At a public special meeting on February 9, the Borough Assembly interviewed three candidates and selected Dmitri Fonov to represent District 6.
Fonov has been a general contractor in the Wasilla area for the last 10 years. During the interview, Fonov notes that the Borough needs to attract more business and provide more jobs for people. He believes that natural resources and development can work together.
When asked about zoning, Fonov indicates that developers should be able to build as they see fit. Assembly member Nowers asked about public input from neighboring land owners before a proposed development occurs. She provides an example of a concert venue or coal plant being built next to an established residential area having a significant impact on the existing neighborhood.
“I’m sure they can have input. Doesn’t mean they’re going to get it their way. I personally had more success going and talking to people.”
Of the three candidates, Fonov was the only one to have not attended a community council meeting. He notes that road repairs, theft, and homelessness were issues that needed to be addressed, topics that often arise in the community council meetings.
Fonov also says that local government should have safe roads, good response from our fire and police departments, and good schools. When asked about how to deal with the school district requesting an increased budget each year, Fonov spoke about results.
“Look at the results. If they’re not providing the results, why should we reward them with more money?”
Fonov and his family emigrated from Uzbekistan to escape persecution. He notes that there are several thousand central Asian residents in the Wasilla area. He hopes to organize a community event for a meet and greet with them and the other Borough Assembly members in the near future.
Assembly member Robert Yundt is listed as a professional reference on Fonov’s candidate paperwork and at least two current Assembly members state that Sumner advocates Fonov as his replacement. Fonov also says, “Jesse Sumner himself has inspired me to do this.”
Fonov will be sworn in before the February 21st Assembly meeting. The District 6 Assembly appointment ends in November 2023. Fonov will have to run again and win in the November election to finish the remainder of the term, which ends in November 2024.
