Assembly Diary

Last Monday the Assembly selected Katherine Eldemar to replace me once I depart at the end of May. I cannot think of many people more qualified than she. Katherine is a lawyer, a former judge, Assistant to the President of Sealaska, Vice Chair of the Goldbelt Board and also on the United Way Board. She is an extremely intelligent woman who has experience in sorting out difficult issues. She will have no trouble hitting the ground running. When Katherine joins the Assembly there will be four female members—more than there has ever been before. Katherine will also be the first female Alaska Native on the Assembly.

The CBJ Budget was introduced and is starting to be presented to the Assembly in pieces every Wednesday evening at 5:30 in the Assembly Chambers. Last night we heard presentations from the Airport, Docks and Harbors, Eaglecrest and the Borough CIP project. You can view their presentation documents HERE. If you are interested in hearing any of the budget presentations – here is the Finance Meeting Schedule.

But, essentially, little is changed from what the manager presents in the budget document. In a Council Manager system the Manager submits a balanced budget and unless Assembly members want to try and really rock the boat, the proposed budget is generally accepted. If anyone wants to add anything, they have to confront the question of where to find the money.

One of the subjects that is going to get some debate is the spending of the Marine Passenger Fees or cruise ship head taxes. Restrictions governing what can be spent are part of US Constitutional Law and court cases. This year there are a number of projects proposed for the area of the private docks. Some Assembly members object. The rules say you need to spend the money on services rendered to cruise ship passengers – particularly related to health and safety. A good background can be found in a 2005 memo from City Attorney John Hartle.

The Alaska Redistricting Board just came out with their initial proposals. Their site at http://www.akredistricting.org/ also shows proposals of others. I find it difficult to see exactly where the lines are drawn. But the downtown Juneau district will be extended south almost, but not including Petersburg – and west to include Gustavus and Tenakee. The northern part of the Borough will be combined with Skagway and Haines. Now this is just the first shot in a longer battle— but it lays out the general approach. Interesting, if you like this kind of stuff.

If you would like to follow the Libraries/Archives/Museum project, there is a Blog with lots of information.

The first Cruise Ship is due in May 6. See the full Schedule of Landings.