Ready. Set. Go! in races for Juneau Assembly, school board

The slate of candidates for Juneau’s municipal election is now set.

On Monday — the last day for candidates to file for office — Cheryl Jebe joined the race for mayor, ensuring voters will have a choice on October 2nd.

Jebe will face former Deputy Mayor Merrill Sanford, who previously was the only candidate in the race.

A Juneau resident since 1975, Jebe says she wants to see continued economic growth in the Capital City, and ensure local government provides important services such as public safety and education.

While this is her first run for elected office, Jebe served on the city’s Docks and Harbors Board for six years, from 2005 through 2011. She also was a member of the Juneau Alcoholism Board, which established the Rainforest Recovery Center. And she’s been active in both the local and statewide League of Women Voters.

“I have the skills and abilities to serve as mayor. I have an extreme interest and energy and time to work for Juneau’s continued success,” she says.

Jebe also says she’s looking forward to debating issues with Sanford, who up until a year ago was serving three consecutive terms on the assembly for a total of nine years in office.

“One of my questions will be, ‘Has the past ten years met your expectations, and would a fresh set of eyes add clarity and improvement?'”

Jebe is a retired state employee, and also worked for the Alaska Public Employees Association. She’s also volunteered for numerous local nonprofits, including the Red Cross, the Glory Hole, AWARE, and the Juneau Convention and Visitors Bureau.

School Board

Joining Jebe in declaring for office on the final day of the filing period were school board candidates Phyllis Carlson and Will Muldoon.

Carlson is a three-term incumbent, who has served nine years on the board. She currently works for the state Department of Education as coordinator for the Parents as Teachers program. She previously was the department’s Rural Education director, and also worked for the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

Muldoon is a contractor, working on information technology and website projects. He graduated from Juneau Douglas High School in 2003, and ran for school board as an 18-year-old. Now 28, he says he’s ready to try again. In the interest of full disclosure, Muldoon is a member of KTOO’s board of directors.

Carlson and Muldoon join incumbent Andi Story, former school board member Destiny Sargeant, and first-time candidate Michelle Johnston in a five way race for three open seats on the board.

Juneau Assembly

Two candidates — Loren Jones and Paul Nowlin — will square off for the Assembly District 1 seat currently held by Deputy Mayor David Stone, who can’t run again due to term limits.

The only candidate without a challenger on this year’s municipal election ballot will be Jerry Nankervis. The retired Juneau Police Captain is seeking the Assembly District 2 seat currently held by Ruth Danner, who is stepping down after one term.

The municipal election is October 2nd.

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