Last Friday marked the deadline to file paperwork with the Mat-Su Borough to run for Mayor in a special election on June 9 and seven candidates threw their hat in the ring. The special election became necessary when Mayor Curtis Menard died of cancer in early March. By state statute, special elections have to be held if a vacancy occurs six months before a regular election.

Menard’s son Steve Menard of Wasilla seeks to follow his father’s footsteps and declared his running for mayor in the special election on deadline day, April 17.

Among the first to file was former state attorney general Talis Colberg of Palmer and former Iditarod musher David Straub of Willow. Others to join in the race are Bruce Walden, Frank Shor, Emil “Butch” Fondahn and John Leiner – all of Palmer.

The special election will determine a mayor to fill the position temporarily until a regular election in October determines a mayor to serve a full term.

Story by Diana Haecker