Search for Borough manager continues

The search for a new Mat-Su Borough manager has produced a list of 42 applicants. Long time borough manager John Duffy left the post last month and the borough is looking for a replacement.

In their last meeting, the borough assembly went into executive session to discuss the hiring process. According to acting borough manager Elizabeth Gray, the assembly asked the human resources director to be more specific on the job advertisement. The assembly wants applicants with experience of managing an area with a population of more than 20,000 or experience of managing 200 or more employees.

Gray said the position is open until filled and the borough is still accepting applications.

She said it’s up to the Assembly to decide whether or not to hire a new manager before the October elections in which Mat-Su voters will decide  if they want to change the way the borough is managed.  Currently, a borough manager oversees the borough’s day-to-day operations. Assemblyman Mark Ewing proposed in May that the borough should switch to a strong-mayor form of government where the mayor would be playing a stronger role in daily business decisions of the borough.

The Assembly put the question before the voters to decide in October.

Until then, assistant borough manager Elizabeth Gray is the acting borough manager.

Another uncertainty concerning borough leadership is looming as Borough mayor Talis Colberg is one of four finalists for the Mat-Su College director position.

University of Alaska Anchorage chancellor Fran Ulmer is expected to make her choice next week. If Colberg is picked and if voters decide for a strong mayor, the borough may have to look not only for a new manager but also for a new mayor.