Serving as a Haines assembly member or other on boards is public service. It is a selfless act by citizens in a democracy to represent the voices of all borough citizens. Payment for this public service should be minimal or zero. Money and politics have proven to be a bad combination. Money directed to candidates should be publicly reported and kept to a minimum. Candidates should be required to publicly state who is acting as their campaign chairperson and the members of their campaign strategy.

Public service is a sacrifice of time and attention. Those who choose public service should know that criticism will occur. Public service is very rewarding and a great way to dig deeper into the mechanics of democracy. I recommend public service to anyone with the time and effort required for this selfless public act, I find it very satisfying.

Richard Clement