Voters will have another shot at taking steps to reduce crime in Nikiski when they head to the polls on Oct. 6.

Proposition 2 seeks to create a law enforcement service area following the same boundaries as the Nikiski Fire Service Area, including a section on the west side of Cook Inlet. 

A yes vote on the proposition would also establish a service area board and the potential for Nikiski to have its own police agency.

Concerned residents got a similar proposition on the ballot back in 2004, but the measure was voted down. The journey to the new proposal began when what residents have called a “rash” of property crimes swept through the area in 2014, inspiring Nikiski residents to take action once again.

“We have two options before us,” said Ben Carpenter, a potential service area board member. “To do nothing and keep it as it is, the status quo, or to take charge… and create a service area.”

Carpenter chaired the Nikiski community action group created last year and tasked with researching realistic options to address crime in the unincorporated community. 

The group brought their findings before the Nikiski Community Council in January, after which the service area measure was introduced to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly by assembly member Wayne Ogle.