Melinda Munson brings us news from Skagway, with updates on the Dahl Memorial Clinic Board of Directors, our state Legislative Representatives visited, and Skagway Middle Schoolers start a new club; the Planet Protectors.
…
In Skagway, the Dahl Memorial Clinic Board has reorganized, but member nominations are on hold, Melinda Munson has an update on this developing story:
09clinic–
Lea Mauldin was elected president at the Dahl Memorial Clinic Board of Directors Special Meeting on Nov. 6. Lisa Mandeville was approved as vice-president for a second term, despite not appearing on the mayor’s list for re-nomination.
The board voted to direct Borough Manager Brad Ryan to begin negotiations with executive director candidate Albert Wall. Mandeville was the sole no vote.
Mandeville: “…I feel like this board tonight has been pushed into a corner to make this decision. I don’t feel that’s right.”
The board declined to approve Wall at its Oct. 26 meeting, despite the positive recommendation of the hiring committee, composed of Ryan, Deputy Clerk Emily Deach and Mandeville. Instead, the board directed the selection committee to “collect draft terms” from Wall and the other applicant, interim director Thomas Steiner. Thomas is in his third year at the clinic.
It was acknowledged at the meeting that Wall scored the highest on the evaluation and was the only applicant willing to work for the published salary. Mauldin said:
Mauldin: “The Selection Committee has conducted the interviews for both applicants per municipal code. I personally believe that both interviews were conducted fairly, without bias.”
Andrew Cremata had harsh words for Mandeville and jeremy simmons (simmons does not capitalize his name) at Citizens Present on Nov. 6.
Cremata: “I believe both Mr. Simmons and Miss Mandeville should resign from the board. I think your actions show a willingness and a desire to put your personal interests above the law.”
Ryan Mandeville pointed out that simmons has over 16 years of experience on the board, Mauldin has two, and four of the remaining members have less than two years. The assembly convenes Nov. 16 to further discuss clinic board appointments.
—
Senator Jesse Kiehl and Representative Andi Story made the trek to Skagway and held a town hall this week, Munson attended and has this report:
09Kiehl-Story—
On Nov. 8, Sen. Jesse Kiehl and Rep. Andi Story held a cozy town hall with a handful of Skagway residents at AB Hall. The state legislatures said they were in Skagway to get their marching orders prior to the start of the second half of the 33rd legislative session. Kiehl sported a beard, a new look for him. He reported his wife hadn’t signed off on it just yet. Story arrived the previous day on the ferry and took part in the Elks Burger Feed. She also addressed Skagway School’s fourth and fifth graders, who are eagerly learning about civics and testifying at assembly at school board meetings. At the town hall, Kiehl addressed a few successes.
Kiehl: “…we were able to get $1.1 million appropriated to the municipality of Skagway to help with the rockslide mitigation. Obviously, that is not a $1.1 million problem.”
Kiehl stated the award should help with non-federal matching funds. Kiehl also praised reinvestment in the marine highway system.
Kiehl: “This thing that we have worked the hardest on, is to make sure that the five-year chunk of money available for the Alaska Marine Highway System, as little as possible money goes to running the system – fuel, salaries, day to day. And as much as possible of that money goes to truly be capitalized in the system — replacing the Tustemena, replacing the main liner.”
Story added to the ferry conversation, noting that the infrastructure looked dismal when she started politics in 2018. She sees an improvement.
Story: “…we’ve got hope. I know — more than hope. We’ve got resources, we’ve got plans.”
—
And wrapping up this week, 4th and 5th Graders started a “Planet Protectors” club, with plans to improve the community, starting with the school:
09Planet Protectors—
The Planet Protectors are a passionate group of activists. Members of the fourth and fifth grade club testified to the assembly about bears getting into trash. They spread environmental awareness at a recent health fair and now are lobbying the school board for greener practices. Skagway Library Director Rachel Dewan was approached by fourth grade teacher Danielle McManus and fifth grade teacher Mary Thole, looking for a home for the new club. It started in the fall, with warmer weather. Dewan said:
Dewan: “…they were really distressed by all the trash in town and wanted to clean it up.”
The students moved inside with the changing season and started looking for other projects. Their Nov. 7 presentation to the school board included paper recycling containers in every classroom with a promise that volunteers will deliver the recyclables to Whitehorse. Members Amara Fielding, Anika Thole and Finnley Verhaeghe told the audience their next goal was to start recycling cans and bottles at school.
Dewan: “They want to change the world and start with Skagway. [It’s super cute]”
Cutting down on food waste in the cafeteria could be the next project.
Dewan: “I think they have made people think more about Skagway and its environmental impact. And what the younger generation is focusing on — the fact that they’re so young and doing this is awesome.”
—
That’s it for the KHNS local news, thanks for joining us, and thanks to Melinda Munson for her reporting.
