Opinions

Alaska Stalker - the best and worst of this week’s political social media and gossip

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Alaska Stalker, a lighthearted round up of the best and worst of Alaska’s social media landscape.

***

Two weeks until the big day! 🎃 I hope everyone is looking forward to seeing politicos dressed up in their Halloween best. Or, my personal favorite, folks in politically themed costumes. The more hyper-local the better! Until then, please enjoy Rep. Kelly Merrick dressed up as a cat for "Boo at the Beach." 😺 Meow!

***

I’ve heard of “forking” and “you’ve been flocked” but secretly decorating a whole neighborhood for Halloween? That’s just boo-tiful. Glad Assemblymember Austin Quinn-Davidson is being a gourd sport.

***

Take it from Rep. Ben Carpenter, Oktoberfest in Sterling is lit. 🔥

ADVERTISEMENT

***

In case you missed it, Sen. Lisa Murkowski was a clue in a recent L.A. Times Crossword. I got a good chuckle over Alaska Public Media reporter Liz Ruskin’s reply to folks asking her what the answer was: 7 letters ... starts with an A ...

(The answer was Alaskan. Get your mind out of the gutter!)

***

Congressman Don Young has had quite the busy week. From fat bears...

Another Fat Bear Week has come to a close. I’d like to congratulate Holly, this year’s champion! I’m wishing Holly and...

Posted by Congressman Don Young on Thursday, October 10, 2019

to fat blunts, Don’s Facebook feed never disappoints. If you want to see a photo of the 85-year-old Dean of the House holding a pound of legal weed, click here.

I’ve always been a passionate supporter of states’ rights, and that extends to the issue of cannabis policy. Very...

Posted by Congressman Don Young on Monday, October 14, 2019

***

Speaking of beautiful edibles, check out the giant bags of kale Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson saved from being wasted. Seventy pounds of fresh kale was harvested from outside the Anchorage Legislative Information Office and donated to Beans Cafe. Kudos to Elvi!

***

If you've been wondering what Gov. Mike Dunleavy is up to, Alaska Public Media reporter Nat Herz has you covered. Every month or so, he files a records request for the governor’s public correspondence. Sometimes it pays off. That Betsy Devos granola tho.

***

A tipster sent in the agenda for the upcoming Alaska Municipal League Conference. I'm REALLY excited about this jam session. Tom on guitar, Cathy on drums, Bryce on keyboard, all while Lance meekly sings, "I'll do it!"

***

Congratulations to Sen. David Wilson for taking home 1st prize at the Valley Republican Women’s Club annual chili competition. Stalker readers may remember his homemade honey won two honorable mentions at this year’s State Fair. He seems to have quite the flair for culinary arts. Perhaps David should get his own cooking show. The Barefoot Wasillian? The Pioneer Senator? Valley Meets Juneau?

***

It’s no secret Sen. Jesse Kiehl has the best named newsletter in the Legislature. In addition to some good information for constituents, it contained this little tidbit about Jesse’s new work shoes - his first in 10 years! Glad he knows how to buy a pair worth repair. Jesse: pics or it didn’t happen.

***

ADVERTISEMENT

A very "bunny" story, in two acts. This one goes out to all the girl dads out there.

Act 1:

***

Act 2: Oh Peter... 😂😂😂

***

Is there anything more Rep. Sharon Jackson than Sharon having a conversation with herself in the Facebook comments of her official Representative page?

***

OMG, is Assemblymember Meg Zaletel really getting her own radio show?! As a local talk radio connoisseur, I am so here for this. Meg, please keep me updated! 📻

***

Last weekend was the Mayor’s Charity Ball in Anchorage. Politicos of all stripes came out to raise money for four local charities. Congressional candidate Alyse Galvin traded in the yellow blazer for some bling, and Rep. Geran Tarr sported what appears to be a fancy, tiny hat.

***

It may be a tiny hat, but it’s for a good cause. Thanks to Geran for posting about My House’s thrift store in Wasilla. With Alaska SPCA Thrift Store closing its doors in Anchorage, it’s good to know there are still local places to go for one’s vintage/thrift/tiny hat needs.

***

Looking good, Assemblymember Christopher Constant! Love the pink bow tie and cummerbund. 💅

***

Newly re-elected Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly might be a conservative, but he seems to be pretty liberal with the tattoos. Dare I ask him what ink he got for winning his first term?

***

While the Stalker has a low-key ban on Anchorage bag-ban-related posts, we’re gonna let this one fly. 🙈

***

Okay, since we’re talking about bag bans... Has Assemblymember Christopher Constant ever heard of inter-office email? Curiously, the post has been updated and Chris’ comment deleted. If the Clerk’s Office hasn’t already chosen Chris for the #knowyourassembly trivia contest, might I suggest “Which Assemblymember has a bit of a temper?” 😉

ADVERTISEMENT

***

The warmest Stalker congratulations to former governor and grandfather of six, Bill Walker. Baby Rose is just precious. 👶💕

***

Bill, I know you’re enjoying “retirement” and all, but it might be nice to get an updated group photo for the Brena, Bell, & Walker website. Hey there, Attorney General Kevin Clarkson!

***

Spotted at Bella Vista: Assemblymember Christopher Constant and former Assemblymember Amy Demboski incidentally seated right next to each other. #thatssoanchorage

ADVERTISEMENT

***

Spotted at Alaska Public Media breakfast for Educators and Workforce Development: Sen. Tom Begich.

***

Spotted working on her fitness: Sen. Elvi. According to our source, "Elvi rarely misses a workout and never sets off the lunk alarm."

***

Spotted this week at Steam Dot (not together): Senate President Cathy Giessel, Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky and Anchorage Assemblymember Felix Rivera.

***

Also spotted at Steam Dot: Former Alaska Chamber President Rachel Petro. No word if she was selling essential oils as she likes to do on LinkedIn.

***

Spotted at Crossroads Lounge - “Where Friends Meet.” Anchorage Wastewater Utility coasters?

***

Spotted in the Valley. Where do they come up with this stuff?

***

Overheard in Anchorage: “Have you noticed that the governor hasn’t put anything out about Indigenous People’s Day? The conspiratorial part of me thinks he wouldn’t want to piss off his base who supports Columbus Day.”

***

The Alaska Stalker was born and raised in Alaska, and lives in South Anchorage with her husband, daughter, and son. Send tips to akstalker@alaskalandmine.com

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.

Allison Hovanec

Allison Hovanec writes the weekly Alaska Stalker feature for Alaska Landmine and the Daily News. She was born and raised in Alaska, and lives in South Anchorage with her husband, daughter, and son.

ADVERTISEMENT