At tonight's regular Assembly meeting, the Anchorage Assembly entered into an executive session to receive certain records from the Bronson Administration on the Gerace investigation that were the focus of a subpoena. The subpoena was issued to MOA Human Resources Director Niki Tshibaka today by Assembly Chair La France, at the request of Acting Municipal Attorney Blair Christensen. The Assembly voted unanimously at a special meeting on January 23 to authorize the Chair to issue the subpoena.
Upon returning from the executive session, members voted 7-4 to release the tapes immediately with the exception of any personnel names who were not subject of the subpoena and not in the room.
“There was an expectation that records of a confidential nature would be provided during the session, but I don't feel that threshold was met," said Assembly Member Meg Zaletel in her motion to immediately release the recording of session. “Nearly all that was shared with us was already on the public record and therefore the tapes should be made publicly available. I think these things need to see the light of day."
Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance later added, “Unfortunately, the administration's findings presented to the Assembly in executive session lacked details that would help our municipality understand and move beyond this troubling issue. As a result, the Assembly will continue to monitor this issue and press the administration to provide answers. Additionally, we are seeking a legal opinion on how to publicly release the report reviewed during the executive session. The public has been seeking answers on the Gerace issue for months, including a letter sent to the administration in September 2022, and our community deserves to see the contents of this report."
About Executive Session
During executive session, per Anchorage Municipal Code 2.30.036, members of the public were excluded and no official action was taken. Although the public is excluded from executive sessions, AMC 2.30.036.C establishes that the session must be electronically recorded and may be released by a vote of the Assembly.
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Contact:
Suzanne LaFrance | Assembly Chair, suzanne.lafrance@anchorageak.gov
Christopher Constant | Assembly Vice Chair, christopher.constant@anchorageak.gov