Assembly meetings have become increasingly tense over the last few months, especially during public testimony. Some meeting attendees have been kicked out of the Assembly chambers during unruly moments at meetings.
Tensions further grew after the resignation of former Mayor Ethan Berkowtiz last fall and the Assembly’s decision to choose an acting mayor rather than hold a special election. Berkowtiz resigned during a public scandal over what he called a “consensual, inappropriate messaging relationship” with an Anchorage TV news anchor.
After the license plate controversy last month, at the Assembly meeting on Jan. 26, Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson spoke at the beginning of the meeting and denounced Nazism — though she did not mention Allard specifically — and the crowd in the chambers erupted in cries of disapproval. Some of Allard’s supporters at the meeting wore small, round signs bearing her name pinned to their clothing.
Several Assembly members have faced opposition and, in some cases, open hostility in recent months.
Assembly member John Weddleton last month received death threats from an Anchorage man who has been charged in the matter.
Assembly Chair Felix Rivera has become a focus of ire from the group of citizens supporting Allard and is facing a recall vote during the upcoming election, which was approved for the ballot in January.
Member Constant has also drawn vocal criticism from the group and in December protestors went directly to his home, driving vehicles past his house honking, yelling and holding signs. They also protested that day at the acting mayor’s home.