Verne E. Rupright, an Alaskan lawyer, Vietnam veteran, and Republican Party member, is the current Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.[1]
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Rupright was born in Lynn, Massachusetts,[2] and graduated from Saugus High School in 1969.[3] After high school, Rupright enlisted in the United States Air Force, and spent a year in Vietnam. After moving to Alaska in 1976, Rupright began as a pipeline construction worker, and then became a state corrections officer. Since 1992, he has been a practicing attorney in Alaska. Rupright is married and has two daughters.[1] During the United States presidential election, 2008, he was a supporter of Sarah Palin.[4]
In 2008, after living in Wasilla for 25 years,[3] Rupright contested a five-way race for mayor of Wasilla.[5] He finished second in the city's October 7, 2008 mayoral election, and participated in a two-way runoff with Marty Metiva on October 28.[6] Rupright won 466 votes in the runoff,[7] and election officials confirmed him as the winner on October 31.[8]
Rupright has stated that he plans to run for a second term for mayor of Wasilla.[9] The election will be held on October 4, 2011.[10]
In 2010, Rupright responded to Levi Johnston's announcement that he is going to run for mayor of Wasilla. Rupright told Entertainment Tonight that, "Well, it is a little early to declare. Usually most wait until the year the seat is up. But since I am nearly old enough to be Levi's grandfather I think it would be wise for him to get a high school diploma and keep his clothes on. The voters like that!"[10]
On April 4, 2011, the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reported that "Controversial actions by Wasilla Mayor Verne Rupright have inspired Wasilla City Councilwoman Taffina Katkus to run for his seat this fall, joining former Bristol Palin fiancée Levi Johnston and possibly Councilwoman Dianne Woodruff."[1]
Rupright was sworn in as mayor of Wasilla on November 3, 2008.[11] He replaced Dianne M. Keller, who left office due to term limits.[9]
Early during his term, Rupright set out a plan to make Wasilla a "fishing mecca" by rehabilitating Lake Lucille and stocking the lake with larger fish.[12]
Concerning the city's finances in early 2009, Rupright has stated that the city is preparing for a 5 percent cutback across the board.[13]
In February 2009, Mayor Rupright advised Wasilla Police Chief Angella Long to study the annexation of Bogard Road land, including Williwaw Subdivision. The annexation would include 768 acres (3.11 km2) and more than 1,700 residents.[14]
In April 2009, Mayor Rupright dismissed Wasilla’s chief of police and the city's chief financial officer. In Rupright’s first six months as mayor; these staff changes were his first.[15]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Dianne M. Keller |
Mayor of Wasilla, Alaska 2008- |
Succeeded by Incumbent |