Fairbanks City Council votes to give local candidates option to provide biographical information

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - Fairbanks voters are getting a new tool to learn about their candidates for local office.

On Monday, July 11, the Fairbanks City Council voted unanimously to allow those running for city office to provide biographical information for the public.

If they choose to submit a biography, the candidate information could include a contender’s background, hobbies, work history and other details.

It is unclear at this point where this information would be displayed.

Options being considered include a handout at the city clerk’s office, or on the city’s social media.

Jim Matherly, Mayor of the City of Fairbanks, said, “You want to be able to look at some good questions, some good background. Maybe you’ll connect with somebody a little more, a little more personal. You’ll get to know their name, maybe a little bit about their family. I just think it’s a nice, personal touch. That way the candidate themselves can put the information forward that we do, and you’re not depending on somebody else.”

According to Matherly, the plan is for this ordinance to take effect in time for this year’s municipal elections.

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