
Haines Assembly candidate Barbara Mulford. (Photo Courtesy of Barbara Mulford)
Haines resident Barbara Mulford has also filed to run in the October municipal election. She is one of three political newcomers and four total candidates vying for two seats on the borough assembly. KHNS spoke to Mulford and has this profile of the candidate.
Mulford has roots in Haines. She grew up here and graduated from the Haines School. She’s a mother of three and in 2010 she took over her father’s business, a tour company offering ATV excursions up Takshanuk Mountain.
Mulford has been involved with several boards and committees in Haines over the years. She sat on the board for the Haines Chamber of Commerce for seven years and currently chairs the tourism advisory board. Recently, she was appointed to the borough’s code review commission.
She said after having served on these lower level borough associations, the time feels right for her to step up to the assembly.
“I had been approached by several community members over the last few years to throw my hat in the ring and help out,” Mulford said. “I had always come up with an excuse. It’s the wrong time, or you know, the kids need focus. So we were discussing it last week, and it’s just a really good time. I want to step in and just help. I don’t have an agenda. I’m not an angry citizen like, “Move. Let me get involved. I’m going to fix it.” I want to work and be a part of the body that sees the direction of Haines.”
When asked about particular borough issues she is focused on, Mulford said she would like to play a larger role in the developing the borough’s budget.
“I’m interested in getting involved in the budget. I’ve worked on the budget. I’m familiar with the process through my role with the tourism advisory board and some of the things that we did when I was involved with the chamber. I’m not a single issue person. I kind of look at the big picture. Basically ready to push up my sleeves and help,” Mulford said.
If elected, she believes she would add a prudent, level-headed perspective to the assembly.
“I like basing decisions on facts. That’s always how I’ve conducted a meeting. That’s how I’ve always participated when I’m on a board. Listening to everyone’s perspective as far as whatever the topic is and basing it on what do we know, what do we need, and what can we do moving forward to accomplish whatever is put before us,” Mulford said.
Elections for the Haines Borough Assembly take place October 2.
KHNS and the Chilkat Valley News are hosting a candidate forum on September 18 at 6 p.m. in the Chilkat Center. Questions for assembly candidates can be submitted to reporter@khns.org.