Looking through the seven-day financial reports for the Anchorage Municipal elections, which end April 1, it appears the union money continues to pour in for the Democrat candidates:
- Kameron Perez-Verdia $1,000 ASEA/AFSCME Local 52
- Daniel Volland $1,000 EPIC/Alaska Public Employees Association/AFT
- Margot Bellamy $1,000 IBEW PAC
- Kelly Lessens $1,000 ASEA/AFSCME Local 52
- Kelly Lessens $1,000 IBEW PAC
In this election, there were a reported $35,500 in union donations to candidates, as of March 1. The amounts above are since that report.
The Anchorage Assembly, which has the final say in approving union contracts, oversees agreements that commit taxpayers to wage, benefit, and other cost increases for up to five years.
Currently, more than half (55%) of the city’s budget is allocated to salaries and benefits. More than 58% of municipal revenue is derived from property taxes.
Union donations play a significant role in the campaigns of Assembly candidates.
- Kameron Perez-Verdia has received $11,000 from unions this election cycle. Over the course of his Assembly campaigns, unions have contributed a total of $44,600 to his campaigns.
- Daniel Volland has received $9,000 in union support this election, in addition to $2,000 from a previous campaign. The Alaska AFL-CIO has further contributed $2,500 to his campaign through its special interest group, “Putting Alaskans First.”
- The AFL-CIO has also funneled $5,000 to “Putting Alaskans First” to oppose Jared Goecker, who is running for the open Eagle River Assembly seat.
- Margot Bellamy, seeking re-election, has received $6,000 from unions this year. Over the years, unions have contributed a total of $26,550 to her campaigns.
- Kelly Lessens has received $6,500 from unions in this election cycle, adding to a total of $27,800 in union support across her political career.
Organized labor remains the largest special interest group contributing to local elections in Alaska. The financial influence of unions on Anchorage Assembly and School Board races raises ongoing questions about the balance of power between elected officials, labor groups, and taxpayers.
Because union contracts representing a significant portion of municipal expenditures, voters will have to consider the role of these contributions and how they influence their elected officials.
