Council Elects Davidson to Fill Maker’s Seat

Jay Barrett/KMXT

The Kodiak City Council voted for a familiar face to join them for the next couple of months. Though it took three confusing secret ballots, Charlie Davidson, a 15-year veteran of the council, was finally elected. He had been off the council for almost two years, after declining to seek re-election in 2007. The other two candidates for the seat were Rhonda Maker and John Whiddon. All three had been interviewed by the council on Tuesday.

After the election, Davidson was sworn in, and later thanked his colleagues:

— (Davidson 1 38 sec "I’m humbled and … thank you. Okay.")

Councilman Gabriel (Gabe-real) Saravia (s’RAW-vee-ah) thanked all the applicants who sought appointment to the city council:

— (Davidson 2 32 sec "I want to thank John and … and working the best we can.")

Councilman Tom Walters, who joined the council at the same time Davidson originally did, 17 years ago, welcomed his old colleague back:

— (Davidson 3 33 sec "I also want to … city a great place to live.")

As Walters said, Councilman Paul Smith was elected to the position of vice-mayor. After three ballots, Mayor Carolyn Floyd was forced to cast a tie-breaking vote, giving Smith the victory.

Davidson will serve until the regular meeting on October 22^nd, when the seat will be filled by the winner of the October 6^th Municipal Election. Davidson was non-committal about running for the seat, which will be for a one-year term.

There will be a pair of seats available for three-year terms, and the office of mayor will also be available for a two-year term. The council seats are currently held by Saravia (s’RAW-vee-ah) and Councilwoman Josie Rosales, both of whom said they would seek re-election. Mayor Floyd said she is leaning toward seeking another term. Nominating packets will be available starting August 4^th, and the deadline for returning them is September 4^th.

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