Kodiak Assembly certifies election, swears in three as fourth winner waits

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly unanimously certified the results of the Oct. 6 municipal election Thursday night. Borough Clerk Nova Javier then swore in three winners: Mark Vizcocho, Scott Arndt and Alexander Sweeney. They take office Monday, Oct. 19.

The certified results show Vizcocho led the race for three three-year seats with 757 votes, followed by Arndt with 632 and Jeremy Williamson with 602. Kaleb Callahan finished fourth with 587, 15 votes behind Williamson. Incumbent Steve Ames finished sixth with 370. For a one-year seat, Sweeney beat incumbent Caroline Roberts, 668 to 636.

As Alaska News reported Oct. 7, the unofficial results left 742 ballots to count and six votes between third and fourth place. Javier said the four-member canvass board met Wednesday, reviewed by-mail, absentee, special needs, questioned and write-in ballots, and found the election fully complied with state law and borough ordinances.

Williamson was not sworn in Thursday. Javier said elected officials with potential conflicts involving borough employment or personal services contracts will be sworn in once those conflicts are resolved, within the 30-day certification window after the election. She did not name the winner involved. Assembly member Jeremiah Gardner asked what happens if he declines. Javier said the borough would advertise the seat, accept applications and fill it by Assembly appointment for one year.

Vizcocho joined the Assembly by appointment in July and won an elected term Oct. 6. Borough Manager Aimee Williams said she learned before the meeting that he is the first Filipino member of the Assembly. "What a milestone for the community," Williams said. Arndt, at a Sept. 8 candidate forum, said he had been "involved with local government for the last almost 50 years."

Three outgoing members, Roberts, Ames and Bo Whiteside, were recognized Thursday. Mayor Jared Griffin praised Roberts for taking a one-year appointment and authoring ordinances in her first year, called Ames a steady and thoughtful presence and called Whiteside "a valued colleague."

"It's been an honor to serve up here, even if it's just been for a year," Roberts said. Gardner told the departing members he was sad to see them go.