News from Patrick Flynn

While I wrote previously that Acting Mayor Matt Claman would not return to the Assembly as chair a recent legal opinion from the Department of Law opines the opposite view, based in part on commentary associated with Anchorage’s charter.  Reasonable minds might disagree but, since Mr. Claman has indicated that his first order of business upon his return in July would be election of a chair, an election in which he does not plan to stand, it seems an inconsequential point.

Nevertheless, the charter does dictate that the Assembly elect new leadership, chair and vice-chair, within three weeks of an election so we’re due to make some changes tomorrow night.  Unless something remarkable happens between now and then, it is my expectation that Debbie Ossiander will be elected chair, with the assumption that she does not plan to run for re-election next April.  Similarly, I think Harriet Drummond will move into the vice-chair slot though, according to the Department of Law’s opinion, both will be considered “acting” until another election in July.

The change in leadership means there will likely be some changes in the committee structure.  Specifically, expect to see alterations in the Budget & Finance and Title 21 committees, though there may be others as well.

That’s all for now, tune in tomorrow for more!

Regards,

Patrick