A final map released by the state redistricting board holds representational changes for Skagway and Haines. The new map keeps the two upper Lynn Canal communities together, but offers changes to the rest of the state House district.

If the current redistricting map holds up to legal challenges, then Skagway and Haines will be under new state House representation. Democratic state representative Andi Story from Juneau would represent the two communities along with Auke Bay, the Mendenhall Valley, and Gustavus. 

But, Skagway Mayor Andrew Cremata isn’t ruling out a legal challenge.

“They decided to ignore the will of the majority of the public and ignore the will of the assembly, the unanimous will of the assembly. And in what I consider to be a pretty crass display of cynicism and attempt at gerrymandering, they completely ignored the wishes of our community,” said Cremata.

Skagway’s mayor and some assembly members participated in a virtual meeting late last month with members of the redistricting board. During that meeting about a dozen residents spoke but only one suggested the map should look like the final map released on Wednesday by the redistricting board.

The Haines assembly declined to endorse a map or comment as a whole. Borough manager Annette Kreitzer told KHNS that she tries to steer clear of making political statements but acknowledged that the assembly did not endorse any redistricting concepts.

She also said she understands how hard the redistricting board works to choose a final map.

“I know several of the people that are on that redistricting board and the staff, and I know that  they’re very conscientious people. And you do the job and then you just wait for the court challenge, you know? And you hope that your work stands up, because I don’t think anyone wants to go into court… and lose” said Kreitzer.

Cremata has a different take.

“I think it’s especially cynical when you consider the comments from the chair, when talking about Fairbanks and how important it was to listen to the will of the assembly and then say the exact opposite when it came to the will of our assembly,” said Cremata.

He also said that Skagway has many more mutual interests with downtown Juneau, specifically the cruise ship industry.

“What do we have in common with the Valley, other than perhaps the airport? There’s really very little. So you know, the concern being here is that when it comes to issues that go before the Legislature that impact our community, that mostly are going to probably revolve around tourism and around cruise ship traffic, is that going to be a negative for us?” Asked Cremata.

Redistricting is slated to happen every 10 years following the federal U.S. Census report.

The last redistricting map was officially presented in 2011. But that map endured legal challenges that didn’t resolve until 2013 when the current district was formed. That district includes Haines, Skagway, downtown Juneau, and Douglas Island.

The redistricting board is made up of five members. Two were appointed by the  Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, one each by the Republican state senate president and the Republican speaker of the house, and one by the officially non-partisan Chief Justice, who was originally appointed to the bench by Republican Governor Sara Palin.

The current board is made up of three Republican-leaning members and two non-partisan members. The final map released by the board on November 10th was approved by a 3-2 vote, with all three Republican-leaning members voting for it and the two non-partisan members voting against it.

The state Senate map looks very similar to the current map and shouldn’t present changes in representation for upper Lynn Canal communities in the short term. The Democratic State Senator from Juneau that represents both Skagway and Haines, Jesse Kiehl, will be holding an open house at the AB Hall in Skagway from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 16. He will also hold open office hours at the public library from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. the following day.

 

***This article was updated to correct the list of officials that appoint the members of the redistricting board.***