Stephens Withdraws from Assembly Consideration

Applicant Dennis Symmons. Photo by Dennis Symmons

Kayla Desroches/KMXT and Jay Barrett/KMXT

Two candidates applied for the vacant Kodiak Island Borough Assembly seat that Carol Austerman left behind after her resignation last month, but one man withdrew his name on Tuesday.

The two hopefuls were former Assemblyman Mel Stephens, and Dennis Symmons, who works in tree service and excavation, but according to Borough Clerk Nova Javier, Stephens has withdrawn.

Neither could be reached for comment.

The Borough Assembly will interview Symmons at a special meeting called for next July 30, at 7:30 p.m. in the borough conference room.

At the time of her resignation, Austerman said she will be moving to Europe for her husband’s job. She left with just over a year remaining in her term, and by borough code, the seat must be filled by appointment until the next election, in October. At that time, the seat will go on the ballot for a one-year term.