FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) - Multiple security changes are being implemented at the Fairbanks North Star Borough administrative building.
Borough Mayor Karl Kassel has had problems with people barging into his office, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (https://is.gd/dMnuaJ) reported. Kassel recently had a security door installed at the front of his suite of offices. He said more security changes are planned for the building, including the main lobby.
“We are addressing security across the entire borough system,” Kassel said. “There are dangers inherent in our community and with public facilities. We are trying to protect the interests of our citizens and employees.”
Besides the addition of the security door, a new emergency exit for employees was recently installed.
The mayor’s security door has been criticized by borough Assembly member Lance Roberts. He said the change closes the mayor off from the public and prevents chance encounters.
“I think it shuts down some of the communication,” he said. “There will be less communication because of it. I would want people to feel that it is easy to come see me.”
There should be no impact on accessibility, according to Kassel. He said he’s not trying to discourage engagement from the public or employees. The problem, he said, was that many people bypassed his staffers and walked into his office.
“I think it’s unrealistic to expect that you can walk into the Mayor’s Office on your personal schedule,” he said.
Kassel said improving the borough building security has been an ongoing project since a consultant’s 2004 report that recommended safety improvements.
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Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, https://www.newsminer.com
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