I have known Felix Rivera for many years, and I’ve seen him accomplish many things that make life better for Anchorage residents. He’s always been focused on making our local government smarter and more effective. For example, he’s sponsored or co-sponsored policies including requiring notice to Community Councils of posited zone-based abatement areas within their boundaries; establishing a policy for assemblymembers’ communications with administration staff; and an expansion of the residential property tax exemption. His support helped bolster our police force and stimulated economic opportunity throughout Midtown and Anchorage in general. As Assembly Chair, he allows all residents to have a voice and encourages the Assembly to be responsive and transparent.
The same might not be said for the supporters of the effort to recall Felix Rivera. The reason they give for the recall is that Rivera allowed two more people in the Assembly Chambers than the COVID-19 health regulations allowed. (That allegation has not been proven definitively.) In fact, many of the people who want to repeal him have other motivations for wanting him out. They hold hard feelings about the Assembly approving buildings for homeless and treatment services, and enforcing the regulations that led to the temporary shutdown of bars and restaurants. Since the Assembly’s policies are in line with the CDC and other scientific knowledge, they can’t repeal him for that. Instead, they are trying to oust Rivera for a minor problem that may have occurred at one meeting.
Please don’t be fooled by this. Vote no on the recall to keep this hard-working and effective representative of Midtown and all of Anchorage.
— Cheryl Lovegreen
Anchorage
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