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.
Police chief retirement and budget vetoes mark latest shakeup in Anchorage politics
Turbulence in Anchorage’s city politics continued Tuesday with the chief of police announcing his retirement and the mayor vetoing most of the changes the Assembly made to the city’s budget last week.
Anchorage Police Chief Ken McCoy says he’ll retire in February
In a statement Tuesday evening, McCoy said his decision came after "much reflection and thoughtful consideration," but he did not provide a specific reason for retiring less than a year after he was named police chief.
Anchorage mayor vetoes most of the Assembly’s budget changes
Bronson cut nearly all of the additions the Anchorage Assembly had agreed to last week when it unanimously passed the spending plan.
Anchorage’s iconic holiday star shines on again after avalanche prompts repairs
Since Friday, airmen have worked to repair the star that’s located about 4,000 feet up Mount Gordon Lyon. They’ve contended with wind chills below zero degrees and snowy skies to get all 350 light bulbs replaced.
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.