I’m Tom Morphet, reporter, writer, former publisher of the Chilkat Valley News, mayor of the Haines Borough and a 37-year resident of the Chilkat Valley. This site serves as a clearinghouse for my political views, for essays about our town and general topics, for quotations I like, and for reviews of books I’ve been reading.

Follow this link to a feature story about me that includes biographical information.

Under the “Haines issues” tab (above), you’ll find my writing about our town, including Haines Borough Assembly issues, some raising new issues and questions about our community and how our government functions. “Essays” includes my musings on a range of topics. “Almanac” is my free-ranging diary of our town and places I travel. “Mayor’s Corner” is my scrolling column about the municipality, issues it faces, and general musings about our town.

I’ve worked as a news reporter or editor for most of my 38 years in Alaska, including five years as owner and publisher of the Chilkat Valley News, Haines’ award-winning weekly newspaper. During my tenure, the newspaper was twice named Alaska’s Best Weekly Newspaper by the Alaska Press Club and also won the club’s Public Service Award. After my election to the Haines Borough Assembly in October 2016, I distanced myself from the day-to-day operation of the newspaper. I sold the CVN to Kyle Clayton on June 5, 2017.

My hope is to see Haines survive and thrive. I believe that thoughtful discussion can resolve many of our issues.

Some personal information about me: I’m 61 and live near Rutzebeck Lake. I grew up in Media, Pa. and was educated at Catholic schools including Marquette University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in print journalism. I arrived in Alaska in 1984 on a summer lark to work on a cannery slime line. I stayed. I am married.

My volunteer involvement in Haines includes:

• Haines Community Marching Band
• Friends of the Pool (Pool Sauna Project)
• Lynn Canal Community Players
• Chamber of Commerce Downtown Revitalization Committee
• Sawmill Creek Restoration Committee President (Precursor to Takshanuk Watershed Council)
• Southeast Alaska State Fair
• Haines Arts Council (Past President)
• Friends of the Library (Past President)
• Haines Polar Bear Swim founder and organizer
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters volunteer
• KHNS volunteer disc jockey

Call or email me. My email address is tommorphet1@gmail.com. My phone numbers are 907-766-3775 (office on Main Street, Haines) or 907-303-2688 (cell).