"We Have To Get The City Out Of Crisis Mode," Say The People In Charge Of Running City

Anchorage Assembly members showed signs of frustration during the Tuesday meeting as several of them complained that the city was stuck in a constant "crisis mode".

"Winter is upon us and again and all we've managed to do during the summer was spend millions of dollars with nothing to show for it," whined Felix Rivera. "Its like, the people in charge, whomever they are, don't actually want to fix anything," the three-term assemblyperson continued.

Chris Constant, the Assembly Chair and also in his third term agreed. "In my eight years of service, the city has spent over $250 million dollars on homelessness and somehow the problem has gotten worse! When are the people in charge going to stand up and DOOOOOO something?" he caterwauled.

Kameron Perez-Verdia, also in his third term, wrote via email the next day that he was also at a loss for words on why the city leadership keeps failing. "You know, I haven't been to a meeting in about four years...but I hear it's pretty rough in there. Not very motivating for me to show up I'll tell ya what!" he wrote.

Meg Zaletel, also in her third term, struck a harsher tone Tuesday. "It's just ridiculous. You would think that somebody would have stood up and done something to fix these problems. If anyone knows anyone, I am begging you, please let us know so that we can speak with them."

Mayor LaFrance, who served several terms on the Assembly before taking over as mayor this Spring, was also frustrated. "It's tough business this business," she said. "The idea has been floated that maybe the city should look at hiring a third-party leadership team to come in and fix our issues but after Assembly and Mayoral salaries are accounted for, there's just no money left."

There are multiple seats up for reelection in April, 2025. Maybe, new people with fresh ideas will emerge.