The Petersburg borough assembly unanimously voted in Bob Lynn by paper ballot to serve on the assembly seat left vacant by Sue Flint after she stepped down in early November.

Lynn served on the committee charged with developing the borough charter the assembly now has the task to implement as it continues with borough formation.

Lynn said he was actively against borough formation initially.

“But now that it’s done, it’s time to move on and see what we can do to make the charter represent all the people who live in the borough,” Lynn said.

Lynn lives with his family in Duncan Canal and said he can bring a voice to the assembly on issues that are important to those living out the road and off Mitkof Island.

Lynn lived in Petersburg during the 1980s where he worked as the forest supervisor for the US Forest Service.

Several rural residents wrote letters to Mayor Mark Jensen and the assembly in support of Lynn’s appointment.

George Cole, Keene Channel resident, wrote, “…Lynn was in charge of the Stikine Forestry District for the Tongass National Forest for several years before being assigned to an administrative position for the Forest Service in Washington D.C. This gives him great insight into what overall representation of our Borough entails…he is intimately aware of problems facing those of us who live off the grid.”

Lynn will serve on the assembly until the October 2014 election.