Assembly rejects North Pole nominee to Economic Development Commission after debate over litigation history

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly on April 9 considered Mayor Hopkins’ nomination of Barbara Haney as the City of North Pole’s representative to the Economic Development Commission and ultimately failed to confirm her.

Mayor Hopkins introduced Haney as the North Pole council’s nominee and said she had completed the required paperwork. Several assembly members spoke in favor of respecting the City of North Pole’s nomination; others raised concerns about Haney’s ongoing litigation with the borough and prior complaints. Assemblymember Armstrong said he had "grave concerns" because of ongoing litigation that he said had cost the borough approximately $21,500 and because of allegations Haney had made in other forums. Some members said those legal actions were within Haney’s rights but still gave them pause about whether she could serve collaboratively on the commission.

The assembly conducted a roll-call vote. The initial tally given on the record left the presiding officer to clarify that five votes were required for confirmation; after the clerk requested whether anyone wanted to change votes, the result was recorded as 4–3 and the nomination failed.

Supporters of the nomination argued that the City of North Pole made its choice and that rejecting the city's nominee could strain intergovernmental relations. The assembly subsequently confirmed a separate mayoral appointment — Gail Garriguse — to the Health and Social Services Commission by a unanimous vote.

The Economic Development Commission vacancy will remain open until the city presents another nominee or the assembly reconsiders.