On Tuesday, don’t forget to vote.
We’ll spare you the civics lecture, other than to point out that when voter turnout is low, that means a small number of people are making decisions that affect all of us. So for those of us who go to the polls, or who have voted early or absentee, our vote is that much more meaningful.
There are plenty of important decisions to me made via the ballot box this fall. For starters, there are four borough propositions. Proposition 1 would repeal an ordinance allowing general law cities to collect sales tax on groceries from September through May. Proposition 2 would establish a Nikiski Law Enforcement Service Area. Proposition 3 would expand the boundaries of the Anchor Point Fire and Emergency Medical Service Area, and Proposition 4 would approve bonds for Central Emergency Services vehicle replacement.
There are plenty of candidates on the ballot as well.
In District 1-Kalifornsky, Robin Davis, Gary Knopp and David Wartinbee are challenging incumbent Kelly Wolf for the seat.
In District 6-East Peninsula, Kenn Carpenter and Brandii Holmdahl are running to fill the seat, and in District 9-South Peninsula, Willy Dunne and Dawson Slaughter are on the ballot. In both races, the sitting assembly member is stepping down due to term limits.
There are three uncontested races for school board: Tim Navarre in District 2-Kenai; Marty Anderson in District 5-Sterling/Funny River; and Liz Downing in District 8-Homer.
At the city level, Pete Sprague is running to serve as mayor of Soldotna. Paul Whitney and Fred Sturman are running for Seat A on the city council, and Dan Nelson and Linda Murphy are running for Seat C.
In Kenai, Mike Boyle, Bob Molloy and Jim Glendening are running to fill to seats. Kenai voters also have a trio of city ballot propositions addressing how city council candidates are elected.
There’s also a full slate of service area board candidates on the ballot.
A list of polling places is posted below; if you’re not quite sure which precinct you’re in, be sure to contact the borough clerk’s office at 1-800-478-4441 ext. 2160, or 907-714-2160.
Decisions made by local government frequently have the most immediate impact in out day-to-day lives, and election day is your chance to participate in the process. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to shape your community’s future.
