JOHN LINCOLN OF KOTZ GETS INTERVIEW
It appears, although nothing is certain in District 40, that Gov. Bill Walker is going “off list” in the search for a replacement for Rep. Dean Westlake.
Problems with the candidates offered by Alaska Democrats arose early in the process. They nominated Sandy Shroyer-Beaver and Eugene Smith from Kotzebue, and Leanna Mack from Barrow. The governor was to pick one of them to finish the term of Westlake, who resigned in December after a sexual harassment scandal.
The House Democrats asked Westlake to resign after several accusations were made against him.
Today, the governor interviewed John Agnaqluk Lincoln of Kotzebue. He’s vice president of lands for NANA Corp. and NANA shareholder.
Lincoln previously worked in Maniilaq Association’s Information Technology Department, specializing in network infrastructure, server virtualization, and Microsoft server technologies such as Active Directory and Exchange. He serves on the Native Village of Kotzebue Tribal Council.
Lincoln holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Stanford University with a focus in Management Science and Public Policy through the Science, Technology and Society program.
He has been an unaffiliated voter but he can change his registration at any time to qualify for the appointment, if it is offered. He would have to be confirmed by the House Democrats.
Also getting an interview is Abel Hopson-Suvlu, of Utquigvik, the city formerly known as Barrow. The advisor to the CEO of Arctic Slope Native Association is also not a Democrat, something that would have to change in order for him to be confirmed by the Democrats.
Or would it? Democrats are backing nonaffiliated people routinely now. Perhaps they will accept either of these individuals without requiring them to reregister.
