Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
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.
Minutes before midnight, Anchorage Assembly unanimously passes budget restoring program funding
The Assembly’s version stands in contrast to the budget proposed by Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration. Two major sticking points include the funding of school resource officers and how funds from an alcohol tax will be spent.
Anchorage Assembly overrides Bronson’s 2 vetoes
Anchorage Assembly members on Friday overturned Mayor Dave Bronson's two vetoes that dealt with who controls Assembly meeting spaces and the executive appointment process.
Anchorage economic and airport leaders pitch new cargo shipping initiative to ease supply chain disruptions
he Alaska Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Ted Stevens International Airport has released a feasibility study for a project called Anchorage Pacific Air-to-Sea Service, or ANC PASS.
Petition to recall Anchorage Assembly member Jamie Allard certified, signature gathering can begin
In order for the recall against Allard to move forward, petitioners must gather 2,530 signatures in her district. The signatures must be turned in to the municipal clerk’s office by January 17 of next year.
Anchorage mayor throws support behind conservative parent rights organization
The group is part of a national trend of conservative advocacy directed at school districts.
Bronson vetoes 2 ordinances aimed at asserting Anchorage Assembly’s authority
ly Wednesday. The ordinances were aimed at asserting the Assembly’s authority over the chamber and the city’s mayoral appointee confirmation process.
Eugene Carl Haberman, perennial presence at Southcentral Alaska’s public meetings, dies at 70
If you’ve ever sat in on an Anchorage Assembly, Mat-Su Assembly, Anchorage School Board, or any other local government meeting, you probably heard him say this:
"When the public process is done appropriately, the decision made by the governing body is more likely in the public interest.”
Anchorage Assembly confirms Bronson’s pick for health director
Joe Gerace was appointed by Bronson in September after his first pick for the position, David Morgan, resigned shortly before his confirmation hearing.
After Anchorage Assembly passes rules to assert authority, Mayor Bronson accuses it of a ‘power grab’
The Anchorage Assembly approved two ordinances during its Wednesday night meeting aimed at asserting their legislative authority, creating more friction between the generally progressive body and Mayor Dave Bronson, the conservative head of the city's executive department.
Anchorage Assembly delays confirmation vote on health director following reports about workplace behavior
Assembly members said they received several emails Tuesday ahead of the Assembly meeting that raised questions over personnel issues with Gerace.
Certified results confirm Anchorage Assembly member Zaletel’s survival of recall attempt
The election saw a roughly 25% turnout, with more than 10,800 Midtown voters. About 60% voted no on the recall, and about 40% voted yes.
Anchorage planning director to resign next month
Michelle McNulty announced her resignation this week, and her last day will be Dec. 8.
Anchorage mayor’s second pick for library director resigns
Judge Eledge’s last day as library director was Friday. A city spokesman said she didn’t want to go through “what has been an unfair disparaging by the Anchorage Assembly” during the confirmation process. The Assembly previously voted down Bronson’s first pick for library director, Sami Graham.
Anchorage Mayor Bronson’s director of boards and commissions resigns
Stephanie Williams is leaving the job after about two months.
Anchorage kids ages 5-11 get first shots of COVID vaccine at school district clinic
The Anchorage School District received 500 pediatric doses of the vaccine from the state on Wednesday and held a clinic at the district office for families.
Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Bishop will step down next year
Bishop announced her retirement in a letter to the Anchorage School Board on Tuesday.
Assembly votes to suspend plastic bag ban during its calmest meeting in weeks
After weeks of combative meetings marked by bitter conflicts, raucous behavior and even a few arrests, discussion returned to more mundane topics like liquor licenses, utility rate increases and whether to charge for single-use plastic bags.
Former Anchorage chief equity officer is suing the Bronson administration for wrongful termination
In a legal complaint filed Tuesday, Clifford Armstrong alleges that Mayor Bronson fired him in a manner that went against municipal code.
Anchorage School District prepares to offer COVID vaccine to kids ages 5 and up as early as Wednesday
The Anchorage School District is preparing to offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to students ages 5 and up as soon as its federally approved.
Anchorage Assembly declines to confirm real estate director connected to whistleblower complaint
The Anchorage Assembly has voted against confirming Mayor Dave Bronson’s pick for real estate director.