Politics

South Anchorage Assemblyman Bill Evans says he won't seek second term

Anchorage Assemblyman Bill Evans said he has decided not to seek a second term on the Assembly next year, opening up a South Anchorage seat in the April 2017 city election.

"I think I did a good job over three years, and I'm satisfied with that," Evans said in an interview Thursday. "I'm not one of those that think people should make politics a career."

Evans, elected in 2013, has become one of the Assembly's more prolific sponsors of legislation.

He spearheaded a contentious ordinance to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, which passed in September 2015 but faced opposition from social conservatives who helped elect him. He's also sought to deregulate the city taxi industry and introduce a sales tax.

He also drafted language aimed at reversing a move by the administration of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz to change the calculation of the city tax cap. The ordinance didn't pass the Assembly, but Evans' language became the basis of a successful referendum in November.

Evans chairs the Assembly's committees on homelessness and public safety.

Another Assemblyman up for re-election, Tim Steele, said Thursday he's leaning against seeking a second term.

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"At this time, I don't think I'm going to," Steele said. "We'll have to wait and see."

Steele has not yet submitted paperwork to the state campaign regulatory agency that would allow him to start accepting campaign donations.

With Evans saying he's out and Steele on the fence, it appears more likely than ever that the 11-member body will see significant turnover next year.

Three Assembly members — chair Elvi Gray-Jackson of Midtown, Bill Starr of Chugiak-Eagle River and Patrick Flynn of downtown — are barred by term limits from running again.

Gray-Jackson, Starr and Flynn have each served nearly three consecutive three-year terms on the body.

Assemblyman Pete Petersen of East Anchorage is also up for re-election next year. Petersen couldn't' be reached for comment Thursday, but his aide, David Dunsmore — who is also a downtown Assembly candidate — said Petersen will be seeking a second term. 

Devin Kelly

Devin Kelly was an ADN staff reporter.

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