Two new members are joining a reappointed incumbent on the Juneau Planning Commission, while one new appointee is joining two reappointed incumbents on Bartlett Regional Hospital’s board following interviews by Juneau Assembly members on Thursday night.
Newcomers Lacey Derr and Jessalyn Rintala are joining incumbent planning commission vice chair Mandy Cole, following the interviews of seven candidates conducted via Zoom.
Derr, a state program coordinator for the Exxon Valdez Oil Trust Council, stated in her application she was a member of Juneau’s Docks and Harbors board from 2021-2023 and was the assigned liaison to the Planning Commission’s work.
“Over the last several years, it is greatly apparent we have significant housing related needs which need to be addressed,” she wrote. “But more so, the cruise season of 2023 has shown there is a significant amount of unintended consequences which must be evaluated and addressed in the immediate future. Our city’s resources have been overwhelmed and Juneau citizens are taking the full force of that impact with reduced communication services and public transportation.”
Rintala, a research professional for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute for Northern Engineering who has lived in Juneau since 2008, stated she has extensive experience as a nonprofit and state government employee.
“My priorities include: Early, open, and accessible public participation on planning issues, coupled with best practices for establishing and implementing public policy (including around controversial issues) as an advisory body to the Assembly,” she wrote. “Building reliable policies, procedures and processes to support sustainable development. Setting clear goals that serve equity and transparency. Establishing a robust framework of planning goals and regulations while retaining the flexibility to address our specific needs and issues.”
The new members are replacing departing chair Michael LeVine and Paul Voelckers, who have served the maximum terms allowed on the nine-member commission.
James Kohn is the new member of the hospital board, joining reappointed incumbents Kenny Solomon-Gross — who is the board’s president and said he may remain in that role for another year given leadership changes in the hospital’s administration — and Lisa Petersen. Four candidates were interviewed for the three vacancies.
Kohn, a retired registered nurse and licensed nursing home administrator, stated in his application he has also been a certified expert witness for nursing home care in California Superior Court.
“Bartlett Hospital is a necessity for Juneau and regional residents,” he wrote. “As a forty year Juneau resident with a long history of providing health care in Juneau and the state (Pioneers’ Homes director: 1993-2003), I want to support the hospital and help ensure that the hospital can provide ongoing high quality care for Juneau and regional residents and visitors to our community.”
He replaces Brenda Knapp, who has served the maximum three allowable terms on the board.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
