The North Pole City Council appointed Jordan Schuster and David Brandt on Monday to fill two vacant seats following interviews with seven applicants.
The vacancies were created after two councilmembers resigned earlier this year. Chandra Clack stepped down in February to help her family homeschool her grandchild, followed by Ellen Glab’s resignation in March as she and her family relocated to the Lower 48.
In addition to Schuster and Brandt, the applicant pool included Cody Peters, Sandra Rolfe, Michael Gendreau, Larry Dotson and Perry Walley.
During brief interviews, each candidate expressed a desire to help North Pole grow while also appreciating the city’s small-town charm and welcoming atmosphere.
Brandt, a lifelong North Pole resident, said he regularly follows city council meetings and previously served on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Planning Commission.
“There are a few things I would like the city to address that they have not in the past,” Brandt said. “This is a very short term, and I feel I am up to date on all the issues.”
He noted that the city’s budget has grown significantly in recent years but said city staff “takes care of the money we (taxpayers) give them.” He also advocated for updating the city’s land use plan and revisiting its financial reserves.
“With the development we’ve had over the last five years, especially with the F-35s coming, we missed some great opportunities because the land use plan hasn’t been updated,” Brandt said.
Schuster, a real estate agent, said he brings “value, perspective and energy” to the council. Like Brandt, he was born and raised in North Pole. He currently serves on the borough’s Board of Equalization and has previously served on the board of directors for the Alaska Homebuilding Association.
“I want North Pole to be a place of opportunity, growth and community spirit, just like it was for me during my upbringing,” Schuster said. He added that his experience with budgeting and his connections with contractors and developers would benefit the city.
“Our city has unique opportunities to enhance economic development while preserving the charm that makes it special,” Schuster said.
He also pointed to potential growth spurred by continued military build-up at Eielson Air Force Base and Fort Wainwright.
City Clerk Emily Braniff reminded the council that confirmation requires four votes. Councilmember Jeffrey Jacobson initially nominated Schuster, but Councilmember Santa Claus proposed nominating the entire slate.
“They each have something to offer,” Claus said.
Schuster was confirmed for one seat after two rounds of secret balloting. Brandt’s appointment required about 15 rounds of voting, with several 3-2 splits before he finally secured the needed four votes.
Initially, councilmembers were split between Brandt, Rolfe, and Walley. Brandt was twice selected as the final candidate but fell short of the required votes. Walley later withdrew.
“I think it’s important to contribute to the community and being on this council is an honor,” Walley said. “You learn a lot about their community and help it.”
Brandt was confirmed in the final round.
“It’s great to see so many qualified candidates who want to serve their city,” said Mayor Larry Terch. “I hope those who do not get chosen come back with full force.”
Councilmember Jeffrey Jacobson agreed, praising the candidates’ “divergent perspectives” on the city’s future.
“The good thing is there will be four seats up for North Pole in October,” Jacobson said. “If you’re not successful tonight, don’t give up.”
According to Braniff, Schuster and Brandt will be sworn in at the April 21 council meeting. Both will serve until October, when the seats are up for election.
The Oct. 7 municipal election will include four open seats: two three-year terms, one two-year term, and one one-year term. Braniff noted that the election is at-large, meaning the candidates with the most votes will receive the longest terms.
