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            The lack of candidates for local elected office means some seats on the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly and school board may not be filled at the October municipal election. On the Kodiak City Council there are two seats up for grabs, and two candidates, meaning all of the seats on the city’s governing body will be filled. One candidate is incumbent Tom Walters, who’s seeking his sixth consecutive term. The other is a political newcomer. KMXT’s Casey Kelly has more.

            Paul Smith says his decision to run for city council has been building up during the 15 years he’s spent in Kodiak as a preacher and an employee of the city.

            (Smith 1                                              :10s                             “…the next logical step.”)

            Smith spent eight years as the administrative assistant to Police Chief T.C. Kamai before retiring last year. He says the job gave him insight into how the city works.

            (Smith 2                                              :12s                             “…that will be a plus.”)

            He’s currently the pastor of St. James The Fisherman Episcopal Church, and over the years he’s been involved in various church congregations as a member and a preacher. He says those experiences should help him connect with the citizens of Kodiak.

            (Smith 3                                              :25s                             “…experience for me as well.”)

            But Smith says he won’t bring any particular agenda to the council--just what’s best for the city.

            (Smith 4                                              :09s                             “…how that can be done.”)

            The city is facing the daunting task of replacing many of its aging utilities and municipal buildings in the next few years. Smith says he’d like to see those projects move forward, but not at the expense of taxpayers.

            (Smith 5                                              :17s                             “…anybody else for that matter.”)

            As for why he’s the only candidate other than Tom Walters for the two open seats on the council: Smith has a couple of theories, but no real answers.

            (Smith 6                                              :24s                             “…on doing that forever.”)

            Smith, who is 61, says he has a few years left in him to serve the city. Kodiak voters go to the polls October 7th for the municipal election.

            I’m Casey Kelly.