The Haines  Borough Assembly has taken a stand against holding a constitutional convention.

This November 8th , Alaskans will vote in our state elections. Included in the ballot is a question  on whether to hold a constitutional convention. A constitutional convention is a gathering where delegates propose amendments and changes to the state constitution. A constitutional convention question can be automatically scheduled to be put on the ballot for voters to decide, a state legislature can vote to put the question to voters, or citizens can file an initiative to place it on the ballot. In Alaska, a constitutional convention question appears automatically on the ballot every 10 years.

At its September 13th meeting the Haines borough assembly passed a resolution to: ”join the Alaska Municipal League in expressing concern in the consideration of a Constitutional Convention, and taking an active role in educating the public and policy makers about its potential impact.”

Haines Borough mayor Doug Olerud spoke with KHNS about his concerns and his reasons for supporting the resolution.  

”There could be some very serious consequences for the borough if that does happen.”

“ It makes me a little uneasy on who is going to be the representatives, how that’s going to take place, and when you start throwing everything on the table, you never know what kind of dealmaking is going to happen and what kind of things we all agree would be good might be given away.”

“ I think there are things in the constitution that need addressing but there is already a mechanism in place to take those on a one to one basis.”

The Alaska Municipal League has listed concerns over the ongoing funding of schools as a reason to oppose holding a constitutional convention.  

”That is one thing that is in our constitution, there is a strong protection of our education system and how that is funded from the state, and that is a potential side effect, that could be changed, we don’t know.”

Every ten years since statehood and the original drafting of the constitution, Alaskans have voted against hosting a constitutional convention and it would be a drastic event that could open the door to many changes in ways the state functions.

Mainly our local leaders want voters to make an informed decision. 

“The assembly’s position was that we feel that there could be serious effects to the borough, but we want the people to go out and get as educated as possible, with the possible serious consequences, we want to make sure everybody has all the information that they can before casting their vote.”

You can hear our conversation with Mayor Olerud below