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

On a recent trip Outside we discovered that what happens in Haines doesn’t stay in Haines. The recall made national radio news, and it seemed that everyone we talked to had heard about it. “You’re from Haines?” they asked. “Isn’t that the place where people hate each other?” So much for our reputation. This recall has probably negated 10 years’ worth of tourism promotion. It’s also going to hurt our economic prospects. Who will want to move their business or their family into a place with a reputation for conflict? Communities where people work together to solve problems succeed. Places that tear each other apart fail.

Every October we have a chance to elect new assembly members. This is the rhythm of our democracy. Inventing ridiculous charges of wrongdoing and trying to throw out assembly members who disagree with your point of view is disruptive and just plain wrong. If you think you can do a better job, run for office. Vote no on Aug.15.  

Rob Goldberg