Tag Archive for: Anchorage Assembly

The Critical Elections Ahead

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[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]The stakes have never been higher for Anchorage: We are in the midst of a Mayoral crisis rife with acrimony, discord, and incompetence.
By now, you might have read several news articles covering the stories from the mayor’s office–accusations of unlawful treatment of employees, unethical hiring practices, and we all know about the massive delays of the most basic winter service of snowplowing. The administrative dysfunction affects all of us who live in Anchorage, and it is not what commitment and compassion look like in public service. That’s why it’s so crucial that Anchorage maintains an Assembly majority that will act as a measured and necessary check on the actions of the mayor’s office.
This year, there are consequential Assembly elections in every district in the municipality, school board elections (all school board seats are “at large,” meaning they cover the whole city instead of being separated into districts), and important ballot propositions and bonds. This year, The Alaska Center is proud to endorse five outstanding candidates for Anchorage Assembly who are already deeply invested in this work. Chris Constant for Downtown Anchorage (District 1 seat B) and Felix Rivera for Midtown Anchorage (District 4 Seat G) are incumbents who have proven time and time again that they are passionate and committed to serving Anchorage. Anna Brawley for West Anchorage (District 3 Seat E), Karen Bronga for East Anchorage (District 5 Seat H), and George Martinez for East Anchorage (District 5 Seat I) are new candidates who show their commitment to serving their neighbors through community councils, in schools, and as volunteers.
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You have the opportunity to support candidates who support clean air and water, healthy communities, and a strong democracy. Those candidates, in turn, will have the opportunity to hold the mayor accountable, enact common-sense policies like family leave for municipal employees, and make Anchorage better for all of us. The stakes of this election are too high to sit out. You’ll receive your ballot in mid-March; make sure to return it by April 4th. Go to akcenter.org/elections if you have any questions!  ​
Originally published on March 21, 2023 by the Sol de Medianoche News.

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PRIDE!!!

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[cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_layout_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_layout_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_text _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]At The Alaska Center, we believe a true democracy is one in which all Alaskans feel safe, respected, and able to participate in the decisions impacting our communities; and when all Alaskans feel reflected and represented.
Today’s blog is dedicated to PRIDE Month. Pride is more than rainbow memes and merch; it is about the uplifting of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ+) voices, hearts, and culture and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. It is a declaration of direct action and care. It is the remembrance that our inalienable rights were not codified by pen and paper, but love and rage turned to action at an anti-police brutality riot in June 1969. This is the history our work builds from. As allies and activists, we must honor and remember this truth. We must hold this truth when we grow our movements, build our tables, and cast our ballots.
This year, rampant attacks on Transgender people and women’s bodily autonomy swept through the nation and played out right here at home, during the Alaska legislative session. SB140, a bill that would ban transgender girls from playing sports, narrowly passed to be then tabled by three votes on the Senate floor. Our House failed to pass HB17, the anti-discrimination bill that would protect LGBTQ Alaskans, again. In Anchorage, community spaces that should be places of safety, learning, and belonging- like our public library- are threatened by ignorant leadership and harmful actions like banning books.
For years, the policies and actions of our leaders have continued to tell LGBTQ+ Alaskans that they are not protected or valued. All of this is why diligence and action are essential. This is why voting accessibility and education matter so much. It’s why holding our leaders accountable to all our community members is paramount. And it’s why we must come together as a community and bask in our joyous resilience now.
Actively seeking and creating joy is a revolutionary act and ensuring that those joyful voices are heard is at the heart of our work.
Pride events are happening across the state, and we hope to be there to celebrate and amplify in as many spaces as we can this month!
Be sure to check in with your local LGBTQ+ leaders to support the events and communities in your area.

Girdwood is hosting a third annual Pride Parade on June 17 at 7 pm 

Homer Pride is hosting a Juneteenth X Homer Pride Community Walk on June 18 from 12-3 pm 

Anchorage, head down to Writer’s Block on June 25 from 12 pm-6 pm for the Fourth Annual Pride Block Party. More details on Facebook >>  

Fairbanks Queer Collective has an event guide! More info can be found on their Facebook page or website! 

Underground Pride and the Queen’s Guard is hosting a celebration for all of their LGBTQ+ families and allies in the Mat-Su Valley! 

Native Movement is hosting several events this month: their 3rd annual Diversity in the OUTdoors, individuals can submit videos until June 13

Indigiqueer/LGBT2S Caspeq Workshop June 18 &19, and Drag Story Hour June 30- see their FB page for more info! 

The League of Conservation Voters is hosting an “Out to Win” webinar”: LGBTQ+ candidates can face special challenges on the campaign trail, especially in more conservative parts of the country. They’ll talk with two LGBTQ+ elected leaders and hear their tips on successfully running and legislating. June 21, 2022, 10 am PT/1 pm ET Join the webinar.

Wherever you are we hope all of you find a reason to celebrate. To our queer friends, family, coworkers, and partners in this work- we love you so very much, and we will always fight with you.
Happy Pride Month!
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