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Juneau voters selected former Assemblymember Merrill Sanford as their choice for mayor in Tuesday’s municipal election, endorsing a man with nine years of experience on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly and strong ties to Juneau’s business community.
Sanford defeated his only opponent, League of Women Voters Treasurer Cheryl Jebe, with 3,334 votes to Jebe’s 2,674. He performed strongly in the Mendenhall Valley and Lemon Creek and carried one Juneau precinct, Juneau #3, by six votes.
“Our town voted basically the way it has voted for a number of years now,” Sanford said, assessing the voting patterns of the city and borough. He said he performed fairly well downtown, which he credited to his years of Assembly service making him familiar to voters.
Sanford said he is “happy the way things have turned out.”
Juneau voters have been casting in-person absentee ballots since Sept. 17. Those ballots were not included in Tuesday’s Election Night vote count, nor were questioned ballots cast at a polling place outside the voter’s precinct.
“We have over 1,000 absentee ballots,” said Laurie Sica, city clerk. There are exactly 400 questioned ballots, according to a count available Tuesday night.
Despite the 660-vote margin by which she is trailing, Jebe said she is waiting until absentee and questioned ballots are tallied Friday before conceding the race.
“I’m going to wait until the absentees are counted,” said Jebe.
As to whether those ballots could make up the margin, Jebe said, “I have no idea. … This is Alaska. You never know.”
In Assembly District 1, voters preferred Loren Jones to Paul Nowlin. Jones, who fell just short of being elected over now-Assemblymember Carlton Smith last year, carried every precinct in his second bid for Assembly, winning 3,223 votes to 1,934 cast for Nowlin.
Jones compared the feeling of being elected to a student’s first day of school — “both excited that you’re there and scared to death,” as he put it.
“I’m just really glad that the municipal campaigns are short,” Jones added.
Former Juneau Police Capt. Jerry Nankervis easily fended off a late write-in challenge from Dixie Hood in District 2. Not enough write-in votes were cast for them to be counted individually under city code, though Hood was the only certified write-in candidate in the race. Nankervis won 3,661 votes, to just 738 write-in votes.
“I’m pleased that I garnered the support that I did,” Nankervis said.
In the race to fill three seats on the Juneau School District Board of Education, incumbents Andrea “Andi” Story and Phyllis Carlson won easily, with 3,740 and 2,990 votes respectively. Former school board member Destiny Sargeant was also elected with 2,639 votes.
“I’m thrilled,” said Sargeant. “I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get on with it.”
For her part, Story said, “I’m really pleased to be back and ready to work hard.” She also praised school district staff and parents and added, “I just picture really good things for our district.”
Candidate Will Muldoon placed a respectable fourth, with 2,094 votes — 545 votes behind Sargeant, who placed third.
Running her first race since moving to Juneau in late 2010, school board candidate Michelle Johnston came in fifth, with 1,660 votes.
Of the two ballot propositions, while Proposition 2, the five-year extension of the 1 percent temporary sales tax, passed easily, the results for Proposition 1, to authorize a $25 million general obligation bond issue, were close throughout much of the night.
“Yes” on Proposition 1 clung to a narrow lead with 12 out of 13 precincts reporting. But in a dramatic turn, when the 13th precinct, Mendenhall Valley #2, reported in, the “no” votes overtook “yes,” with 3,094 “no” votes to 3,037 votes in favor.
Jones and Jebe said they are hoping the absentee and questioned ballots are enough to put Proposition 1 over the top, while Nankervis said he would prefer that the proposition fail.
Proposition 2 succeeded with 3,573 “yes” votes to 2,599 votes against, meaning the sales tax will be extended from October 2013 to October 2018.
Voter turnout was 25.4 percent of registered voters, though that number will increase as absentee and questioned ballots are added into the count.
“The voter turnout is just terrible,” said Jones.
Sica agreed that it was lower than she had hoped, remarking, “I wish we had a bigger turnout.”
But Nankervis said it was actually “higher than I expected.” He said he believes it was driven not by interest in his race, but by passion over the ballot propositions.
All results are still preliminary and unofficial pending certification. The results are set to be certified next Tuesday.
• Contact reporter Mark D. Miller at 523-2279 or at mark.d.miller@juneauempire.com.
Comments (86)
Add commentHow depressing...
How depressing...
Ditto :(
Ditto :(
wow 25% turnout
Sorry Mr. Nankervis, That does not show any passion at all. Juneau voters should be ashamed of themselves! !!!
We now have a bullying thug as mayor
Elected by a very narrow margin, the new mayor will probably assume that the discussion on all major issues is over and that he's entitled to ram his entire retrograde agenda through or around the Assembly with no further debate. He has no mandate to do that at all, however.
Merrill Sanford needs to remember that 75% of the electorate did NOT vote...so he has no right to claim that he can speak for the people of Juneau any more than anyone else can.
Mr. Nankervis should be deeply embarassed that a write-in candidate with no money and no campaign took almost 20% of the vote against him. This should make Mr. Nankervis feel obligated to proceed with humility and caution in whatever course he takes.
The progressives in Juneau need to regroup and find a series of candidates for the next municipal election that will combine the fully legitimate environmental and social concerns they fight for with an alternative economic model that creates jobs without depending on the unregulated 1950's-style earth molestation that Sanford and his arrogant cronies will now push for. It's not a question of brown jobs or no jobs, and the progressive community here needs to find creative and inclusive means to work for an alternative to Sanfords "Forward Into The Past" program.
A few post election quotes
"One of the penalities for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." -Plato
"In science, it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens everyday. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion." -Carl Sagan
"You have to remember one thing about the will of the people: it wasn't that long ago that we were swept away by the Macarena." -Jon Stewart
Mike
Red Ken-The is NOTHING
Red Ken-The is NOTHING "progressive" about Marxism.
You should take some satisfaction that a hard-left "regresive" like Jones managed to win.
Re: Vote
What a pathetic collection of whining and complaining in the above commentary especially by Kenb41. You didn't get your way and now you want to take your toys and go home. The fact is, the majority of those that voted, were able to move their opinions and preferences forward. Quit complaining, work to get more votes out next time to promote your agenda and cooperate rather than denigrate.
Mo Quo.
No change in Juneau. Nothing to see here. Moooove along. Just be sure to keep those pennies handy.
Did I miss something?
Must have been the snow that kept people away from the polls.Without Sarah on the ballot nobody cares.......
@Paul
Sorry you didn't win this one. Thanks for throwing your hat in the ring. You ran an interesting campaign.
One recommendation: Participate in city government in other ways. Volunteer to be on some commissions - I'm sure your buddy Merrill will be happy to appoint you. Get some experience in how our city functions.
I think on thing working against you is that you came into the process pretty green.
And come back and run again.
1% no way should have passed
I really have a hard time believing that under the economic strain that the people have been under combined with the wasteful spending that the Juneau voters actually passed the 1%. I don't believe that that many people are so stupid. I know i am ignorant here but who oversees the counting. I have not talked to one person who wanted the 1% extended.
Teaching moment
I make every effort to vote in all elections. And there is one thing I consider equally important to casting my vote; involving my daughter, just as my dad involved me when I was young. She is too young to understand, or really care, about the various candidates or propositions, but she does understand (having accompanied me now for 4 years) that voting is how we say "yes" or "no" to things. She feeds my ballot into the machine that records my vote and then places the "I voted" sticker on her coat or shirt. Then as we walk back to the car I say "voting is one of the most important things we can do as Americans."
Congrats to all: those elected, those that were not and VOTERS
Three cheers to the end of the Botelho era, a period of economic stagnation that has kept Juneau from experiencing the economic prosperity that is its potential.
Strain?
"I really have a hard time believing that under the economic strain that the people have been under combined with the wasteful spending that the Juneau voters actually passed the 1%."
piggie, are most Juneauites really under more strain than in the past? Unemployment in Juneau is nearly the lowest in the state. Wages are pretty decent, especially with two mines operating now. Housing market is strong - people aren't underwater on their mortgages like elsewhere in the country. Cruise tourism is booming. Population is growing.
I'm just not seeing Juneau in huge economic distress. By the numbers, we're doing pretty well. I agree that there need to be some changes in spending and tax structures, and I voted against the 1%, but not because we're going under. I see lots of new trucks on the road and long lines at Costco...
bjfluetsch...
Well said!
Lat, you must be in a
Lat, you must be in a different circle than most, kind of like the guy who was telling me he cant make it since he only makes $8K/mo. I hear people all the time, wondering how they are going to make the $2k+ rent/mortgage, feed the kids when a gallon of milk is more than gasoline, when gasoline is horrifically expensive, when you have no hope of coming up with half a mill for a house, etc. Yes, we have jobs in Juneau, yes we are better off than new Orleans, but that dont mean its rosy...
Latitude58's Underwater Comment
There are quite a few people here in Juneau that are "underwater" where the amount they owe on their property is more than the current fair market value of that property. I know because I'm one of them.
Happy about Prop 2
Just like the vote of 25% of registered voters doesn't reflect the actual desires of the entire city, neither are they reflected by the comments section of the empire - primarily populated by a few malcontents (I'm guessing a handful of people with multiple accounts). Everyone I know planned to vote yes on prop 2 but we all have jobs and can't spend hours a day online posting snarky comments against any article that came out in favor of it. For example, implying voter fraud because people care about funding projects that are important to their community.
elections
Economic stagnation is only a illusion pushed by chamber of commerce types pushing support for their latest get rich quick scheme, a golf course and condos in north douglas, a second crossing, or the a j mine.
For the jubilant supporters of newly elected mayor blowhard, don't be surprised if there's little change at city hall. After all, he's a lifelong city worker/ politician. The good ol boys at city hall will sure be pleased though.
Ling
There is a 2% loan out there for people in your situation. Only people upside down on their mortgage can apply.
@lat58
No worries, I was happy for the number of voters that showed their support; I was pleased with almost reaching 2000 votes as a rookie, with as you put it "an interesting campaign". I am sure a few of those votes were "eeny-meeny-miny-mo" and others were simply against Loren for whatever reason, but I am pleased with the results. I told myself if 1000 people believed in me enough to cast their votes in my direction that I would give it another go next year; and so I shall. I have left this whole process with no negatives (except the Bell's palsy) and no regrets.
I am going to apply for some other boards, a couple have approached me during the race to apply whether I won or not; and I plan on doing just that. I started this to help Juneau, and I still plan on doing that, just not in the manner I started out to; so I will put my name in the hat for as many boards as I feel I could contribute. I did become buddies with Merrill (who grew up on Basin Road next to my family, but whom I met on this journey), as well as, Cheryl, Jerry, and even Loren; and Dixie was great for the last few days there, but I did not have the time to get close to her. Loren showed me nothing but kindness during our vying for the same position, and even gave me a pointer or two at forums; he is a true gentleman and even though we disagreed on some issues, I do not regret that he made it onto the Assembly. The campaign was not as one would expect, we were all at so many functions together, and everyone running was so friendly, that we were almost just a group of friends on the same team, if it had not been for the fact that there could only be one winner for each position.
I thank my wife for being supportive, and being strong while I was away from home so much. Being a working man meant that my campaigning was cutting into our time, and she even joked about voting for Loren to keep me home; however, in all seriousness she was very supportive. This post is already long enough, so I will not post my thank you's to everyone that really made this possible for me to even become a contender, as you were right in your post I came into this very "green"; and learned as I went along. I am going to keep on learning, and by August of next year I will be truly ready to sit on the Assembly and be a voice for the youth and working class of Juneau. Thank you all.
KP
Sure, there are always going to be some people who are struggling. That's just economic reality. But as a whole Juneauites are pretty prosperous - pretty much everyone who wants to work can get a job, we don't have massive foreclosures....
Things cost a lot here. They always have.
BTW, maybe you're hanging around the wrong crowd if they're complaining about the price of milk while looking at $500K houses. A quick search of the MLS showed 21 3-BR houses under $300K. Probably not palaces, but you're probably looking at a mortgage payment under $1,500.
@you know juneau
I like what you wrote about taking your daughter to the polls every year. We could all learn something from that lesson.
$325 value home $260k loan
$325k value home $260k loan now in flood zone mortgage plus escrow $1825 per month. A little off with the $1500 estimate.
back to
the 'Good 'Ol Boy' network of government. depressing, yes.
OK Lat. Go talk to twenty
OK Lat. Go talk to twenty year olds. Almost all of them I know are still living with their parents. Working at Superbear for $10/hr - $400/wk - $1600/mo how are you going to make $1800/mo rent plus food, insurance, daycare, a car, going to school... Short answer is you don't. Day care is half their food. The reason Juneau hides its strain is that almost all young parents are on some sort of assistance.
Why Bother...
I voted and much like every time I am left feeling "why do I bother?" If it wasn't for my daughter yesterday saying "come on mom, I gotta go vote with you" I may not have gone.
I don't know how they do but all the money votes always pass even though reading comments, Facebook, and talking to all my friends and family it seems no one wants to get drained more money. But it always passes, it's not a temp tax it's a perm tax lets just stop voting on it already.
I am so disgusted with all the money going to the airport when we pay such high prices to even travel from here. But it's always mixed in with things the voters actually want so we are stuck.
I am so disgusted this morning. I don't feel like an adult with a voice I feel more like a dog on a sled team... whipped and forced to go the direction the master wants.
Paul
Thanks Paul. You seemed to be pretty darn honest in your campaign, which is much appreciated. Good to hear you plan on joining a board or two in town and giving it another go next year. One suggestion: don't join too many boards/commissions all at once. Having done that myself, it's easy to say yes to all of them and then become totally consumed with too many commitments pulling in different directions.
Good luck, and thanks Paul!
@southeastfood
Thank you. I will not likely join too many boards, probably realistically one or two. I do not want to be so overwhelmed that I do not feel like I could take on the Assembly next year. Plus I already work full time, and go to school full time (working on my MBA). When a fellow classmate, whom is a councilman in Racine, WI, told me to run for my city's Assembly last year, I told him I was too busy. He told me that if you want something done quickly and correctly give it to the busiest person you can find. I now see what he means, you just get more organized and more efficient. However, like you said I do not want to be pulled in too many directions at once; as it is not good to spread one's self too thin.
Thank you for your supportive words.
As usual
The people I voted for didn't make it! I wanted to see the "good 'ol boys club" disbanded but it's just that. Paul, I was bummed you didn't win, because I felt your youth and open mindedness would have done this community well. Please don't give up, I'll vote for you again the next time around. Only thing I'm happy with is the school board turn out.
Would love to figure out a way to get more people to the polls to vote! Let's hope this group can help our community!