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House Democrats resist privatizing six DMVs

Suzanne Downing
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27
House Democrats resist privatizing six DMVs

Privatization of a handful of small Division of Motor Vehicles offices in Alaska would save the state millions of dollars, but Rep. Zack Fields is having none of it.

He and Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins will introduce a bill to prevent privatization of the small DMV offices in Eagle River, Homer, Tok, Valdez, Delta Junction, and Haines.

“We’re all in this really challenging time of having to span a $2 billion budget gap,” Commissioner of Administration Kelly Tshibaka told members of the Senate Transportation Committee on March 4. She said the proposal would preserve services, while trimming the budget, and that 95 percent of services provided by DMV offices can be completed online.

DMV offices have begun the transition to public- private partnerships:

  • Delta Junction – private partner already in operation with DMV
  • Tok – private partner in Delta Junction willing to operate DMV 
  • Homer – Active discussions with qualified private partners 
  • Eagle River – Active discussions with qualified private partners 
  • Valdez – Active discussions with qualified private partners 
  • Haines – Actively recruiting qualified private partners

The House bill opposing the privatization that is not yet filed is “aimed at preventing negative consequences for Alaskans in each of the communities facing potential impacts,” according to the House majority press office. Mainly, no additional fees could be charged for services, nor could services be limited due to privatization.

Those negative consequences are laid out by the representatives fighting the privatization:

“For example, elimination of DMV services in Haines would force residents to travel by boat or make an extremely long road trip with multiple border crossings to access a DMV in Skagway. In Valdez, residents would be forced to drive 120 miles over a mountain pass that is sometimes impassable in winter or take a ferry to Anchorage. In Eagle River, residents would face significant delays, particularly those attempting to travel to an Anchorage DMV during rush hour. And in Tok and Delta Junction, the closure would force residents to drive as far as 200 miles for DMV services in weather conditions that can be deadly in winter in the event of a vehicle breakdown. Even if the facilities were replaced by private companies, prices are likely to double for key services.”

The Skagway DMV is operated under contract with the Skagway Police Department, while other DMVs, such as in King Salmon, are operated under contract with the borough. The City of Craig has the contract to operate the DMV in that Prince of Wales Island community of 1,200 residents. There are also numerous tag-and-title companies along the Railbelt that provide many services to Alaska residents.

Department of Administration said that Homer’s DMV generated $497,921 in revenue for the state in 2020, for a net revenue of $333,921, while Haines’ had a net loss of $968 the same year.

The proposal to privatize the DMV offices in the six communities faces significant headwinds in the Senate, where several senators, including Republicans, have raised questions about the wisdom of the proposal.

Recall Rivera: How much has each side raised?

Suzanne Downing
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11
Recall Rivera: How much has each side raised?

Felix Rivera, the acting Assembly chairman of Anchorage, is the subject of a recall campaign that pits frustrated Anchorage residents, who feel the city is being mismanaged, against Rivera’s Big Union and Democrat supporters.

The groups’ 30-day reports shows that they are roughly evenly matched for dollars.

The Recall Rivera group has raised $9,715 to convince the voters of Assembly District 4 to vote yes to recall Rivera on the ballot that is being mailed on Monday, March 15.

Recall Rivera has $1,000 donations from Dr. Russell Biggs, Rosemary Borchardt and Roger Briley, and other more modest contributions. There are no union participants. Biggs has been the driving force behind the recall campaign.

The “no recall” group has raised $8,727. No Recall Rivera is supported by $1,000 from the National Education Association Alaska PAC, and another $1,000 from the AFL-CIO, as well as the wife of the mayor of Anchorage, who kicked in $450. The “no” group owes the Alaska Democratic Party $1,000, so far for campaign database access services.

Rivera is part of a trio of elected officials running Anchorage, all of whom are “acting.” There’s Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson, Acting Chairman Felix Rivera, and Acting Vice Chairman John Weddleton.

The acting government occurred upon the sudden resignation on Oct. 23 of former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, who was caught, literally, with his pants down on camera.

As of the 30-day report, required by law, the No Recall group had $6,610 to work with for the coming 30 days, while Recall Rivera had $9,322.

Breaking: Assemblyman Rivera must stand for recall

Anchorage School Board candidate questions, and who I am voting for

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR
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Anchorage School Board candidate questions, and who I am voting for

By DAVE DONLEY

Four of the seven seats on the Anchorage School Board are up for election April 6.  Ballots go in the mail on March 15.

Typically, only two and sometimes three seats are elected at a time. All School Board seats are elected city-wide, so whether you live in Girdwood or Birchwood you get to vote for all four seats. 

I believe the public schools are the foundation of America’s greatness. We need an excellent public school system to have the educated public that is essential for our democratic-republic’s success. This is a chance to change the left-wing direction of the past 15 years of progressive failing curriculum and unacceptable educational outcomes for our kids.  

Many people have been asking who I am voting for?  So as a private citizen and not on behalf of the School District or Board these are some of my choices and questions for all candidates.

Judy Norton Eledge – Seat B

I have known Judy for over 20 years, and I am proud to support her. Judy is a veteran teacher and grandmother who now teaches teachers how to better teach reading.  She has 40 years of teaching experience in ASD and rural Alaska.  Judy is an energetic dynamo who gets things done.  We absolutely need to prioritize getting all our students reading by third grade and Judy has the expertise combined with common sense to lead us there.  She will support bringing the National Anthem and patriotism back into our schools.

Sami Graham – Seat E

Sami has her Alaska State Certification in teaching, counseling, and school administration. Sami has served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, and principal. She worked in Title 1 (low-income area) schools, neighborhood schools, optional schools and in the private setting. She has a Master of Science from Long Island University and her Master of Educational Leadership from UAA. Sami also supports bringing patriotism back into our schools.  Her experience and knowledge will be a great asset on the School Board.

Elisa Vakalis – Seat G

I have served with current Board President Vakalis for four years and know what a hard worker for our students she is.  She has been a bridge between conservatives and liberals on the Board. I supported her for Board President multiple times.  She is the only current Board Member running in this election, who voted with me to have the National Anthem played in our schools at least once a month.  She has voted with me for budget amendments to reduce non-classroom related administrative overhead.  

Some questions all candidates should be able to answer include:

1.         Do you support all schools playing the National Anthem at least once a week?

2.         Do you support the use of Critical Race Theory to develop Anchorage School District policy?

3.         Do you support the construction of two new schools (Inlet View and Abbott Loop) at a cost of over $70 million planned in the current Six Year Capital Plan?

4.         Do you support the new Math curriculum (Ready Mathematics), or would you support a return to the more traditional Saxon Math used by some of the highest performing schools in the District?

5.         Do you support requiring teachers to use the current elementary reading curriculum?

Please vote like our country and our children’s future depends on it, because it does.

Dave Donley writes as an individual Alaskan and not on behalf of the School Board, ASD, or anyone else.

Muni code enforcers file legal complaint against ice rink for too many skaters, not enough masks

Suzanne Downing
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58
Muni code enforcers file legal complaint against ice rink for too many skaters, not enough masks

Code enforcers from the Municipality of Anchorage lodged a complaint against O’Malley Ice and Sports Center for the crime of having too many skaters using the facility, and the skaters not wearing masks.

The complaint was signed March 5, after the emergency order that it was referring to was set to expire, and when the Municipality knew the new emergency order, with fewer limitations, would be in place.

On Feb. 26, 2021, Municipal Code Enforcement Officer Cherie Easley said she saw 10 adults playing hockey in one rink, the complaint states.

Ten adults — and none of them were wearing face masks.

“She saw 31 people in a different hockey rink,” the complaint said.

“Four kids were not wearing face masks or coverings,” the Muni wrote.

Officer Easley spoke with a staff member about some people not wearing face masks or coverings and more than 15 people on a playing surface.

“On Feb. 27, 2021, Officer Easley returned. She saw 34 people in one hockey rink. Four kids and one adult were not wearing face masks or coverings. Thirty people were in another rink. None of them were wearing face masks or coverings.”

That “skating without a mask” is in violation of Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson’s Emergency Order 18, for which the Muni is recommending at $300 per violation fine.

It is unclear if it’s $300 per person in violation of the order, which would be substantial, or $300 for the hosting business. It’s also unclear if the code enforcers have photos of the offense, as they did not provide those with the complaint.

The code enforcers ordered the skating center to immediately require all patrons and employees to wear masks and abide by gathering limitations.

Emergency Order 18 was replaced by EO 19 days later by the Anchorage Assembly, beginning on March 2.

The mask mandates are still in place. Capacity limitations have been lifted but social distancing mandates of six feet are still in place. Skaters may not come within six feet of each other.

For organized sports, mask mandates are in place, while prohibition against competition has been lifted.

Typically hockey games, including referees and coaches, involve about 35 people.

The complaint will be heard by an administrative judge. The owners of the rink have 15 days to answer the complaint.

“I’m going to defend against the complaint,” said Steve Agni, one of the co-managers and member of the limited liability corporation.

Anchorage has been in under emergency orders starting with the “hunker down” order EO 3, which was signed by former Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on March 20, 2020. The current EO 19 has a defacto capacity limit on businesses since it requires spacing of at least six feet between patrons, which places a cap on the number of people who can participate or attend any indoor event or venue.

Read the complaint at this link:

Ice-Arena-violation-of-emergency-orderDownload

Governor withdraws plan to split Health and Social Services into two

Suzanne Downing
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11
Governor withdraws plan to split Health and Social Services into two

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has withdrawn his executive order to split the Department of Health and Social Services into two departments.

The proposal was facing considerable headwinds in the Legislature from both sides of the political spectrum.

When he announced the split of the department in December, he and Commissioner Adam Crum said the department is too big, and with 3,500 employees, could do a better job if two departments had more focused missions. Thus, one department would be the Department of Family and Community Services, and the other would be the Department of Health.

A simple majority of the Legislature was all it would have taken to block the executive order, which had not garnered support from tribal health groups and the state’s largest public employee union.

A resolution was passed by the House Health and Social Services Committee that was moving to the House floor for a vote, and it looked increasingly like that resolution would pass with several members of the Republican minority joining.

House Minority members issue shared principles

Suzanne Downing
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20
House Minority members issue shared principles

The Alaska House Republicans released their vision and principles in a declaration statement.

“There is reason, we believe, in optimism for the future of Alaska. With our uncharted wilderness, our ever-plentiful resources, and our bountiful seas, Alaska remains a treasure for the bold. We, the undersigned, commit ourselves to restoring the greatness of our state,” the declaration statement reads.

“We believe in governance that fits Alaska. We will fight for a state government that operates transparently, remains accountable to the people, acts with integrity, and operates on a responsible budget that does not inhibit economic growth. This includes preserving our permanent fund for future generations, instituting a spending limit, and opposing a statewide income tax.

“We believe in restoring an Alaska open for business. This includes fighting for our right to engage in responsible resource development, protecting our fishing and tourism industries, and developing the infrastructure and fiscal solutions needed to attract more industry and jobs.

“We believe every Alaskan deserves equal treatment under the law. We will fight for an Alaska where each lawful vote counts, where law enforcement has the resources to keep our communities safe, where all life is protected, and justice is served upon those who unlawfully harm others.”

The declaration of principles was signed by 18 Republicans. Only Reps. Kelly Merrick and Sara Rasmussen, who have left the Republican caucus, did not sign the declaration.

Rep. George Rauscher said the caucus has a joint resolution in response to President Joe Biden’s crushing energy policies that are harming Alaska already. The resolution must be voted on by the entire House, however, and the House is controlled by Democrats.

“All Alaskans believe that resource development is key to Alaska’s survival right now,” Rauscher said.

The resolution will implore President Joe Biden to honor the recent coastal plain oil and gas leasing program. It asks the administration to honor the long, safe, and responsible development on the North Slope. If passed by the Legislature it would be sent to Congress and the Biden Administration.

Murkowski votes yes to gun-grabbing Merrick Garland as attorney general

Anchorage Daily Planet
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26
Murkowski votes yes to gun-grabbing Merrick Garland as attorney general

THE ANCHORAGE DAILY PLANET

It always is disappointing when Republicans, who supposedly belong to a party that believes in defending constitutional rights, confirm people for high office who have situational views of those same rights.

The latest jolt came Wednesday with the 70-30 confirmation of Merrick Garland as attorney general, handing the reins of the Justice Department to a longtime federal appellate judge who over the years has voted at least four times to curtail gun rights.

Twenty Republican senators – including Alaska’s Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski – joined Democrats in approving President Joe Biden’s pick for the nation’s top cop post. Sen. Dan Sullivan was a “no” vote.

During his confirmation hearing, Garland pleaded ignorance of important gun control issues. With a straight face, he told senators he is uninformed about gun policy and could not say whether Biden unilaterally could deny gun sales by permanently delaying background checks. Using the same rationale, he said he did not know whether Biden could ban the sale of popular rifles such as AR-15s.

That from a man who will be advising Biden’s administration, the most anti-gun in recent memory.

As we mentioned before, Merrick, appointed by Bill Clinton to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Washington, D.C, Circuit, knew enough to vote at least four times against gun rights.

In 2000, he voted to allow the FBI to retain National Instant Criminal Background Check System background check records in direct contradiction of federal law. Retention of those records would create a de facto gun registration list, also banned by federal law.

In 2012, Garland voted to allow the prosecution – with a 30-year mandatory minimum sentence, no less – of automatic firearms offenses without proof the accused knew the weapon was automatic.

Surely the GOP senators knew all that, but voted for him anyway.

Disappointing.

Judge says Acting Mayor Quinn-Davidson can, in fact, ‘have her cake and eat it too’

Suzanne Downing
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35
Judge says Acting Mayor Quinn-Davidson can, in fact, ‘have her cake and eat it too’

Judge Jennifer Henderson denied Dustin Darden his request to be placed on the Anchorage Municipality ballot for the District 3E seat, which has been vacant since Oct. 23, when Austin Quinn-Davidson became acting mayor.

Darden, an activist and frequent candidate, filed for the seat in January, and his paperwork was all in order and filed by the Municipality’s deadline. But the Anchorage Municipal Clerk said the position is not open, and she denied his request.

On Wednesday, Henderson heard his administrative appeal and his request for a preliminary injunction, but ruled that the municipality would suffer irreparable harm.

Darden, and his colleague Nial Williams, pointed out to the judge that the municipality was a full day late, missing a filing deadline set by the judge for the municipality’s response last Thursday. Unspoken was the insinuation that if Darden had been late with his filing, the Muni would have asked for the case to be tossed. The judge said it was not important that the Muni lawyers had missed their deadline.

Williams was the subject of the Muni’s counter complaint: The lawyers said that he had no standing in the case, which is an administrative appeal and they claimed he was acting illegally as Darden’s attorney.

Not so, said Williams. He is an aggrieved voter in the district. But Henderson agreed with the Muni, and removed him from the case.

Darden asked that the case move forward, even without the relief he had sought, which was to be placed on the ballot that is being mailed out on Monday to Anchorage voters.

This means he will be back in court on March 31 to argue that the Muni has allowed Quinn-Davidson to hold two seats simultaneously.

Henderson, in her rambling 15-minute ruling, thought it was unfair that Darden would be the only one on the ballot, and that others would not have the chance to file for office if she declared the seat open. She did not give the two appellants much hope for success in their case.

Williams had argued, on behalf of Darden, that anyone could have read the municipal charter and could see for themselves the seat was open, and they also have the additional remedy of running a write-in campaign, as Sen. Lisa Murkowski successfully did.

Williams explained how the two had been denied by the Municipality at every juncture: They filed on time. They were denied. They asked the Anchorage Clerk for a hearing on their filing. They were denied. At the next available date, they filed their case before Anchorage court.

“We are entitled to an Assembly of 11. Since October 23, there have been only 10 members. This is unequal representation,” Williams argued. “The fact remains that Ms. Quinn-Davidson is holding two seats — in a mayoral capacity and a legislative capacity.”

Anchorage Agenda shows Acting Mayor, Acting Chair, and Acting Vice-Chair are the leadership team for the Municipality since Oct. 23.

Henderson was unmoved, although she did allow that there seems to be no sideboards on how long a person could hold onto her Assembly seat, while also serving as mayor. She did not rule that the seat was, in fact, vacant.

Rather, Henderson appeared to have made her decision by the time the proceedings began on Wednesday, agreeing with the Municipal attorneys on every point, including that the Municipality “faces enormous irreparable harm,” if Darden were allowed to run for what the Muni has determined is not an open seat.

Darden also pointed out to the court that records presented by the Municipality’s attorneys were signed and notarized for March, 2020, over one year ago, clearly another error by the Municipality. The judge ignored the clerical error, as she had also ignored the missed filing deadline by the Municipal attorneys.

“Our argument is that Quinn-Davidson is usurping power,” Williams said. “So Ms. Quinn-Davidson can’t have her cake and eat it too.”

Evidently, according to Judge Henderson, Quinn-Davidson can do just that.

Live event: Sen. Roger Holland and NASA scientist Chris Mattman on future of space and Alaska

Suzanne Downing
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2
Live event: Sen. Roger Holland and NASA scientist Chris Mattman on future of space and Alaska

Have a question for NASA?

Join Sen. Roger Holland hosting Dr. Chris Mattman, as they talk about space and Alaska’s future in the space race.

The event will be on Facebook Live on March 12 at 11 am.

Mattman is chief technology and innovation officer at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, one of the space scientists responsible for the Mars Rover Perseverance and Mars helicopter ingenuity.

More information for this live event and how to take part in it at this link.

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