Public discussion on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Ordinance 2022-19-19 regarding a special election for the position of KPB Mayor will be held on Tuesday, October 25th as part of the scheduled Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly general meeting.
Borough Ordinance 2022-19-19 includes:
Section 1. That the Assembly directs the Borough Clerk acting in her capacity as the Election Supervisor to conduct a Special Mayoral Election on ___ , 2023.
Section 2. That the Assembly appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Assembly Elections Division, project account No. 100.11130.23VOT.49999., for the purpose of conducting the Special Mayoral Election and the Special Mayoral Runoff Election, if necessary.
Section 3. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon enactment.
According to Borough Clerk Johni Blankenship, the process for a special election includes the introduction of an ordinance appropriating funds and calling for a special election (October 11th meeting) and enacting an ordinance appropriating funds and calling for a special election (Tuesday, October 25th meeting).
By borough memorandum, Blankenship confirmed the earliest date that a special election can be held per Kenai Peninsula Borough 4.10.050(B) is January 9, 2023.
Additionally, October 31 through November 14 will be the Candidate Filing Period for the special election.
$250,000 is the proposed minimum to cover both the Special Election and a Runoff Election, if required.
Alaska Statue regarding vacancy
Alaska statute states that a vacancy in the office of mayor occurring six months before a regular election shall be filled by the governing body. The person appointed serves until the next regular election when a successor is elected to serve the balance of the term. If a member of the governing body is appointed mayor, the member shall resign the seat on the governing body. If a vacancy occurs more than six months before a regular election, the governing body shall call a special election to fill the unexpired term.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 25th in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers located at 144 North Binkley Street, Soldotna.
