The state's largest education union has decided to endorse both Ethan Berkowitz and Andrew Halcro for mayor of Anchorage, leading both candidates to issue statements claiming they won the endorsement. Neither mentioned the other.
The co-endorsement came at the Anchorage Education Association's monthly representative council meeting Tuesday night. The union represents about 3,500 educators from more than 90 public schools in Anchorage.
"It's one of those things where I guess we really couldn't pick," said Andy Holleman, president of the union. "I think either one is going to be great for public schools."
Holleman cited Berkowitz's past advocacy for public schools as a state legislator and in his campaigns. Halcro, as president of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, worked to integrate schools with the business community in new ways, Holleman said.
It's not the first time the union decided to co-endorse candidates, though Holleman acknowledged that the action can send a mixed message to members.
But, Holleman said, union leaders couldn't come up with reasons not to vote for either Berkowitz or Halcro. "It kind of comes down to that."
Both candidates sent out press releases Wednesday touting the union's support. Only Halcro's campaign said it was a co-endorsement, but it didn't mention Berkowitz by name.
Alaska Dispatch Publishing