Borough Assembly Candidates Stake Out Positions

Jacob Resneck/KMXT

Two of the three candidates running for borough assembly spoke at Tuesday’s candidates’ forum. Incumbent Louise Stutes is up for re-election after completing her first three-year term. Stutes faced challenger Carol Austerman during the candidates forum. KMXT’s Jacob Resneck reports.

The first question dealt with the borough’s waste management plan. Both candidates said they felt improvements are needed. Stutes said she supports a so-called "pay-as-you-throw" approach to billing.

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Austerman countered that she felt recycling options should be expanded first.

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Asked about how the community should pay for Kodiak’s new high school, Stutes suggested the Assembly revisit the sales tax issue, while Austerman was less specific.

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Talking about funding priorities both women pointed out the importance of the high school and emergency shelter in the Womens Bay area.

But Stutes staked out her own ground by suggesting the borough consider selling off the long-term care facility currently run by Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center.

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The candidates were also asked about ATVs being allowed on trails in the borough. Austerman said there are places where ATVs aren’t appropriate.

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But Stutes said she’d defer to the assembly’s advisory board on trails.

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The entire 24-minute discussion is at KMXT dot org. There are two three-year terms open. The third candidate Scott Arndt did not attend the forum. Election day is October 5^th.

I’m Jacob Resneck