Haines voters will decide Tuesday whether to recall half their borough Assembly. Three Assembly members are accused of misconduct in office. But the discontent driving the recall is about much more than the official charges. And the recall leaders have repeatedly refused to defend their views on the record.
"Tom Morphet"
Some Haines residents object to local taxes on pot and tobacco
Haines Assembly members are divided on so-called “sin taxes” on tobacco and marijuana. They heard some opposition to the proposal at a meeting Tuesday when residents raised concerns that the taxes could hurt low-income people and a budding industry.
Haines Assembly censures Morphet for release of police complaints
This week, the Haines Assembly formally reprimanded member Tom Morphet for releasing police complaints a few months ago.
Haines residents may vote on new police service area following trooper departure
The trooper used to provide protection for areas of the borough outside the townsite, including the Haines Highway. Now, the Assembly has a solution in sight to cover the gap left behind by the trooper, but voters will have the final say.
Southeast newspaper has a new owner
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.
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.
Haines leaders grapple with police, economic development budget questions
Should the Haines Borough have a five-officer police force? $95,000 in government funding? How should the borough go about giving money to nonprofits? These are some of the questions the assembly has to decide on next week, in the fiscal year 18 borough budget.
Commission discusses how citizen complaints against Haines police should be dealt with
At a recent meeting, the Haines public safety commission continued the conversation of how complaints against the police should be dealt with.
Haines Assemblyman’s publication of police accusations triggers union action
The union representing Haines municipal employees has filed a grievance against the borough on behalf of police officers. The grievance stems from Assembly member Tom Morphet’s decision to publicize accusations against the police department at an Assembly meeting earlier this month.
Haines Assembly gives official approval for $55,000 settlement with former manager
On Tuesday, the Haines Borough Assembly officially approved a $55,000 settlement with the former manager they fired in December. Some of the background about why the assembly made that decision came to light this week.