Anchorage

Former Anchorage Assemblyman Don Smith running again

Don Smith, a former Anchorage Assembly member and state legislator who claims credit for writing the city's tax cap, says he's challenging Assembly Chair Dick Traini for his Midtown seat.

Smith said he's been thinking about running ever since the Assembly passed an ordinance in October to change the calculation of the tax cap. That ordinance, which allowed the city to collect over $1 million more in taxes this year than it could using the previous calculation method, is the target of an April ballot initiative.

"I'm irritated by the attempt by the Assembly to try to mess with the tax cap," Smith said in an interview Thursday.

Calling himself the "father of the tax cap," Smith wrote the language, approved by voters approved in 1983, to limit the increase in property taxes from year to year.

Smith singled out Traini as the leader of the Assembly's effort. The ordinance in October was introduced by Assembly member Elvi Gray-Jackson and co-sponsored by Traini.

In the interview Thursday, Smith said the city should cut spending if more money is needed instead of finding ways to raise taxes. He said the city should "get rid of these red-nose inns," referring to "Housing First" facilities for street alcoholics.

Smith, who is 76, represented South Anchorage on the Assembly from unification in 1975 until 1985, when he lost his seat to Joe Evans. Before that, he served one term in the state House of Representatives in the late 1960s.

ADVERTISEMENT

Smith was elected to the Anchorage School Board in 2010. He lost his seat to Bettye Davis in 2013 and lost a challenge to incumbent Karmen Perez-Verdia in 2014.

Smith said he plans to highlight his extensive political background in his campaign.

"I bring a lot of experience to the table," Smith said. "I recognize everything from dog control to zoning changes to lots of dinky things."

Smith is retired. A state disclosure filing Thursday shows a small amount of consulting work for Jimmy Wong, the owner of the Sunshine Plaza building on Fourth Avenue in Anchorage.

Devin Kelly

Devin Kelly was an ADN staff reporter.

ADVERTISEMENT