Daily Sitka Sentinel

Haulout, Other Item On Assembly Agenda

By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer

Besides voting on a boat haulout proposal, the Assembly at tonight’s special meeting will consider appointing a member to the University of Alaska Southeast Sitka Campus advisory council.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Garry White, executive director of the Sitka Economic Development Association, is chairman of the council and is recommending that the Assembly appoint one of their number as a liaison to the council.

At the last regular Assembly meeting, White warned that the University of Alaska Board of Regents might be considering closing one or more the UAS campuses as a cost cutting move.

“A Board of Regents committee posed the question of investigating whether UAS should be absorbed into UAF,” White said. “The board agreed that that should be investigated.”

The president at the time, James R. Johnsen, estimated some $15 million could be saved.

“With a $23 million budget (for UAS regionwide) it raised concerns about the Sitka campus closing,” White said. “They’re only going to investigate it,” he added.

Since making his presentation to the Assembly, White was approached by an Assembly member who suggested an Assembly liaison seat on the council.

White said the city administrator is already on the council but an Assembly member would certainly be welcome.

“The more people that can be informed and stand up for the campus the better,” he said.

White has been on the council for 12 years, and was elected chair in September.

“I’m in there because I believe the college has the ability to work with local employers to provide training so folks can come back and work in the community,” he said.