Four candidates interview for Kodiak Island Borough Assembly vacancy

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly interviewed four candidates Thursday to fill a vacant seat, formerly held by Dave Johnson, whose term runs to October 2027. Borough code requires the appointment within 30 days of the June 25 vote to accept Johnson's resignation.

The Borough Clerk's Office advertised the vacancy June 26 and July 3, accepted applications from June 27 to July 11, and received four: Mark Anthony Viscoccio, Sean Brecky, Caleb Callahan, and Alexander Sweeney.

Mayor Jared Griffin led a structured question-and-answer session covering each candidate's qualifications, governing experience, approach to difficult decisions, priorities for the borough, and availability to serve. Viscoccio highlighted education and youth programs as top priorities. Callahan, a born-and-raised Kodiak resident, cited his Ted Stevens legislative internship and work as an economic development specialist. Sweeney, an insurance underwriting professional who works remotely, said he would bring sound economic reasoning and an open mind. Brecky, a millwright welder with 30 years of industrial experience, named deferred infrastructure maintenance, skilled trades training, and support for people with disabilities among his priorities.

Several community members spoke during citizens' comments in support of Viscoccio. Fire Chief Rich Gonzalez told the Assembly that Viscoccio’s prior public service had prepared him well, noting that he currently serves as president of the Filipino American Association of Kodiak, president of the East Elementary School PTA, and vice president of the Kodiak Booster Club. "Mark's appointment to the Kodiak City Council in 2012 taught him important lessons about public service, listening to residents, working collaboratively, and making the difficult decisions," Gonzalez said.

Griffin told candidates after the session that the Assembly could consult and vote that evening during the regular meeting, or could postpone. "The Assembly can consult and take a vote. Recommend you stay around if you can. But the Assembly might also decide to postpone the vote until next week, and we have to decide before this time next week anyway," Griffin said.