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Articles by Christopher Constant
Opinion: DOT is choosing to build the Safer Seward Highway controversy instead of safer Anchorage roads
Vehicles traveling the Seward Highway pass by Beluga Point on July 21. (Bill Roth / ADN) The Anchorage Daily News editorial board is right that the July 1 crash at Potter Marsh was a horror, and that the Seward Highway’s narrow, undivided lanes make a head-on collision a matter of when, not if (“The road ahead for the Seward Highway,” Aug. 22). Nobody who has driven that road thinks it’s safe as built.
Opinion: Five strong candidates show why Alaska’s open primary is worth protecting
A welcome sign on Klondike Highway at the Alaska-Canada border near Skagway . (iStock / Getty Images) Alaska’s primary for governor this year has handed me something rare: five candidates I could genuinely get behind, coming from five different corners of the political map. Meda DeWitt leads with the platform I find most serious about the people our state too often leaves behind — the vulnerable and the diverse communities that make up modern Alaska.
Opinion: Incumbent Dan cried conspiracy and then Republicans built one
Dan J. Sullivan from Petersburg, right, is challenging Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan, left, in Alaska's 2026 U.S. Senate race. (Photos provided by Dan J. Sullivan, right, and by Bill Roth / ADN, left) Every accusation by Trump Republicans is a confession. There is nothing more common these days than Republicans arguing that elections are beautiful when they are winning and rigged when they are losing. Sen.
Opinion: Anchorage at 50 is full of potential and facing a choice
Christopher Constant holds a gavel that was presented to him on his last day as Anchorage Assembly chair on Tuesday, April 28. (Bill Roth / ADN) When I was first elected to the Anchorage Assembly nine years ago, I made a promise to North Anchorage and downtown that I would show up, do the work, and tell the truth. On April 28, I kept the promise one final time, and I want to keep it here, too, as I close this chapter. I have described Anchorage as a teenager. I mean it as a compliment and a caution.
Letter: The audacity of good legislation crossing party lines
Someone mark the calendar. I am a Democrat from Anchorage. Rep. Kevin McCabe of Big Lake is, to put it simply, not. On most days, finding common ground between us would require a search party and a detailed map. And yet here we are. Rep. McCabe is right: Gov. Dunleavy should sign SB 64. McCabe lays it out plainly. This bill delivers ballot tracking, prepaid return envelopes, curing of fixable errors and stronger voter roll verification. These are things the governor himself asked for back in 2022.
Opinion: After generations of struggle, Anchorage has no major homeless encampments
Abatement of the homeless encampment at Davis Park and adjacent areas in Mt. View on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (Bill Roth / ADN) I will not bury the lede. For the first time in a generation, Anchorage has no major homeless encampments.
Opinion: Anchorage Assembly advocacy isn’t overreach - it’s leadership
Assembly member Keith McCormick, foreground, and Chair Christopher Constant converse during an assembly meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. (Bill Roth / ADN) Americans for Prosperity Alaska Brett Huber’s critique of the Anchorage Assembly (“Anchorage Assembly’s misplaced priorities are driving the city toward higher taxes,” Feb.
Opinion: When revenue disappears, Anchorage doesn’t get smaller - it gets slow
Anchorage's City Hall, center in teal, photographed on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Loren Holmes / ADN) I appreciated the recent commentary by the leader of the so-called Americans for Prosperity group operating in Alaska, arguing that a sales tax is inequitable. On that point, I agree. Sales taxes fall hardest on working families and seniors, and any serious revenue discussion should acknowledge that reality rather than wave it away.
Opinion: Anchorage’s 50th municipal anniversary is a reminder of what local government can be
On Friday, Nov. 7, we gathered at the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the voter-created Municipality of Anchorage. The evening was energetic: a bustling civics fair where municipal departments and local nonprofits invited residents into their work, and a lively film and history talk in the museum theatre by Anchorage historian David Reamer. These events set the tone for a night of civic pride and community connection.
Opinion: Alaska’s military already knows what strength looks like
Rep. Kevin McCabe’s recent opinion column about the military (“The military’s mission is to win wars, not woke dogma”) says more about his worldview than about the troops he presumes to defend. In Alaska, where military communities are among the most diverse, capable and cohesive institutions we have, it’s odd to see a legislator from Big Lake lecturing them about unity. Our bases are filled with people from every corner of America and much of the world.
Opinion: We’re days away from a vote that could gut Alaska school programs and services
On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the State Board of Education will decide whether to adopt a regulation that threatens to rip away critical services for our children and for families across Alaska. The danger is immediate, and the consequences could be devastating. Here is the truth: Alaska is the only state still bound by a federal requirement called the disparity test. Earlier this year, the state failed that test.
Opinion: What happens when we treat our neighbors like enemies
Elected officials make decisions every day as we engage in the work. Sometimes, critical moments arise that show our mettle. Last week was one of those times. To the supporters of Charlie Kirk, his death is first and foremost a human tragedy. A young father, husband, son, and movement leader has been taken from those who loved and supported him, and nothing can undo the grief they are now enduring. And that is their right. There were also many who expressed they felt his passing deserved no mourning.
Opinion: Ranked choice voting broadens democracy, it doesn’t flatten it
In his opinion piece in the ADN earlier this week (“The impact of ranked choice voting and monoculture governance in Alaska“), Rep. Kevin McCabe warns that ranked choice voting creates an ideological “monoculture.” In fact, the opposite is true. The real monoculture is the old system he praises, where low-turnout primaries and two-party dominance meant Alaskans were forced to choose between extremes, and many voices were shut out entirely.
Opinion: Fifty years of Anchorage memories - and here’s to 50 years more
What was Anchorage before the Muni? In 1975, the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough united into what we now know as the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA). From the community council system to our service areas, the decisions voters and local leaders made 50 years ago laid the foundation for our community today. Before unification, the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough operated as separate and often conflicting local governments.
Letter: Volland has been effective on Anchorage Assembly
I’m writing to share my strong support for the reelection of Daniel Volland to the Anchorage Assembly. Over the past three years, I’ve had the honor of serving alongside Daniel, and I can say without hesitation: he is one of the hardest-working, most principled public servants I’ve known. Daniel Volland has shown up — day in and day out — to do the real work of local government. Hard work.
Letter: Anchorage alcohol ID checks hardly a ‘feel good’ measure
The ADN editorial board recently used its precious column inches to castigate the Anchorage Assembly for requiring ID checks at bars and restaurants. As if this issue is anywhere near the most vital matter capturing their attention.
Letter: A serious election problem
In August, the state Division of Elections failed to deliver ballots and open polling places in several rural communities in western and northwestern Alaska, regions with the highest concentration of Alaska Native voters. At best, this was a terrible mistake; at worst, it appears to be an attempt to disenfranchise Alaska Native voters. Either way, it is unacceptable.
Letter: Welcome and chin'an to AFN attendees
As our neighbors from across the state gather this week for the Alaska Federation of Natives convention, we as the leadership of the Anchorage Assembly wish to welcome everyone to Anchorage and thank you for supporting our community with this incredible event. The convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of Native peoples and we are honored that AFN is once again hosting the event in Anchorage, on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people.
OPINION: Eklutna power plan does a disservice to Anchorage residents
The ADN editorial board recently asked if the Eklutna power plan is a “perfect compromise” or “failure by committee.” Their conclusion was the former, but in reality, it is the latter for the very flaws the editorial board pointed out in the lack of public process utilized by Chugach Electric and Matanuska Electric.
OPINION: Investing in infrastructure we can maintain
A young girl and her grandfather enjoy an afternoon downtown while the girl’s parents are busy at work. Suddenly, the girl says with a worried look and crossed legs: “Grandpa, I gotta go!” He holds her hand and scans the area, realizing as he stands up that he’s also “gotta go.” But where? The park doesn’t have a porta-potty, the mall is several blocks away, and finding a store with a restroom will mean buying something — if they have a restroom at all. Where can they go? Where would you go?
OPINION: Eklutna - at what cost, to whom?
Three points of view have recently appeared here about restoration of the Eklutna River: those of the power utilities, a national nonprofit and the Native Village of Eklutna. It is great to see such engagement on the topic, with the public comment period now underway through Feb. 17 and three public meetings set for Palmer on Jan. 16, Anchorage on Jan. 17 and Eagle River on Jan. 18.
OPINION: Welcome, AFN - Quyana for being here
As our neighbors from all across the state gather this week for the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention, we as the leadership of the Anchorage Assembly wish to welcome everyone to Anchorage and say quyana for supporting our community with this incredible event.
OPINION: Bronson’s budget is indeed a fantasy
The Anchorage Daily News editorial board issued a hilariously distorted opinion regarding comments I made about Mayor Dave Bronson’s proposed budget for 2024. The board suggested that the budget process is a negotiation, the mayor’s proposal is fair, that my mission is to raise taxes, and that the members of the Assembly should be the “adults in the governance process.” The board took exception to my use of the word “fantasy,” labeling it hyperbole. Maybe they were right.
OPINION: The Alaska Railroad holds the fate of the Fish Creek Trail connection
The Fish Creek Trail is a neighborhood jewel, connecting neighborhoods throughout West Anchorage. It offers a safe corridor that connects schools, parks, the Spenard Rec Center, and more. Soon, the trail will extend to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, opening the corridor to many more Alaskans and visitors. However, one family is seeking a personal lease that would not only block the best trail route, but would cause delays and add millions to the cost of the project.
OPINION: Solving Anchorage homelessness will take more than local funding
There’s a narrative taking hold in Anchorage that the homelessness crisis could be solved if the mayor and Assembly would just work together, and that homelessness is the result of ineffective local government, and that a tent at the corner of Tudor and Elmore is the answer. However, focusing on local government’s role alone misses the big picture of state, national and global problems that have amassed to get us here.
OPINION: Support your neighbors by shopping local
The holidays are here, and there is no better way to celebrate than by supporting local businesses, which provides a gift that keeps on giving. Although online retailers provide convenience and, often, value-driven gifts, those dollars spent leave the state and provide no benefits to Alaskans. Alaskan-owned businesses keep our dollars in our state and also provide jobs to Alaskans.
OPINION: Welcome, AFN attendees. We’re glad you’re here.
As Anchorage Assembly leadership, we extend a warm welcome to the delegates, family members and others who are traveling from all over the state to attend the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage. We are honored that AFN has chosen to gather here on the traditional lands of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and we are excited to be the host city for the first in-person meeting in two years.
Giving thanks to the downtown Anchorage coffee shop for creating a community
If downtown serves as both Anchorage’s front porch, where we welcome guests, and our living room, where we gather to celebrate and sometimes commiserate, no place is more like the hearth of our community than Side. Street espresso. It has provided a place for a daily caffeine boost, for business leaders to compromise and coordinate for the future of our city, for musicians to hone their craft and artists to showcase their work.
OPINION: Giving thanks for a downtown Anchorage coffee shop that created community
If Downtown functions as both Anchorage’s front porch, where we welcome guests, as well as our living room, where we gather to celebrate and occasionally commiserate, nowhere has felt more like our community’s hearth than Side Street Espresso. It has provided a place for that daily caffeine boost, a location for business leaders to compromise and coordinate for the future of our city, for musicians to hone their craft and for artists to display their work.
OPINION: Are the Bronson administration’s mistakes a sign of corruption or incompetence?
Dave Bronson’s tenure as mayor has been a whirlwind: scandals, lies, incompetence and head-scratchingly poor decisions. Bronson and Municipal Manager Amy Demboski have prolifically beat the public over the head with misdoings to the degree that it feels normal. Turn off fluoridation of the water? Odd choice, but OK. Refusing to implement the approved budget? How’d that work out? There is a laundry list.
OPINION: It’s time to put politics aside to work for Anchorage
As Anchorage Assembly leadership, we frequently hear from constituents who want elected officials to put politics aside and work together for the benefit of the community. We hear you and we agree. Our priority for the Assembly is to keep this city moving in a positive, forward direction and see that municipal services are provided in a fair and fiscally responsible manner. Unfortunately, the reality is that it’s not just up to us. The Assembly is in a fight that we didn’t pick.
As state and local elected officials representing neighborhoods from East Anchorage to Westchester Lagoon to Spenard, we are writing to express our enthusiastic support for Dan Volland for the new North Anchorage Assembly seat. Dr. Volland is a small-business owner in Anchorage who is very involved in community groups including Rotary, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, and the South Addition Community Council.
Why did Mayor Bronson fire Anchorage’s chief equity officer?
Anchorage Assembly Vice Chair Christopher Constant speaks to the media after a special meeting at City Hall on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021. (Bill Roth / ADN) Diversity and equity are important to our community. We celebrate our diversity as a community and have made real commitments to achieve a more fair and just community. One of those commitments was the creation of the Office of Equity and Justice to promote the Municipality of Anchorage’s commitment to fairness for all of our residents.
Letter: Not trying to be mayor
By Christopher Constant Updated: 6 hours ago Published: 6 hours ago The municipal manager was recently quoted in the ADN as having said, “I recognize that the Assembly is having a really hard time accepting the fact that they’re not nine little mayors” in an article about the emerging “Watergate” scandal in which it appears that Mayor Dave Bronson and municipal manager Amy Demboski engaged in a cover-up and threat campaign against municipal employees to stop them from revealing the truth of...
Letter: Congratulations to Demboski
Legislators spend unnecessary energy loathing each other because of our political differences, which is a prime factor in preventing us from getting the work done we are hired to do. Rhetoric often divides us more than reality. When our citizens decide who they want to represent them, we need to remember that we work for them — which means everyone. We work for Democrats, Republicans, independents and more without any consideration of whether or not they voted for us.
More police, camp cleanups, return of families will restore Anchorage parks
The Park Foundation, park staff and the mayor are rolling out a new system of wayfinding to help people access and navigate our greenbelts. You'll see new signs and maps for this effort on and near the Ship Creek trail system this summer. This wayfinding effort is an important part of the solution because it brings more walkers, bike commuters and families to our parks.
Alaska Dispatch News
In the past three years, at least six people have been killed in pedestrian-vehicle collisions on the highways that cut through downtown Anchorage. Four of those fatalities have occurred in the last four months alone.These are their names:Phillip Chowak, 42, Jan. 30, 2013Arthur Mike, 36, Sept. 10, 2014Nathaniel Olemaun Jr., 72, Sept. 21, 2015Tyrone Milton, 56, Oct. 2, 2015Evelyn Buckles, 47, Oct. 27, 2015Edmund Kenneth Onalik, 60, Jan.
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