The City of Nome Municipal election has six positions available for the 2023 election. The election is currently accepting candidate filings until Tuesday, August 29th at 5:00 p.m. The seats of Mayor, two City Council Members, two Utility Board Members, and one School Board Member will be up for election.
Nome’s Mayor, John Handeland, was elected by the residents of Nome in October 2020. The Mayor attends City Council meetings but is not allowed to vote or take part in a discussion of a matter unless there is a tie. The Mayor executes official documents on authorization of the City Council and is responsible for additional duties provided by Alaska law. Handeland serves as a spokesperson for the City Council and the community. The term for this role is two years.
There are two seats available in the election for City Council Members. The three-year terms are currently held by Adam Martinson and Doug Johnson, who were voted into the City Council in October 2020. The City Council is composed of six members who are elected by voters. The Council’s main purpose is to enforce public policy, manage public money, and listen to the wants and needs of the community. The City Council meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 o’clock in City Hall in Nome.
Two Utility Board Member positions are available this election. There is one two-year and one three-year term available this election, currently held by Pat Knodel and David Barron. The Utility Board makes recommendations to the mayor on infrastructure asset management, short and long-term planning, utility finances, utility policies, and rate-making.
Nome Public Schools is electing one School Board Member. The main function of a school board is to improve the overall performance of their schools. Members adopt the school calendar, budget, establish policies, and advocate for public education. Regular Nome Public Schools Board of Education meetings take place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Nome Elementary School Library, and work sessions take place on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Nome Elementary School Library. The term is for the treasurer position, lasting three years. It is currently occupied by Bob Metcalf.
In an email statement from Bryant Hammond, Nome’s City Clerk, he stated that incumbents have to sign up as well. A public notice of candidates on the ballot will be announced at least two weeks before election day. The Nome Municipal election will be held on Tuesday, October 3rd. The candidate filing deadline for any of the six elected positions ends on Tuesday, August 29th at 5 p.m. To obtain the forms necessary to file, contact Nome City Hall at 443-6663. To view declaration of candidacy requirements, visit the Cord Ordinances of Nome.
Photo at top: Nome-City Council meets to discuss regular business including elections and public comments, 2020
