Wasilla Councilor bows out of race

WASILLA - Wasilla City Council Member Rob Sande called off his campaign for re-election before it officially began.

Late Friday afternoon, Sande, who was elected to the council in October 2002, withdrew from the race, leaving Marty Metiva unopposed for Seat D in the Oct. 4 general election.

Sande had filed all the necessary paperwork with the city to seek re-election but after hearing of Metiva filing for the seat Friday, he contacted the city clerk and officially pulled out of the race.

Sande could not be reached for comment Saturday, but Metiva, who recently lost out in a controversial vote to fill a vacancy on the council, was both disappointed and happy with Sande's decision.

"I was looking forward to the campaign and taking part in everything involved in the democratic process," Metiva said. "But I guess I'm a little happy I won't have to go through the stress of waiting for results on election night."

"Rob called me and said he withdrew from the race because he was busy with work and family," Metiva continued. "He also said he was confident in my qualifications and ability to serve."

Metiva said he still plans to campaign and go out to meet with people.

Verdie Bowen and Steve Menard, who both applied for the vacant council seat, will compete for the other vacancy.

Bowen was selected over Menard and two other applicants to fill a seat left open when Noel Lowe resigned from the council in June. It was the second time Bowen was selected to fill a vacant seat on the council.

Contact Darrell Breese at 352-2267 or darrell.breese@frontiersman.com.