Selecting from a field of four, highly qualified candidates, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly appointed Nikiski resident Peter Ribbens to fill District Seat 3 on the KPB Assembly, Ribbens carried a 5-3 vote for the appointment.
Four candidates summitted applications, attended interview sessions and presented to the Assembly before the Assembly vote on Tuesday night. Ribbens received five, first ballot votes from the Assembly members; Heidi Covey received three votes. Other candidates included William Hubler, and Lenora Niesen.
Ribbens, stated his desire to serve the Nikiski community and the Kenai Peninsula Borough.
“I’m committed to working for the Nikiski constituency and the Kenai Peninsula Borough in general. The Borough is currently facing significant social and economic challenges. Among these challenges, to provide quality, essential services with healthy revenue sources is arguably the greatest. Personal freedoms are critical elements of why Kenai residents are so passionate, I’m committed to evaluating all Assembly decisions with those freedoms as the primary focus.”
Ribbens profile list his current occupation as senior environmental professional with Insight Environmental and lists numerous community service and volunteer positions.
In advance of the confirmation vote, Kenai representative Richard Derkevorkian voiced his concern that the people submitting comment and support of the candidates through text, email and other communication supported a different candidate.
“We tallied the email and laydown comments, like I did tonight, you would note that Heidi (Covey) has four times the supportive comments of the next closest candidate. We are here to represent the constituents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough and we should respect their wishes and appoint the candidate that the majority of the community contacted use about.”
Tyson Cox, Assembly Vice President, countered explaining that support submitted to the Assembly does not necessarily represent the majority of District 3.
The final vote count was approved by the Assembly 5-3. Peter Ribbens was sworn in and seated following the vote and immediately began his service on the Assembly. Ribbens will serve on the Assembly until the regular election in October of 2023.