WASILLA -- Several contested municipal races emerged in the Mat-Su Borough after a final filing deadline closed Friday. Local elections will be Oct. 7.
Wasilla resident Bill Kendig and Big Lake's Dan Mayfield will vie for the Mat-Su Borough Assembly seat being vacated by Darcie Salmon. Assembly member Steve Colligan is running unopposed for his seat, as are school board members Ole Larson and Tiffany Scott.
In Wasilla, mayoral candidate Bert Cottle -- currently the city's deputy administrator -- got some last-minute competition from Loren Means, a member of the city planning commission. Council member Colleen Sullivan-Leonard, who withdrew from the mayor's race in April, is running unopposed for her council seat. But there's a three-way race for the council seat being vacated by Leone Harris. Candidates are Tim Burney, Stu Graham and Allison Sacco.
Palmer's city council races are open and decided by a ranking of total votes. There are three candidates for two positions: incumbents Linda Combs and Brad Hanson, as well as Elden Tritch.
In Houston, Mayor Virgie Thompson faces opposition for her city council seat from Ron Gaffney; the council appoints a mayor from its ranks. Incumbent Gina Jorgensen is running unopposed for her council seat.