The Mat-Su Borough will hold a special election to determine the replacement of current mayor Talis Colberg. Colberg resigned effective October 20.Borough clerk Lonnie McKechnie said that election filing requirement dates have passed and that the borough needs to clear a special election with the Department of Justice.
Also, the ballot question whether Mat-Su voters prefer a strong mayor over the current manager form of government continues to complicate issues dealing with borough leadership replacements.
McKechnie said this figured into the rationale to call for a special election. After the October 5 election, it will be clear if there is a need for a mayor with managerial experience or if the mayor continues to be a figurehead.
A special election will cost the borough between $75,000 and $80,000.
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