A memo from the Municipal Ombudsman to the Anchorage Assembly says that members of Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration have been downloading security videos that shows who has come and gone from the Ombudsman’s Office. The memo was included in the packet for Thursday’s special meeting of the Assembly, during which members will go into executive session to explore their options for punishing the mayor for other allegations, which came to light in recent days.
Darrel Hess, the Municipal Ombudsman, has also requested a review by municipal Law Department, as spying on employees who are whistleblowers may be considered a form of misconduct.
“Recently, multiple Municipal employees have contacted the Ombudsman’s Office alleging that an executive with the Municipality had stated that the Mayor’s Office has been downloading copies of City Hall surveillance videos to see who is accessing the Ombudsman’s Office and interacting with Assembly Members. Employees have stated that they are hesitant to visit our office because they are afraid that access to our office is being monitored. The employees perceive the alleged statements by the executive to be an attempt to intimidate them to not
contact the Ombudsman’s Office,” the memo says.
“Anchorage’s Home Rule Charter states that the people of Anchorage have the right to the services of an Ombudsman. Accusations of attempting to intimidate Municipal employees to discourage them from contacting the Ombudsman’s Office are serious, chilling allegations — even if no videos have been pulled. Given the gravity of the accusations, and based on the statements of multiple Municipal employees, I reasonably believe that there may have been a breach of duty, misconduct, or illegal activity by a Municipal employee. I believe that I have an obligation under AMC 2.60.l70* -Misconduct by municipal personnel – to refer this matter to the Municipal Prosecutor’s Office for review, to determine if there have been any violations of Municipal Code or any other applicable laws,” Hess continues.
“If the Ombudsman believes there is a breach of duty or misconduct by an officer or employee of the municipality, the Ombudsman may refer the matter to the appropriate department head, to the Mayor, to the Board of Ethics, or, when appropriate, to the Municipal Prosecutor, District Attorney, or any other agency,” the memo concludes.
The mayor is already embattled because former Municipal Manager Amy Demboski has set forth several allegations relating to improper contract awards and other actionable items, which were already part of Thursday’s meeting.
