Rupright sworn in, ‘ready to roll’

WASILLA — Verne Rupright, Wasilla’s new mayor, told a crowd of supporters Monday he’s ready to get on with helping the city move forward as best he can.

Rupright was ceremoniously sworn in as mayor at Wasilla City Hall Monday following an official swearing in ceremony in Kotzebue, the result of work getting in the way of his new position for a day.

Rupright, an attorney, was in Kotzebue defending a client in a criminal case and couldn’t make it back to Wasilla for an afternoon swearing-in.

With a few Wasilla City Council members, his family and many well-wishers looking on, Rupright took the oath of office then gave a speech in his boisterous, lawyer voice.

“I’m proud of this city and I want to see it move forward,” Rupright said. “And I want to thank you all.”

Rupright won a run-off election last week that pitted him against former city councilman Marty Metiva. The pair were the top two vote recipients of an original five-candidate race for mayor.

Facing a heated election, both candidates stumped around the city and supporters waved signs in the freezing weather all the way up to the run-off election Oct. 28.

Rupright won the $75,000-a-year job, 466 votes to 373.

On Monday, the 25-year Wasilla resident said he’s ready to get down to business and was trying to figure out how to get to work early this morning with Gov. Sarah Palin coming to cast her vote today.

Wasilla City Hall is expected to be overrun with Secret Service, press and supporters when Palin casts her vote just after 7 a.m.

But Rupright said he’s looking beyond that, and one of his first goals will be to tackle the city’s comprehensive plan.

“Let’s get that comprehensive plan moving,” Rupright said.

Rupright also said he wants the current city staff to stay right where they are and doesn’t expect a major shakeup within the administration.

Rupright said having a staff with longevity is good, and he’ll work with every department to find out what each side wants from the other.

“I think that’s a fair way,” he said.

Nancy Hall, one of Wasilla’s newly elected city council members, said even though the experience of being on council is new to her, she’s looking forward to working with Rupright.

Hall said she’s happy for the opportunity to be a part of city government and can’t wait to get down to business.

Rupright feels the same and was already meeting other important figures in the city’s administration, including Deputy Chief Greg Wood of the Wasilla Police Department.

Heading back into the party, Rupright, his eyes looking sleepy from a long day, summed up his enthusiasm.

“I am ready to roll,” he said.

Contact Michael Rovito at michael.rovito@frontiersman.com or 352-2252.