The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly appointed Alan Bailey to fill a vacant assembly seat Monday, voting 6-0 after interviews with three finalists.

The appointment followed an assembly-approved process in which each candidate spoke for up to three minutes and answered questions from assembly members. The clerk conducted an initial straw vote to narrow the field before the assembly moved to a formal motion to appoint.

Alan Bailey, a candidate and former borough assembly member who said he served nine years on the assembly and 32 years with the State of Alaska, told the assembly he would bring "perspective" and "historical perspective" to the dais and pledged to "serve this assembly with honor and with integrity." Bailey said he would listen to opposing views and study complex issues carefully if appointed.

Dan Ortiz, who identified himself as the district's state representative (his term ends Jan. 20, 2025), emphasized his decade of legislative experience and relationships in Juneau, saying local answers on school funding will come from advocacy at the state level. Ortiz told the assembly, "If we're not investing in our future, that's not a good thing."

Rob Arnold, who currently serves on the planning commission and the Marine Transportation Advisory Board, said he would prioritize the comprehensive plan and housing and asked the assembly for its vote.

Clerk-conducted straw voting narrowed the field before the appointment vote: Alan Bailey received four straw votes, Dan Ortiz received two and Rob Arnold received none. After that tally, Assembly Member Pamela Palmer moved to appoint Alan Bailey; the motion was seconded by Assembly Member Mary Arntzen. The roll call on the appointment recorded six votes in favor (Arntzen — yes; Matson — yes; Palmer — yes; Bolling — yes; Otis — yes; Thompson — aye) and no votes against.

After the vote, Bailey took his place on the dais and addressed the assembly, saying he was humbled by the appointment and would begin preparing immediately for service.

The seat will be filled until a successor is elected and certified at the borough election scheduled for Oct. 7, 2025.