Polls in Soldotna are now open for the city’s special election asking residents if they support creating a home rule charter commission.
Soldotna Council Woman Linda Murphy said she supports the city’s pursuit of home rule and said it affects more than just taxes.
Murphy: “Home rule communities on the other hand have the power to do anything not prohibited by law, and so only certain sections of Title 29 apply to home rule. One of the changes I would like to see is the role of the mayor, for instance in Seward and also in Kenai because Kenai is also a home rule community, the mayor is a member of the council and votes on every issue, does not have veto power, but is allowed to vote on and discuss every issue that comes before it, and I think that’s a good thing.”
Currently Soldotna Mayor Nels Anderson presides over council meetings but only has veto power on issues brought before the council, according to Murphy.
If approved, the Charter Commission then has one year to prepare a proposed Home-rule Charter to be presented at an election to the voters within the city.
Today is the last day Soldotna residents may vote on the special election, polls are open at Soldotna City Hall until 8 pm.
