Protecting Your Rights: Serving Sand Lake, Spenard and Turnagain

February 17, 2022

Constituent Survey

One of the most important parts of my work as your Representative is hearing from West Anchorage constituents on the issues.

This week, we launched our electronic Constituent Survey! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and suggestions. I always appreciate your feedback! The survey will remain open until March 7.

Percent of Market Value (POMV) Spending Cap

As the budget moves forward, our office took a moment to put together an informational video about the percent of market value spending cap that is established in Alaska law. Watch the video to learn what it is and the importance of following this spending cap law.

Click here to watch the video

Redistricting Court Decision

Late Tuesday evening, Superior Judge Thomas Matthews issued his decision on the five cases that objected to the redistricting final maps. In a previous newsletter, we discussed each of these cases in depth. Judge Matthews struck down the board's decisions on the East Anchorage senate pairing with Eagle River and the Skagway-Juneau house district. Judge Matthews found the redistricting decisions challenged in the other three cases were constitutional.

Most observers and commentators expect appeals to the Alaska Supreme Court from Judge Matthews decision. And on February 16th, the Alaska Redistricting Board met and voted 3-2 to appeal Judge Matthews' decisions about the East Anchorage-Eagle River senate pairing and the Skagway-Juneau house district to the Alaska Supreme Court.

The 171-page decision offered great detail about the process that the Alaska Redistricting Board took in creating the final maps. In the case of East Anchorage being paired with Eagle River, Matthews further found that three members of the board participated in a secretive process, failed to hold meaningful public hearings, failed to meet constitutional deadlines, failed to make good faith efforts to accommodate public hearings, and violated the Open Meetings Act. The pairing itself violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Alaska Constitution.

Going forward, if the Alaska Supreme Court affirms Judge Matthews' decision, the Alaska Redistricting Board will have to address the Anchorage Senate pairings, including East Anchorage and Eagle River. Changing the East Anchorage-Eagle River pairing may further impact other Anchorage senate pairings. The deadline for final versions of maps for the 2022 General Election is June 1st.

Remembering Great Alaskans

Alaska lost two great figures in recent weeks. We wanted to take a moment to remember their legacy.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” - Thomas Campbell

Johnny Ellis

Former Senator Johnny Ellis was known for his lifetime of service to Alaska, his humor, his leadership of young Alaskans, and his devotion to those who needed a voice.

To read more about his life and legacy, click here.

Craig Stowers

Former Alaska Supreme Court Justice Craig Stowers lived a life of service. His love for the law was brightened by his kindness and commitment.

To read more about the impact he left, click here.

In Case You Missed It: State of the Judiciary

Last week, I took a few minutes to reflect on the annual State of the Judiciary address by Alaska Supreme Court Justice Daniel Winfree.

Click here to watch

Community Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

Anchorage Job Fair

Hosted at the Fairview Recreation Center, this Anchorage Job Fair is taking place next Friday. Vendors from a variety of industries will be waiting to meet you!

When: Friday, February 25 from 12:00 – 7:00 PM

Where: Fairview Recreation Center, 1121 E 10th Ave

Black History Celebration

There will be a Black History Celebration at Spenard Community Center, including a movie showing, 3v3 basketball tournament, music, dance, and poetry.

When: Saturday, February 26 from 12:00 – 7:00 PM

Where: Spenard Community Recreation Center, 2020 W 48th Ave