Assembly excuses Arvin for physical absence

The Matanuska – Susitna Borough excused Assembly member Ron Arvin for his physical absences from Assembly meetings, despite hearing numerous public comments urging that Arvin’s seat be declared vacant at Tuesday night’s regular assembly meeting.

Many people, like Chris Doter from Wasilla, urged the assembly to oppose Mayor Devilbiss’s resolution to excuse Arvin, as it could create a precedent for assembly members to participate remotely, rather than being in the seats to which they were elected.

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Assembly member Warren Keough spoke about the resolution to excuse Arvin, saying that Borough and State law were clear in establishing a vacancy of the seat, and that the reasons given for excusing Arvin were inadequate, and late in coming.

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The Assembly passed the resolution to excuse Arvin’s absences by a vote of 5 to 1, with Assemblyman Keough the sole “no” vote. Assemblyman Arvin was absent and did not vote.