No Contest for City Races
Friday, August 17 2012
When Unalaskans go to vote in October’s municipal election, their options will be limited. None of the incumbents running for city council or school board face any competition.
Councilors Zac Schasteen and Tom Enlow are running in uncontested races for Seats F and G, while School Board Member Melanie Magnusen has no opponents for Seat A. The filing deadline to run for public office was Thursday.
The lack of competition makes this an unusual race according to City Clerk Elizabeth Masoni.
"I am looking back through my files, and I have gone back for a number of years and do not see anything that suggests we’ve had a slate like this," says Masoni.
Schasteen will be running for his second full term on council, while Enlow is seeking election to the seat he was appointed to fill in April, following Councilor Dick Peck’s resignation. Magnusen is running for her third term on the school board.
While a write-in candidate could still launch a campaign, the lack of challengers could make for a sedate election year. Masoni says that the city is still eager for a healthy turnout on October 2.
"We hope that everybody turns out to vote, whether it is an uncontested election or not," says Masoni.
The last day to register to vote for the municipal election is September 2.
In addition to the October 2 municipal election, Unalaskans will also have the chance to cast ballots in the Alaska State Primary election on August 28. Neither one of the state legislators who represent Unalaska faces a contested primary, but there are two ballot measure that residents can vote on. The first would increase the maximum residential property exemption, while the second would reinstate Alaska’s coastal management program.
Just Saying on Monday, August 20 2012:
I have no argument with what you are saying, I agree actually, however did you consider putting your hat in the ring? The option was there.
I too wondered what the lack of competition "meant" and have to believe with these three individuals the community is in good hands. I don't recall seeing an election with no challengers for quite some time but I do recall that many challengers in the past put their hat in the ring due to who the incumbant was.
Concerned Citizen on Monday, August 20 2012:
With these seats going uncontested in the upcoming election, the question is, is this a good or bad thing? Does this mean the incumbents don’t have to try as hard going forward? What does that mean? I need to know, as community members, are we satisfied with the job our city council members have done this past term or do we want/need more?
Have the incumbents provided proven results to better this community? Where are we with regards to health, safety, and the welfare of community members, including our children, and the elderly? Have the incumbents kept the growth and development goals for this community in the forefront of their thoughts during this past term? Does this mean our expectations have been met?
If we do not challenge the very same people who say they are working to better this community and its members, then we too should be held responsible for the lack of development and growth. Just saying....