The lack of a clear, bold and ambitious vision for the city of Anchorage is squarely the Assembly’s fault. Why? Mayor Bronson is insultingly inept.
Lambasting his inability to govern would write itself. Any responsible government would have plowed the streets, fielded a competent staff and met the basic needs of the people. That the Assembly has not aggressively asserted control is the real problem. Fire alarms only help put out fires, but this is an earthquake. The usual rhetoric that calls for competency would simply mean a return to the status quo. The fire will have been put out, but the structural issues would remain.
But what is the status quo?
Out-migration, oil money and outdated models of governance. Sen. Dan Sullivan, for example, articulated a vision of economic growth that relied almost entirely on oil, mining and the federal government. This is an economic model that needs legislative protections to constantly grow, and one the assembly has not questioned.
More importantly, it’s a model the Assembly does not have an alternative to. So long as we mindlessly rely on Adam Smith’s “invisible hand,” any growth will necessarily depend upon market uncertainties. Flailing in the wind like this and hoping it blows your way is simply not a responsible economic vision. I am suggesting that we need to be proactive — define the city’s economic future, and use a flashlight to see where we are going.
Today, candidates rightfully blame the lack of state funds, budget shortfalls, and shrunken tax base. Sure. But the people need more than just blame, they need a clear vision. This begins with modernized oversight, reasserting Assembly powers and splintering the various offices into directly elected, nonpartisan positions. Libraries, for example, deserve the protections of a nonpartisan election.
Next, the Economic Development Committee should do more than review permits. The city should task it with articulating the boldest possible vision for growth. This means identifying priority industries that Alaskans need to reduce the cost of living and having the city actively recruit them to Anchorage. Simply hoping oil money, STEM majors and tax cuts will save the day is not a solution. The mayor, inept as he is, should not be scapegoated for the Assembly’s lack of bold, imaginative and relentless leadership.
— Niels Bridger
Anchorage
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