More candidates file for Skagway and Haines assembly races

Skagway Assembly Chambers. (Greta Mart)
Skagway Assembly incumbent Tim Cochran Orion Hanson filed for two open seats on the Skagway Borough Assembly. (Greta Mart)

Two candidates have filed for two open seats on the Skagway Borough Assembly. And one more candidate has filed for the assembly race in Haines.

Outgoing Skagway Assemblyman Tim Cochran and newcomer Orion Hanson put their names in the running Wednesday.

Cochran is a plant manager at Petro Marine Services who has served two terms on the assembly. His current three-year stint expires this year.

The other seat opening in the fall is held by Assemblyman Spencer Morgan. Morgan has not declared candidacy at this point.

Hanson is a general contractor and the current planning commission chair.

This is Hanson’s first time running for assembly.

If elected, then he would have to resign his seat on the planning commission.

No Skagway candidates have filed for two open school board seats, which are currently held by Mark Smith and Darren Belisle.

In Haines, two people also have filed for two open assembly seats.

Local author Heather Lende put her name in the running Wednesday. Lende currently serves on the planning commission, but her term expires this year. She last sat on the assembly about 20 years ago, before borough consolidation.

Incumbent Diana Lapham filed for re-election to the assembly. She is finishing up her first term, during which she also has served as deputy mayor.

As for the Haines School Board race, longtime board member Sarah Swinton declared candidacy for one of two open seats.

The filing deadline for both communities is next week. Skagway candidates have until Monday, Aug. 15 to declare their interest and Haines candidates have until Friday, Aug. 19. The municipal election takes place Oct. 4.

KHNS - Haines

KHNS is our partner station in Haines. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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