In recent years, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly has established a pattern of voting in blocs, but recently the tables have been turning.
Seward Assemblywoman Sue McClure commented on the increase in communication…
Asm. McClure(Seward): “We’ve had numerous times where our votes are close by 4-5 or 5-4 and spirited discussion and I think always, even when we disagree, we’re listening to constituents and I think our votes are thoughtful… this is the best group we’ve had , I think, and maybe Mr. Haggerty might agree with me, we seem to come to some conclusions, doesn’t always please each individual, but we walk away friends and it’s a good feeling group of people that you folks out there have elected.”
Since the 2014 elections, the Assembly has been typically split 5-4 on most decisions, with Assembly Members Wolf, Ogle, Welles, and Cooper occasionally joined by Haggerty.
Prior to Welles and Cooper joining the Assembly, the votes often fell 6-3 with Wolf, Ogle, and Pierce taking the more conservative approach. Before Ogle’s election, there was typically a 7-2 split.