KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
It’s been a remarkably close election in the borough with virtually every race too close to call. The exception was the race for school board. Incumbent Melissa Borton took a 308-vote lead over challenger Betty Odell for a full three-year term.
Borton did not return a call for comment but Odell told KMXT that even though she is disappointed, she would remain involved in the school district.
(borough 1) :15 "I’d like to see … citizen comments."
Unofficial returns gave incumbent Borough Mayor Jerome Selby 1,055 votes compared to challenger Tom Abell’s 908. At least 193 votes remain to be counted in absentee and early voters. Add to that an unknown number of provisional question ballots. Still, Selby sounded confident that he’d prevail.
(borough 2) :08 "I’d just like … three years."
But with a margin of 147 votes, Abell said he wasn’t ready to concede.
(borough 3) :11 "Lookin’ at these results … absentee does."
Borough assembly races are also still technically up for grabs. Incumbent Louise Stutes is in the lead with 1,121 votes and looks likely to assume another three-year term.
(borough 4) :17 "You know I really … very grateful."
Political newcomer Carol Austerman received 1,057 votes. She said Tuesday evening that she was edified by her strong showing.
(borough 5) :12 "You know I really appreciate … actually voted today."
Scott Arndt is a veteran of local politics serving in the past on the assembly and school board. He received 949 votes. Reached Tuesday evening he said he had no comment.
It’s still too early to gauge voter turnout though poll workers reported a strong showing in city and borough races. The borough ballots will be certified next week with official results certified on the 21st and new candidates offered the oath of office on the 28th.
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