Who will fill former assembly member Tim Pike’s seat? When the Sitka Assembly meets tonight (7-14-26), it will consider appointing one of two Sitkans to the role until the next municipal election.

This spring, Pike announced he would be stepping down due to family needs. His final day in office was June 30. Jeremy Plank and Chris Ystad submitted letters to the assembly to express their interest in filling the role. 

Ystad is a fisherman who served on the Sitka Assembly from 2022 to 2025. In his letter, he says it would be an honor to try to fill Pike’s shoes. He said while his summers are often busy, he is committed to staying engaged and attending the meetings, but he would not seek re-election in the fall.

Plank is an accountant and business owner. He currently serves as the chair of the city’s tourism commission. In his letter, he says if he’s appointed he would approach every issue with “independence, common sense and a commitment to transparency.” He says he would support policies that encourage responsible economic growth, strengthen businesses, maintain critical infrastructure, promote public safety, and keep Sitka affordable and desirable.

The assembly will vote to appoint one of the candidates, and if the person is present, they’ll be sworn in immediately. They’ll serve in the role until the municipal election. 


PFAS and other pollutants are also on the assembly’s agenda tonight. The group will consider an offer from David Grossman and Associates. The Florida-based law firm has offered to help the city test and map for the forever chemicals and other pollutants at no cost. The law firm would also be able to prosecute and seek damages on the city’s behalf, on a contingency basis. 

Also tonight, the assembly will consider a new lease for the Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association. NSRAA wants to continue leasing two lots at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park on a combined long-term lease at a below-market rate. The assembly rejected an earlier version of the long-term lease in April, and while assembly members were unanimous in their support for a low and stable lease rate at that meeting, some wanted to re-consider the lease with revisions. 


The Sitka Assembly meets at 6 p.m. tonight. Raven News will broadcast the meeting live, following Alaska News Nightly.