Voters statewide choosing among Alaska’s candidates and issues
Tue, October 2, 2007
Posted in Alaska News, Top Stories
Voters across the state are going to the polls today to participate in municipal elections.
- Ketchikan voters are deciding whether to limit the number of jewelry stores in the city’s central commercial area.
- Wrangell voters are considering a fish-processor’s future. They’ll vote on whether to sell a city loan made to Wrangell Seafoods Incorporated, which has had problems paying its debts to the city.
- Juneau’s ballot includes a measure that would restore fluoride to the city water system. It was removed last year after a citizens panel deadlocked on the controversial chemical. Juneau voters will also consider funding a new swimming pool, elementary school repairs and artificial turf at two ballfields.
- Petersburg’s ballot includes a measure to use money from the city’s economic development fund to lower water bills.
- In the Mat-Su Borough, voters will decide whether to pass a controversial land use ordinance that would limit Borough oversight of private property development.
- Anchorage voters aren’t going to the polls today. The city opts to hold its election in April instead.
- Fairbanks North Star Borough voters are considering a sales tax proposal. The Borough would levy a 2.5% sales tax, which would double to 5% each year between April 1 and September 30. The sales tax would lower property taxes.
- Bethel voters are also considering a sales tax proposal. The proposition asks voters for a 1 percentage point increase in the sales tax for the next two years. That would boost the current sales tax from 5% to 6%. If the proposition passes, the city would create a community recreation center.
- In Kodiak city, there are a few important ballot measures. One asks voters if they would authorize the city to issue $27 million in bonds, and raise the sales tax by a penny a dollar to build a public safety building downtown. Another Proposition asks city voters if they want to rescind the city council’s decision to place a police station and jail on Near Island.
- In Barrow, residents will decide whether to authorize the borough to sell $54 million in bonds to finance various capitol improvement projects.
- Most communities are also choosing various city council, Borough assembly and school board representatives. Several mayoral seats are also being contested.
Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage

