OPINION: Port renaming a saga of political hurdles

The Anchorage Assembly has found itself in the midst of a complex and protracted debate over the renaming of the Port of Alaska to the Don Young Port of Anchorage. What began as a seemingly straightforward process evolved into a convoluted journey, raising questions about the intersection of politics, public sentiment and procedural adherence.

The saga kicked off on Oct. 24, 2017, when the Port of Anchorage underwent a name change to the Port of Alaska through Assembly Action AO 2017-122(S), spearheaded by Assembly members Dick Traini, Forest Dunbar, Suzanne LaFrance and Christopher Constant. Fast-forward to March 18, 2022, and the passing of Congressman Don Young prompted the introduction of AM 208-2022. This resolution established a naming panel, entrusted with the task of initiating the renaming process for the Port of Alaska to honor the late Congressman.

In May of 2022, former Assembly member LaFrance and I put forth an Assembly informational memorandum identifying the naming panel members and acknowledging the rarity of having both a person and a specific place identified for a renaming. The AIM encouraged adherence to AMC 3.97 on naming, adding a layer of complexity to the panel’s deliberations.The panel’s first meeting on July 27, 2022, set the stage for a series of queries regarding code requirements, particularly concerning renaming the port within 20 years of a prior change and the Assembly’s ability to act within one year of Don Young’s passing. Seeking clarification, the panel embarked on a nuanced journey through legal intricacies.

By the second meeting on June 8, 2023, the panel navigated the code requirements with legal counsel and voted (3-0, 1 member absent) to rename the Port of Alaska to the Don Young Port of Anchorage. A significant milestone, it set the stage for the subsequent introduction of AO 2023-81 to adopt the naming panel’s recommendation on July 25 of this year.

However, the process hit a snag on Sept. 12, when the Assembly decided to postpone the renaming. This decision, detailed in AIM 193-2023, called for a code review from the panel, effectively halting the renaming process. The subsequent submission of AIM 193-2023, with a line-by-line code review on Sept. 26, prompted the naming panel to revisit public input and notice procedures, reopening the public hearing.

The third meeting of the panel on Nov. 21, saw a comprehensive discussion involving a line-by-line code review, public testimony, and letters of endorsement from U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. In a unanimous vote (4-0), the panel recommended the renaming of the Port of Alaska to the Don Young Port of Anchorage, with both the port director and legal counsel present to address queries.

However, on Dec. 19, members of the Assembly completely disregarded the public process. Assembly member Constant introduced a substitute version to rename the port to “Don Young Port for all of Alaska.” Assembly member Meg Zaletel laid on the table a proposal to name cargo terminals after Don Young, adding further complexity. Despite discussion to refer the matter to the Public Naming Commission, disallowed by code, the Assembly voted to postpone the matter indefinitely.

The decision to postpone indefinitely carries significant implications. Unlike a failed vote, this allows for future reconsideration under a different legislative action. I am thankful Assembly member Felix Rivera has called for the Assembly to reconsider the port renaming. I hope they do the right thing and vote to approve the recommendation made by the naming panel. After all, the Assembly represents constituents who voted Don Young into office for 49 years — I think this is what Alaska wants. The renaming saga of the Don Young Port of Anchorage stands as a testament to the intricate dance of politics, legalities and public sentiment within the Anchorage Assembly, leaving the fate of the renaming proposal hanging in the balance.

Mayor Dave Bronson was elected in 2021; he is the mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage.

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.