Chilkat Valley News - Serving Haines and Klukwan, Alaska since 1966

Every citizen has a First Amendment right to free speech, to voice dissent and I support that right wholeheartedly. Something other than free speech is going on when citizens rally to unseat dedicated, hard-working borough assembly members for reasons other than the purported and ill-substantiated violation of the open meetings act and conflict of interest for wanting the police blotter reinstated in the Chilkat Valley News.

In this case, a disgruntled sector of the public is abusing the process. I wish to stand up and publicly say “NO” to the recall vote. It’s time we stop accusing people and instead purposefully, positively, and proactively engage in support of our elected officials and borough staff. Continue the discussion on issues that are important to you and interest groups and find solutions that are for the greater good of our community.

If you want to see change, step up and run for one of the four borough assembly seats open this fall. Meantime, vote “NO” Aug. 15 on the recall.

Carol Tuynman