democracy alaska – The Alaska Center

The Governor’s State of The State Address is next week (7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 25). It is sure to contain grievances about the Federal Government, excitement about mineral resource development projects in Alaska, and a dash of “Election Integrity” talk. It will maybe/probably contain a few lines about renewable energy, fisheries, Alaska’s strategic economic and military location, and “greatest resource is the people of AK” platitudes, etc., to put a bow on it.

It is becoming clear through various releases of information that the Governor is actively lying about his role in the firing of the Permanent Fund E.D. and that the firing was political retribution as Ms. Rodell did not grant the Governor’s cherished overdraw of the Permanent Fund earnings reserve money – we expect that this will not be a part of the State of the State, and hey, it might cause the Gov. to not throw jabs during the speech at the Legislature on the issue of the big PFD never being approved by lawmakers.

With the new Ranked Choice Voting law in place, the Governor is free to pick a suitable running mate and facing at least two known challenges from the far-right flank in his bid for Re-election. Dunleavy made the choice to dump Lt. Governor Kevin Meyer from the ticket despite his faithful dealings with this evolving fiasco of an administration. There is a slight, outside, chance that the Governor will say some nice things about the Lt. Governor, but we would not hold our breath. After all, the Lt. Gov has defended the 2020 election in Alaska, which the far-right know with great certainty was “stolen.”

State Medical officer Dr. Anne Zink, also ever faithful in her dealings with the Dunleavy Administration, is under attack by supporters of Dunleavy and his challenger, political nobody Rep. Chris Kurka who has the firing of Dr. Zink as part of his campaign platform. If the Governor wanted to appear that he has a backbone, he would go strong in defense of Dr. Zink in his speech. To date, his defense has been very muted and wimpy as her credibility is attacked and she is personally threatened.

While he is defending Alaskans from attack by other Alaskans (seemingly something a Governor should do), he might include in his speech an apology to the former Assistant Attorney General, Elizabeth Bakalar. She was targeted with toxic animus and threats of all varieties from far-right Dunleavy supporters after she took legal action against her illegal firing by Dunleavy. Bakalar won on most grounds in federal court this past week. The state will be on the hook for damages. The action by the administration was wrong and will cost the state. Now that the case is settled, it is time to clear the air and address the cost to the state and (former) state workers like Bakalar in the State of the State.

Federal spending on Infrastructure will cushion the reality of our state’s structural budget deficit. Federal COVID relief has and will continue to protect vulnerable Alaskans and help prop up the economy. We hope the Governor does not adopt a posture of holding his hand out while flipping the bird to the Feds with his other hand. However, this is likely, since this particular brand of complaint has been refined and reworked in speeches since statehood and before.

We anticipate that there will be few surprises and many missed opportunities in Tuesday night’s address. We remain open to the possibility of shock, reflection, reconciliation, and rejuvenation. Wouldn’t that be something?

Yours,
The Alaska Center Team

Anchorage Community Members Join Nationwide Vigil in Coordination with Over 300 Events Across the Country

Anchorage, AK: In case you missed it, yesterday Stand UP Alaska, The Alaska Center and community organizers held a candlelight vigil at the Loussac Library. The event took place on the one-year anniversary of the violent insurrection at the nation’s capital on January 6th. The vigil was organized in coordination with over 300 events across the nation to give community members a moment of reflection and silence.

The vigil also served as a starting point to remind people of the continued threats upon democracy in our own communities and ask that leadership pass policies that protect voting rights and ensure the violent attack of democracy we say on January 6, 2021, is never repeated again.

At 5:30 pm a gathering of people sipped hot beverages and held candles around the flagpole at the Loussac Library in the -10 degree weather. Participants stood around the circle of candles and took turns sharing why democracy mattered to them. From mothers to elected officials to retired service members each story was personal and powerful. “I am a recently retired Air Force officer with 24 years of service. I’ve been deployed to Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan in defense of my country. It was hard many times but it was always worth it because the unique democracy that America has is a beacon to the entire world.” Major Felisa Wilson, US Air Force (Retired) shared why she came out in the cold. “It means a great deal to those who are oppressed in corrupt countries where the citizens have no power, yet, to see America with our steadfast commitment to democracy and the peaceful transfer of power. We as Americans and Alaskans should be united in the shared belief in our democracy and the promise that it holds for our future.”

Polly Carr, Executive Director of The Alaska Center explained her commitment to the vigil, “A true democracy is one in which all feel safe, respected, and able to participate. On this day, we thank and remember those who stood up for democracy. We stand in solidarity in asking our leaders to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Protecting Our Democracy Act. Here at home, we renew our commitment to protect Alaskans’ voting rights, access, and security.”

Stand UP Alaska asked participants to light a candle with a hope and a promise–Hope for our amazing democracy and a Promise to stand up for it.

With the temperatures dropping, the presence of the few dozen participants was a powerful testament to this community’s commitment to a safe and fair democracy.

Volunteer Kyla Kosednar with The Alaska Center signed up participants to stay connected and engaged around democracy actions moving forward into 2022.
Major Felisa Wilson, US Air Force (Retired) began the event asking everyone to think about their personal connection to Democracy.
Candles ring the Loussac Library flag pole as community members gather to have a moment of silence for the violent acts on democracy at the Nation’s capital a year ago
Community members, volunteers, and elected leaders held candles and walked in silence during Januray 6, remembrance vigil.