Haines’ local newspaper has a new owner. Kyle Clayton, who is an Army veteran who has been in journalism about five years, takes over for longtime Chilkat Valley News reporter Tom Morphet, whose recent foray into local politics is now challenged by a recall campaign.
Local Government
Absentee ballots will decide Homer recall election
The unofficial results are out for the recall election of three Homer City Council members, but it’s too close to call until the vote is certified Friday. About 740 in-person absentee ballots were cast and another 80 were mailed out to absent voters.
Alaska governor urged to put the brakes on Uber, Lyft
The City and Borough of Juneau is urging Gov. Bill Walker to veto a bill opening the door to Uber and Lyft. The issue is local control: the legislation bars local governments from regulating the ride services.
Juneau Assembly advances effort to streamline mining review
City Manager Rorie Watt counseled the Assembly to take a go-slow approach that would include more public participation and all nine members. His advice went unheeded.
Haines recall petitions certified; special election set for Aug. 15
Haines will have a special recall election on August 15. Borough Clerk Julie Cozzi announced Friday evening that petitions to recall three Assembly members had been certified. That means each petition had signatures from at least 258 registered Haines Borough voters.
Juneau city manager: ‘People genuinely don’t have somewhere to go’
A downtown tent village has sprang up near the former subport in recent weeks. The city of Juneau won’t try to close down the camp without a formal trespassing complaint from its owner, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Haines’ new manager starts job amid political turmoil, conflict of interest questions
Haines’ new borough manager is breaking ground in a couple ways: she’s the first woman to ever serve as the town’s permanent manager, and she’s a local. Debra Schnabel started work Monday, although her contract has not been finalized. She takes the helm during a challenging time.
CBJ Assembly Meeting – 6-5-17
CBJ Meeting June 5, 2017
Juneau Assembly receives whale fountain money, OKs Eaglecrest beers, passes $335M budget
The Juneau Assembly adopted its budget without any layoffs or shuttering any facilities, though two vacant city staff positions will remain unfilled: a city planner and a community service officer for the Mendenhall Valley area.
Juneau airport proposes fee for Uber, Lyft rides
Juneau International Airport is preparing for the arrival of app-based ride hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. And it’s proposing to tack on a $3 surcharge for every ride to and from the airport.