Robert Peterkin resigned from the Kenai City Council on Friday. The city is now soliciting applicants to fill his seat.
Peterkin declined to comment. According to a press release from the city, Peterkin said he was, “No longer able to devote his full attention to the position.”
The person who takes Peterkin’s place will serve the remainder of his term, approximately one year.
Kenai Mayor Brian Gabriel said the council is using past precedent, from a similar case in 2004, to outline the process of filling the seat. He said the city will be soliciting applicants and the council will hold a work session to vote on a candidate.
That’s also the process the city of Seward used last month to fill the seat of a councilman who resigned in August.
The city put out word yesterday that it’s accepting letters of interest and resumes from candidates. Applications are due at noon Nov. 25, to City Clerk Jamie Heinz. The council will discuss candidates at its next meeting, Dec. 2.
Meanwhile, the vacant council seat will likely not impact council votes. The council only needs four members for a quorum.Without Peterkin, there are six other members.
Peterkin was arrested for driving under the influence in September. It was his second DUI, after a charge from June while he was in Homer.
