Eight people have applied to fill the District 5 seat representing Funny River and Sterling, vacated in January by Rep. Bill Elam. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly will hear from the candidates and select an appointee on Tuesday.

In alphabetical order, the eight people vying for the seat are: Marty Anderson, Jill Craig, Dale Eicher, Dr. Paul Marks, Leslie Morton, Ed Oberts, Greg Olcott and Craig Schwartz.

Bill Elam, who served in the District 5 seat since winning unopposed election in 2020, resigned effective Jan. 7 after winning election to the Alaska Legislature in November. Applications were accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31.

Per a memo by Borough Clerk Michele Turner, included in a laydown attachment to the agenda published Saturday, each candidate will address the assembly during a Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

During the assembly’s regular meeting that night, starting at 6 p.m., the assembly will publicly vote for the candidates — with the successful candidate receiving five votes by the remaining members. If no candidate receives five votes in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated and another vote will be held.

The process will continue until a candidate receives the majority five votes. The winning candidate will serve in the District 5 seat until the next regular borough election in October.

Anderson, in a candidate statement, says he has lived on the Kenai Peninsula since 1981 and has raised children and grandchildren locally. He holds certificates in welding and non-destructive testing from the University of Alaska and worked in the oil industry for 17 years before “starting and selling” four local businesses. He’s served on boards for the North Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Peninsula Oilers and KDLL 91.9 FM Public Radio. He’s previously been elected to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education and now works as director of non-destructive testing for GLM Energy Services in Kenai.

Craig describes herself as “a conservative voice” who moved to Alaska when her husband was stationed at Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks.

“You will find me committed to listening, advocating, and making decisions which reflect our community values,” she writes. “With a focus on responsible budgeting, growth, and protecting our Alaskan way of life, I will advocate for policies that benefit businesses, families, and future generations.”

Eicher writes that he wants to bring “my strong background in public service and business leadership to our community.” He cites time spent volunteering with both Central Emergency Services and the Civil Air Patrol as reflective of his commitment to that community. He says that recent years spent running successful construction companies has given him experience with leadership and budget creation.

“I understand the challenges our Borough faces and am equipped with the skills and dedication to address them effectively,” he writes.

Marks is a Doctor of Education and has taught for nearly a decade at Soldotna schools, preceded by nearly 30 years in education in Michigan. He writes that he lacks experience in government but brings a unique skill set as an educator with a “detail-oriented mind.”

“Much of the Kenai Peninsula was founded by people with an adventurous spirit who looked to test their limits while avoiding the overreach of governments who had become burdensome and overbearing,” he writes. “As an Assembly Member, I would keep that rugged individualism in mind while still focusing on the need to expand services for a changing and aging population.”

Morton has served on the executive boards of Tsalteshi Trails Association, the Kenai Art Center, and the Kenai Watershed Forum. She also spent six years as a member of the service area board for Central Emergency Services. In joining the assembly, she writes, she wants to maintain the local quality of life that once led her and her husband to choose to live here.

“With good schools, quality health care, engaged businesses, a growing agriculture sector, amazing arts, and access to world-class outdoor activities, it was an easy decision,” she writes. “I want the Kenai Peninsula Borough to continue to be a place where people choose to live.”

Oberts is the vice chairman for the Alaska District 8 Republican Party. He’s a former president of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank and a longtime member of the local real estate community. He’s served as a legislative aide, an assistant to former Borough Mayor Dale Bagley, and as a member of the Homer Electric Association and Central Emergency Services boards. He writes that he’s a “big” Trump supporter.

“My work experience and years in the area gives me a valuable understanding of our history and needs of the Kenai Peninsula Borough,” he writes. “I look forward to the opportunity to put my common sense, conservative values to work on the assembly.”

Olcott holds “multiple industry certifications” and has decades of experience in construction and marine and aviation safety training. He writes that in 27 years living in Sterling, he’s seen “a lot of change, some for the good some not.”

After years engaged as a community member, Olcott writes that he’s now ready to attempt to serve on the assembly.

“Maintaining this small-town community will involve insuring that present and future individuals and families have access to their elected officials, as well as adequate affordable health care, prosperous abundant jobs, secure safe environments, and a reasonable moderate tax structure to provide for our essential services,” he writes. “I would like to see the KPB continue to grow and prosper and not turn into Anchorage.”

Schwartz also cites 27 years spent living in the borough, and a desire to “give back in a greater capacity.” He’s the self-employed owner of Shwartz Builders and Schwartz Foods and a member of the Kenai Peninsula Builder’s Association. He describes strong relationships locally developed as a resident and a business owner.

“With my background and skills I can provide valuable insight into KPB’s top capital priorities and help address key issues before the assembly, particularly those impacting my community of Sterling,” he writes.

Full statements by all eight candidates can be found at kpb.legistar.com.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Soldotna High School teacher Dr. Paul Marks testifies before the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education on Monday, April 11, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)