Candidates for the Kodiak Island Borough mayoral position showcased their qualifications and visions during a recent forum held on September 24, 2025. Current mayor Scott Arndt and challenger Jared Griffin engaged in a detailed discussion about their experiences, priorities, and approaches to governance.

Scott Arndt, who has served as mayor for the past two years, emphasized his extensive public service history, which includes multiple terms on the borough assembly and leadership roles in various committees. He highlighted his understanding of the borough's governance structure, noting that while the mayor holds significant responsibilities, the assembly plays a crucial role in decision-making. Arndt stated, "The assembly hires the manager. The mayor cannot even write a letter without approval of the assembly," clarifying the collaborative nature of the role.

In response to questions about the use of veto power, Arndt expressed that he uses this authority sparingly but effectively, citing a recent instance where he vetoed an assembly decision due to concerns about potential liabilities. He underscored the importance of careful consideration before overriding assembly decisions.

Jared Griffin, a long-time Kodiak resident and former deputy presiding officer of the assembly, presented his vision for a transparent and collaborative leadership style. He stressed the need for the mayor to connect with all communities within the borough, particularly the surrounding villages. Griffin proposed utilizing the mayor's travel budget to engage directly with these communities and suggested forming a mayor's council to include village leaders in decision-making processes. "It's about increasing the number of decision makers at the table," he stated, emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse voices.

Both candidates addressed the challenges of representing the entire Kodiak Island Borough, not just the road system communities. Griffin highlighted the need for more intentional efforts to integrate village leadership into borough governance, while Arndt pointed out the borough's limitations in providing certain services, such as sewer and water, which are typically managed by city councils.

As the election approaches, the candidates' differing approaches to leadership and community engagement will be pivotal in shaping the future of Kodiak Island Borough. The forum provided a platform for voters to assess their options and consider how each candidate's vision aligns with the needs of the community.