Richard Mandsager

By Richard Mandsager Updated: 1 day ago Published: 1 day ago I was saddened to read last week about threats to Dr. Anne Zink and her family. In my opinion, Dr. Zink has served all of us Alaskans incredibly well. She is articulate (oral speech, written communication and social media), incredibly knowledgable, compassionate and thoughtful. She also makes herself available to all of us for questions and comments. I served in the same position as Dr. Zink during Gov. Frank Murkowski’s term (2004-2006).

Right before Thanksgiving, Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson announced that the Municipality of Anchorage was no longer pursuing purchase of the old Alaska Club on Tudor Road. Readers will remember the debate last summer about possible purchase of four properties to help individuals experiencing homelessness.

Can we get our city ‘to be more like Sully’? I want to thank the mayor and the Anchorage Assembly for developing a plan for smaller, distributed adult day and night shelters with engagement centers. The COVID-19 pandemic has enabled us to learn a great deal about the positive impacts that happen when there is more space for people experiencing homelessness and when we provide a resource hub.