North Slope Borough Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak emerged from a months-long recall effort with his position intact — and with a message of unity for his critics.
In a statement published Thursday, Patkotak addressed the petitioners directly, acknowledging the failed recall attempt while emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.
“To the 153 individuals who signed the petition, my message is clear: my door is always open to constructive criticism,” Patkotak wrote. “If there’s a problem, let’s work to find a sustainable solution. I remain committed to listening, learning, and leading with respect for every voice in our borough.”
The recall effort, which began in the winter, centered on allegations that Patkotak acted unethically by accepting borough-funded travel accommodations for his family, including luxury hotels and first-class flights, prior to approval by the borough assembly.
Petitioners needed 371 valid signatures to trigger a recall vote, representing 25% of the voters from the last mayoral election. But when the deadline arrived at the end of May, the borough clerk reported that only 153 verified signatures had been collected, which was less than half of what was required.
The group has also filed a court complaint against the borough, citing delays and changes made to their petition. That legal case remains ongoing in Utqiaġvik.
Despite the controversy, Patkotak used his letter to stress shared values and the need for collaboration.
“Civic engagement, even when there is disagreement, is a vital part of a healthy democracy,” he wrote. “We must work to resolve conflict and move our region forward.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s mission to deliver essential services and invest in the well-being of North Slope communities, concluding his message with a biblical reference of Proverbs 27:17 and a note of thanks.
“Together,” he wrote, “I look forward to continuing the important work ahead.”
Seems like Mr Mayor hasn’t addressed the heart of the issue and reason for the recall… He earns 280,000/year, is governed by the assembly, which includes his father who is assembly president, and has spent thousands of taxpayers dollars on travel for his family, including first class tickets for his young children. This administration has gotten very creative in funneling money to friends and family members by creating oddly specific RFP’s for puzzles and toys and use of camera equipment.
I hear via the ugruk underground Josh is making plans to appear at the World Cup Soccer Matches in Europe, Olympics and G20 meetings in Peru to spread the word that the North Slope Borough is the tourist destination for all to see. Air reservations, tickets to venues and Hotac are going fast for these events.
Just Josh’s immediate family this time. No “second tier relatives” this time; maybe later, however.
The petitioning group has very little to complain about but has more issues with who is in control of the government.
It is more about the haves and the have nots.
The North Slope Borough has always been ripe with corruption and flagrant spending stemming from the influx of revenue and influential lobbyists coercing the native members of the ruling bodies.
DOGE would have had a hayday in the eighties when the corruption rose to an all time high when the lobbyists got caught breaking open the cookie jar because their hands were so deep in the pockets of mindless leaders who accepted bribes.
The majority of the petitioners are distant family members of the group that led to the largest corruption scandal in state history and was prosecuted but paid very little in penalties(thanks to the liberal judge who let them skate with a slap on the hands).
However the masterminds did some serious time in jail.
It is good to see a young energetic individual with an optimistic plan for development of natural resources dedicated to a brighter future for all of the northern communities.
Thankyou for illustrating the obvious. Few outside people have any concept how corrupt, vicious and volatile Native politics and governance are.
Jealousies and animosities between competing families are generational. The North Slope region has far more cash flowing than most regions raising the stakes compared to squabbles over peanuts as most regions.
So because of past corruption, it’s ok for Josiah to get away with continuing the corruption? C’mon! We can do better. If we don’t learn from history, then what is the point. People saying it’s just a few plane tickets shouldn’t validate it because there is a lot more behind the scenes that is not being showcased. We’re all related up here, it shouldn’t matter who is filing complaints. Sometimes you need your family, especially elders, to keep you in check. Unchecked power is how leaders get away with so much and you can guarantee Josiah is being a lot more careful after this.
It does matter whose filing complaints, particularly in Iñupiat communities. The issue isn’t “corruption”, which is endemic.
The issue is “sanaguich” or jealousy. Which is why, in general, Native communities continue to degrade. Anyone who has skills, work ethic and dedication is knocked down by the jealous who accomplish nothing.
Brian – please tell us who should be filing the complaint and I will be sure to pass on the message.
Isn’t it possible to want better from our administration and not be jealous? Why do we have to tolerate corruption just because there is a history of it?