Fairbanks borough mayor to be decided in run-off election

FAIRBANKS - Voters were headed to the polls in Fairbanks for a runoff election that will decide the new mayor for the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Assembly members Luke Hopkins and Tammie Wilson gained the most votes at the Oct. 6 municipal election. But both failed to break the 40 percent threshold to avoid a runoff. Four other candidates were eliminated.

The 48-year-old Wilson taught school for a few years before deciding to stay home and raise four children. She manages rental property and is a community volunteer who was elected to the assembly last year, promising to cut taxes and shrink government.

Hopkins is a 61-year-old retired superintendent of maintenance who promises to keep taxes low while providing good services.

The winner of the Tuesday runoff election will lead a local government with an annual $130 million operating budget.