and special needs ballots were counted. Of the total 2,431 registered voters, 1,176 ballots were cast, a 48% voter turnout. About 60% of voters cast ballots on election day while 32% voted early. The final tally of votes saw […]
Posted inElections, News
Progressive candidates poised for elections sweep
Younger and more progressive candidates are poised to sweep the open seats in the assembly, mayoral and planning commission elections in Haines, held on Tuesday. “I think there’s a dissatisfaction in the general population about how the government has been operating,” said Tom Morphet, who won the mayoral race with about 53% of the vote. […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Experience is not always an asset
Incumbent candidates point to their experience as a central reason to be reelected. But what has been the community’s experience over the last few years? The Lutak Dock hasn’t been properly maintained. The neglected sewage treatment plant is still out of compliance. The Public Safety Building is rotting. The expanded harbor still has no new […]
Posted inNews
Concerns about undue noise dominate Mosquito Lake forum
Concerns about undue noise drew the strongest interest from viewers during the second public candidate forum, held in the upper valley Sunday night. All five assembly candidates and one mayoral candidate faced questions from the audience and from host Mike Denker on topics including natural resources, taxes and undue noise at the Four Winds Resource […]
Posted inNews, Elections, Haines Borough
Planning commission candidate profiles
For the first time in Haines’ history, the planning commission will be elected by the people instead of appointed by the Mayor. Residents voted on the ballot proposition for an elected planning commission during a special election in June, where it passed 445 to 248, a 64% margin. Despite concerns that not enough people will run […]
Posted inThank You Letters
Planning commission needs you
If you have the following qualifications, please consider running for a seat on the borough planning commission in the October election. •You care about this community and its future. •You are willing to learn. There are basic principles of planning that must be followed, and you will have to become familiar with Title 18 of […]
Posted inNews, Elections
14 seats open in October election, with few candidates so far
With 14 open seats, the upcoming general municipal election in Haines could be one of the most consequential in the town. The candidate filing period started Aug. 1, and ends Aug. 20. But so far, only one candidate has filed for office and has their declaration of candidacy certified by the borough, leading some to […]