A mayoral race between Henry Knackstedt and Alex Douthit headlines the Oct. 7 City of Kenai ballot, which also includes three candidates vying for two open city council seats.
After the candidate filing deadline on Friday, Knackstedt and Douthit were the only candidates for Kenai mayor. Brian Gabriel, who has served as Kenai’s mayor since 2016, is not seeking reelection.
Knackstedt, currently Kenai’s vice mayor, has served on the council for 11 years. He’s also previously served on Kenai’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Airport Commission. He works in civil engineering and has lived in Kenai for 64 years.
“I am also a fiscally conservative Kenai resident and will work hard to bring businesses and industry to Kenai, while protecting our neighborhoods,” Knackstedt writes in his candidate statement. “I have been your solid, common-sense, and well-prepared councilman who is ready and willing to continue working for you in the role as mayor.”
Douthit has served on the council for three years. He also serves on the board of directors for the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and owns Kenai Peninsula Driving Instruction. On council, he writes that he supported fiscally responsible development while seeking “modern” ways to engage residents.
“I am pledging to provide careful community-focused leadership to enhance the City of Kenai,” he writes.
For the city council, Victoria Askin is running for relection alongside challengers Bridget Grieme and Glenese Pettey. Unlike other local elections, Kenai City Council candidates do not run for specific seats, and Kenai voters will instead cast ballots for two of the running candidates. The two candidates who receive the most votes will take the two seats for three-year terms.
Askin has served on the council since 2020 and also has spent years on Kenai’s Harbor Commission and Planning and Zoning Commission. She cites city accomplishments in her filing that she worked on as a member of the council. The bluff stabilization project is underway. The Kenai Bark Park has opened. The Triumvirate Theatre and Boys and Girls Clubs of the Kenai Peninsula both opened facilities this year on land donated by Kenai. Askin personally cosponsored the storefront improvement program.
“Being a 40+ year resident of Kenai, I am proud of its responsible fiscal management,” she writes. “In anticipation of a pipeline project, I pledge to be a common sense voice for Kenai’s citizens.”
Grieme has lived in Kenai and worked for the State Division of Juvenile Justice since 2002. She holds a master’s degree in justice administration. She also has served on the Kenai Central High School Site Council, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor’s Advisory Group and Kenai’s Parks and Recreation Commission.
“I’m a passionate advocate for local businesses, seniors, municipal services, and responsible economic development,” Grieme writes. “I believe in transparent, practical, common-sense leadership—and bring a collaborative spirit and deep commitment to keeping Kenai a vibrant, welcoming place to live, work, and play.”
Pettey has worked in financial advising, safety and as a nurse. She’s lived in Kenai since 1990 and previously served on the council as well as Kenai’s Planning and Zoning Commission and Council on Aging Commission.
“When deliberating, voting, and making decisions for the city, I will always be working for the citizens’ best interests,” Pettey writes. “I will advocate and encourage citizen involvement and encourage local business growth. I will support our youth and our senior citizen service programs which enhance the quality of life.”
There are no ballot propositions being considered in this year’s election. Find more information about the candidates at kenai.city.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
