Anchorage, AK — In a decisive move to protect the rights and interests of Anchorage citizens, Mayor Dave Bronson has issued a veto for AO2023-133, approved during the Assembly's special meeting on January 16, 2024.This ordinance, which grants expanded subpoena powers to the Assembly, has raised serious concerns about its overreach and the potential weaponization of its subpoena authority.
Expressing his concerns, Mayor Bronson highlighted the potential implications of the expanded subpoena powers on citizen participation in their municipal governance. Underlining the voluntary nature of citizen involvement in normal circumstances, the mayor emphasized the shift towards mandatory participation through the Assembly's subpoena process.
"The Assembly subpoena process changes voluntary participation into mandatory participation—even in the face of citizen objection," Mayor Bronson stated. "Uncontrolled Assembly subpoena powers will create a chilling effect on citizen volunteers participating in their municipal government."
Mayor Bronson concluded his statement by affirming his decision to veto AO 2023-133, citing the ordinance's potential impact on citizen rights, the expansion of Assembly powers, and the increased financial burden on the Anchorage taxpayer.
The veto can be found here.
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Media Contact
Veronica Hoxie, Communications Director, Office of the Mayor,
Veronica.Hoxie@anchorageak.gov, 907-615-1568