At the Tuesday night Kenai Peninsula Borough District Assembly meeting, three assembly members were sworn in.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Borough Clerk, Johni Blankenship, who stated that this was the first ever virtual swearing-in ceremony. It was held for three newly elected assembly members, which included Bill Elam, Richard Derkevorkian and Lane Chesley.
Voters went to the polls in the Municipal Elections that were held on Tuesday, October 6 to decide the fate of Districts 2, 5 and 8.
In District 2, which represents Kenai, incumbent Harold ‘Hal’ Smalley was challenged by Richard Derkevorkian and James ‘Jim’ Duffield. Derkevorkian emerged with 561 votes (44.52%) compared to Smalley, who received 535 votes and Duffield who had 157 votes. There were also seven write-in votes.
In District 5, which represents Sterling and Funny River, Bill Elam ran unopposed, receiving 1,402 votes (96.09%). There were also 57 write-in votes. He takes the seat formerly held by Norm Blakeley, who did not run for reelection.
In District 8, which represents Homer, Lane Chesley ran unopposed, receiving 1,632 votes (98.02%). There were also 33 write-in votes. He takes the seat formerly held by Kelly Cooper.
Also at the Tuesday District Assembly meeting, incumbent Mayor Charlie Pierce, was recognized for winning reelection, beating out Linda Farnsworth Hutchings and Troy Nightingale.
