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Haines Borough hires Van Ness Feldman for short-term federal lobbying after tied vote
Summary
After debate over cost and 'boots on the ground' representation, the assembly voted to retain Van Ness Feldman for the remainder of the current contract term (approximately five months); the motion produced a 3-3 tie that the mayor broke in favor.
The Haines Borough Assembly selected Van Ness Feldman to serve as its Washington, D.C., federal lobbying firm for the remainder of the current contract term (approximately five months) after a tied vote.
Council members reviewed three proposals — from a firm described in the packet as BRGR, solo practitioner David Russell, and Van Ness Feldman. Supporters of Van Ness emphasized the firm’s Southeast Alaska experience and wide bench of specialists; proponents of a smaller firm or a local approach raised concerns about cost and the borough’s past return on federal lobbying expense.
Assembly member Stickler moved to hire Van Ness Feldman and Assembly member Thomas seconded. The initial vote was tied 3-3; the mayor cast the deciding vote to break the tie and the motion carried. Members who supported the firm cited the benefit of a team with federal contacts to pursue MARAD, FEMA reimbursement, and public-safety funding, while dissenting members urged caution and suggested using local representatives or a smaller firm to limit expense.
The manager advised that the action would be a short-term engagement that coincides with the remaining term of the current contract; any extension beyond appropriated funds would require a future budget amendment.
