Big Turnout, Big Topics at 2025 Municipal Candidate Forum
By Amber McCain
Future leaders take the stage at the Municipal Candidate Forum held in UAF’s Wood Center, Sept. 30, 2025.
A record-breaking crowd packed the Wood Center Tuesday night to listen to Fairbanks’ future leaders. Candidates for local office shared their visions on energy, education, housing and community care during the 2025 Municipal Candidate Forum, an event co-hosted by the UAF Honors College, ASUAF, and the Department of Political Science.
Eleanor Guthrie, associate director of the UAF Honors College, called it “the biggest turnout” in the event’s history, with around 133 students and community members attending to hear from candidates running for seats on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly, School Board, Fairbanks City Council, and the Fairbanks City Mayor’s Office.
Candidates for borough assembly began the night discussing energy issues, particularly the rising costs of power and the shift toward renewable energy. Nearly every candidate supported solar energy. Brett Rotermund advocated for solar on school buildings and mentioned the potential of a natural gas line. Jeanne Olson suggested using student engineers from UAF to help innovate local solutions. Garrett Armstrong shared his personal experience installing solar on his home, cutting his GVEA bill by 60%. Patrick Roach focused on implementing energy-efficient upgrades to borough facilities, while Barbara Haney backed school-based solar and pushed for creative funding solutions.
When asked about maintaining stability for students and staff amid recent school closures and budget challenges, Audra Hall spoke on the closure of Hunter Elementary as a personal turning point and called for data-driven decisions. Sam Spencer focused on restoring support staff, attracting teachers back from homeschooling, and reviving cut programs. Melissa Brunett pointed to the $3 million deficit and called for investment and innovation. Naomi Hewitt proposed expanded after-school and preschool programs to bring in revenue and support growing West Fairbanks populations.
ASUAF President Jackson Nelson addresses the candidates and community during the 2025 Municipal Candidate Forum.
Candidates for city council and mayor addressed the city’s growing housing affordability crisis and homelessness. Mindy O'Neall, running for Fairbanks mayor, proposed revitalizing downtown with compassion and investment, calling for a “big old hug” for the area. She also talked about the need for detox and mental health services. Hannah Ekalook echoed that sentiment, advocating for a detox center and collaboration with organizations like Doyon and Tanana Chiefs Conference. Sue Sprinkle referenced the success of local programs like Crisis Now and HopeLink, a low-barrier warming center she helped establish.
During closing remarks, candidates laid out their priorities and philosophies. Sue Sprinkle said students “deserve better” and opposed outsourcing local jobs. Melissa Brunett touted progress under the current board, including rising graduation rates and lower classroom sizes. Naomi Hewitt called for growth-minded leadership and practical investment.
As closing comments continued, Audra Hall stated “we need to come together, listen to each other and find common ground to move forward” and that schools won’t be saved by “black and white answers.” Mindy O'Neall focused on compassion, transparency, and revitalizing the heart of the city. Barbara Haney framed local government as ultimately being about “what you want out of life, not what our government tells us you should want.”
Patrick Roach warned that today’s decisions will define Fairbanks a decade from now and worried about a future “no one wants to stay in.”
Garrett Armstrong spoke of community, family, and his desire to help Fairbanks thrive, closing with his signature line, “Garrett Armstrong, the real deal.”
“Please, please don’t give up,” said Jeanne Olson, closing with a heartfelt plea.
“All politics are local,” Brett Rotermund reminded attendees and encouraged new faces to run for office in the future.
ASUAF President Jackson Nelson expressed appreciation for the strong student turnout at the forum. He also voiced disappointment over the absence of candidate David Pruhs, calling his last-minute cancellation “disheartening and frankly disrespectful” to both the students and community members who anticipated his participation. Pruhs is the current mayor of Fairbanks. Mindy O’Neall is his opponent in this year's election.
Nelson also praised ASUAF Senator Brynn Illingworth for her leadership in arranging interpreting services for the forum. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility and inclusion to a functioning democracy.
“Democracy depends on an informed and engaged public, and if certain groups are excluded or marginalized, it becomes democracy in name only,” Nelson added.
The forum ended with applause and a reminder to vote by Tuesday, Oct. 7.