The Anchorage Assembly has postponed a vote on an ordinance that would have voters decide on changing how to fill unexpected mayoral and Assembly vacancies.
If approved, the city charter would be changed to require a special election between 90 and 120 days after a mayoral vacancy. One exception is that if a regular election is scheduled less than 120 days after the vacancy, no special election would be held.
There is currently no language in the municipal charter requiring a special election be held no later than a set timeframe after the vacancy.
Assembly members John Weddleton of South Anchorage and Crystal Kennedy of Eagle River introduced the ordinance in an effort to limit the time that a non-elected mayor serves. Between former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s resignation and Mayor Dave Bronson’s victory last year, Austin Quinn-Davidson served for roughly nine months as acting mayor.
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If approved by voters, the Assembly chair would serve as acting mayor until the vacancy is filled. It would also increase the amount of time the Assembly has to hold a special election to fill an Assembly vacancy from 60 to 90 days.
The Assembly voted unanimously to postpone voting on the ordinance to their Jan. 25 meeting.
Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect that the ordinance would not change the charter, but would put the issue to voters.
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Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
