I was not expecting to say anything publicly regarding the municipal election but at recent forums our current assembly was unfairly maligned. As mayor, I pledge to work with any assembly members supported by voters, but some things need to be said.
The Haines Borough Assembly elected last October has tackled three giant problems left at its doorstep by the previous administration: Lutak Dock, Porcupine Road and property tax administration.
To address protests about the property tax process, this assembly appointed a local citizens committee, then adopted the committee’s recommended changes to borough laws and procedures regarding the property tax process.
Last week, this assembly introduced an ordinance that would bring additional property tax relief to seniors who have modest incomes.
This assembly has appealed, and continues to appeal a decision by FEMA that denied reimbursement of $1.4 million in completed improvements to the Porcupine Road.
This assembly has peeled back administrative secrecy concerning Lutak Dock, revealing contract-breaking actions by the contractor on this $25 million project that occurred before last October’s election and challenging questionable billing on the project in April.
Further, this assembly has doubled the allotted three minutes that citizens were allowed to speak at borough meetings and approved code changes that allow assembly members to place items on meeting agendas. This change broke a mayoral lock on agendas previously used to limit assembly discussion and action.
By these measures, this assembly has let the public into the decision-making process.
This assembly also has charted its priorities into a strategic plan, shepherded completion of the borough’s required Comprehensive Plan and added money for salaries to stanch the chronic shortage of borough plow-drivers and police dispatchers.
This assembly has revived the borough’s parks and recreation committee and dedicated $40,000 toward a downhill ski area in the upper valley and resumed snow-plowing at Mosquito Lake Community Center. It funded an effort that defeated Alaska Governor Dunleavy’s attempt to eliminate the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Preserve Council.
It has fought against the state’s closure of Portage Cove State Campground and pushed for improved management of Chilkoot River corridor. It has led efforts to keep bears out of residential areas.
This assembly joined a court effort that blocked a giant hike in consumer electrical rates.
Hoping to get elected, political challengers in recent weeks have assailed this assembly for all manner of unrelated, picayune or imagined shortcomings, blaming them for everything from the high cost of consumer goods to flaws in parliamentary procedure.
Hogwash.
This assembly has done – and will continue to do – important work, acting with reason, research, courage and conviction. Its members have earned your vote for re-election.