Kodiak Island Borough Assembly accepts Dave Johnson's resignation 6-0

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly voted 6-0 Thursday to accept Assemblymember Dave Johnson's resignation, effective June 25, 2026, and declare his seat vacant, launching a formal appointment process with a 30-day deadline under borough code.

Johnson submitted his resignation letter on June 4. Borough Clerk Nova Javier told the Assembly the seat runs through October 2027. "There are still more than 90 days remaining in the term since the position he holds will not end until October 2027," Javier said. Because more than 90 days remain, borough code requires the Assembly to appoint a replacement rather than leave the seat empty until the next election.

Appointment Timeline

The clerk's office will advertise the vacancy in the Kodiak Daily Mirror on June 26 and July 3. The borough will begin receiving applications on July 11. The Assembly is scheduled to interview applicants and, if ready, make an appointment at its July 16 regular meeting. "By code, we need to make the appointment 30 days after you declare the seat vacant," Javier said. If the Assembly does not reach a decision July 16, a special meeting can be called the following week.

The appointment is not an election. The Assembly will select the replacement from among applicants who apply through the borough clerk's office. The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly consists of members elected at large, each serving three-year terms.

Tributes to Johnson

Before the vote, assembly members praised Johnson's record of public service. One member thanked him for his years as a U.S. Coast Guardsman, his time as harbormaster, and his service on the Board of Education. Mayor Jared Griffin closed the tributes. "I think that the best compliment that you can give somebody who's leaving a group or a committee or a board is that you made us better," Griffin said.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote. "Motion passes 6-0," Javier announced.