Filling and retaining positions in rural communities in Alaska is a constant challenge, and it’s one that the Bethel City Council is hoping to address soon.
In April, council members voted down a proposal that would waive requirements that former council members wait one year before seeking employment with the city.
So, Bethel Mayor Rose Henderson, who introduced that measure – tweaked it and introduced it again.
“I had community members call me, stop me in the store, explain to me how upset they were that the council wouldn't even allow the community to speak on this issue,” she said.
During last month’s meeting, council member Mark Springer recused himself during discussion of the plan, because he’s interested in applying for the city manager position. Current city manager Pete Williams will be retiring in June.
“This isn't an ordinance to get Mark Springer in the city manager position. It is because it [has] happened in the past. And we have several positions within the city that have not been able to be filled yet,” Henderson said. “Because nobody in Bethel is applying for it. And so we've had to contract companies out of Anchorage to come out and do these jobs.”
The mayor said the amendment waiving the one-year waiting period could ultimately save the city money, including the cost of moving new employees from outside. She also said a key motivation is the need to hire people who understand the challenges that come with living in Bethel.
“It saddens me when we do end...
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