KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Today is Municipal Election Day in Kodiak and in many other towns around the state. While there are no contested races for Kodiak City elections, voters throughout the borough have a slew of candidates to choose from for assembly, and there are two borough-wide ballot questions that need addressing.
There is a trio of three-year terms up for grabs on the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly, with one seat wide open and two with incumbents running to keep their jobs. The open seat belonged to Assemblywoman Sue Jeffrey, who is not seeking re-election.The two incumbents, both finishing their first terms on the assembly, are Judy Fulp and Dave Kaplan. They are being challenged by two former assemblymen, Tuck Bonney, assistant manager of Alaska Pacific Seafoods; and Mel Stephens, an attorney. The other two challengers are newcomers to the assembly races: Gail Brandt, a real estate agent; and Dennis Symons, owner of Tree Service of Kodiak.
On the Kodiak Island Borough School Board, newcomer Aaron Griffin and relative newcomer Katie Oliver – who was appointed to a vacancy just this summer – are running unopposed for three-year terms. The only race is for the one-year seat. Incumbent Peggy Rauwolf, who has served over three years on the school board, chose to seek election to the one-year term instead of a second full term. She will face recently retired teacher Giovanni Tallino.
There are several service area seats open, and as usual, not as many candidates as there are open seats.
In the City of Kodiak, there are no contested races. Pat Branson, who joined the city council just a year ago, is running alone for mayor. Carolyn Floyd is stepping down after 18 years in office. Former Councilman Terry Haines, a fisherman who was ousted by voters last year, is one of two candidates running for two open seats. The other is 23-year-old Randy Bishop, a political newcomer who is part owner of the Mecca Lounge. The mayoral term is two years, the council terms are for three.
On everybody’s ballot, inside and outside the city, will be two questions:
One will ask if voters would like to limit the borough mayor, assembly and school board members to just a pair of consecutive terms before having to sit out six years.
The other will ask if the borough should be allowed to institute a year-round one-percent sales tax, with the income going to pay for the high school renovation and expansion.
Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. KMXT will have unofficial results on the air tonight as soon as they are available from the borough and city clerks’ offices, probably after 9 p.m. Tune in to 100.1 FM or online.
