December 10, 2021
Anchorage, AK – Today, Mayor Dave Bronson has filed a complaint against the Anchorage assembly, in the Superior Court for the State of Alaska Third Judicial District at Anchorage. The complaint seeks: (1) a declaratory judgement providing that Anchorage Municipal code 3.120.140(a).1.b and 1.c. of AO 2020-79(s) are invalid and not binding on Municipal Government: (2) a declaratory judgement establishing that Municipal Charter permits the mayor to dismiss, demote or suspend any employee occupying the Chief Equity Officer, or any employee appointed to a mayoral executive position without cause; and (3) a declaratory judgement showing AMC 3.20.140A.1.b. and 1.c. of AO 2020-79(S) violate the Alaska Constitution and the Anchorage Municipal Charter by breaching the principles of the separations of powers doctrine and infringing on functions exclusively delegated to the executive branch.
Despite repeated attempts to resolve this matter without the need for litigation, recently Assembly Member actions show that judicial intervention is the only option. Like other executive mayoral appointees, the Chief Equity Officer can be dismissed at will for any reason or no reason at all. Attempts by the Assembly to insulate previous administration's mayoral executive appointees with “for cause" limitations and durational term limits clearly violate the Charter and Constitutional separation of powers doctrine. “This Assembly has exceeded their authority, and are attempting to take power from the Executive Branch and control personnel matters, which are clearly an administrative function. I will not cede the authority of the executive branch to the legislative branch; the Assembly does not control both branches of government" said Mayor Dave Bronson.
Media Contact: Robert B. McNeily, Public Information Officer, Mayor's Office, robert.mcneily@anchorageak.gov , 907-885-1594
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