The candidate filing period for borough and municipal elections on the Kenai Peninsula opens on August 1. Nine seats will be up for grabs between the cities of Kenai and Soldotna, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, and the school district Board of Education.
In the Kenai Peninsula Borough, assembly member Brent Hibbert (District 1) has reached the maximum allowable number of consecutive terms for an assembly seat (two) and will not be running for reelection. Mike Tupper (District 9) said that while he feels that his time on the assembly “has been successful,” due to the time commitments he will not be seeking reelection for the South Peninsula seat. Cindy Ecklund (District 7) is also reaching the end of her current term but was unavailable for comment as to whether or not she will be seeking reelection.
Two council seats will be vacated this year in the City of Soldotna, and both sitting members, Jordan Chilson and Linda Hutchings have said they aim to keep their positions.
“I’m really proud of all that we got done during the last [term],” said Chilson. “We’ve done a lot with the Fieldhouse [and] Riverfront Redevelopment Plan moving into the next term.” He added that he is excited about the opportunity to continue work on the Soldotna Field House, begin implementation of the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan, and continue to aid the growth of small businesses in Soldotna with programs like the Storefront Development Grant.
In Kenai, two city council seats are up for election. Vice Mayor James Baisden said he is still undecided on whether or not he will seek reelection. Council member Deborah Sounart was unavailable for comment.
The Kenai Peninsula School District Board of Education has two seats coming up for election in 2024. District 2 board member Matt Morse was unavailable to comment on his plans for the upcoming election. From District 8, Tim Daughtary said that he hadn’t decided yet if he would run for another term on the school board.
The filing period for borough and municipal elections will open at 8:00 a.m. on August 1, and close at 4:30 p.m. on August 15.
Borough and Municipal Election Day is Tuesday, October 1st.
