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
