Political group attacks South Anchorage Assembly candidate from both left and right with contradictory mailers

South Anchorage Election Turns Chaotic as Political Group Unleashes Contradictory Attack Mailers

Just days before the municipal election, South Anchorage residents are facing a confusing barrage of political messaging as a newly formed group, Friends of the Good Guys, has launched a pair of sharply contrasting mailers targeting incumbent Assemblymember Zac Johnson and his opponents, Janelle Sharp and Bruce Vergason.

The campaign mailers, initially flagged on social media by the Alaska Landmine political blog, present a bizarre and potentially misleading picture of the candidates’ positions. One mailer paints Johnson as a “rubber stamp” for “far-left politics and political theater,” accusing him of embracing overly progressive policies. It then urges voters to support Bruce Vergason, highlighting his fiscal conservatism. Conversely, the second mailer accuses Johnson of concealing a “far-right, conservative voting record” and allegedly supporting the “MAGA Agenda.” The back of the mailer promotes Janelle Sharp, emphasizing her commitment to safer communities, robust public schools, and affordable housing for working families. Friends of the Good Guys, which filed paperwork with the Alaska Public Offices Commission just weeks ago, initially avoided disclosing its funding sources, only revealing its finances on Monday evening – seven days before the crucial April 7th election deadline.

What This Means for Anchorage

This sudden and aggressive campaign tactic raises serious questions about transparency and the potential for misinformation in our local election. Anchorage residents deserve to know who is funding these attacks and what their motivations are. The conflicting messaging could sow confusion and potentially sway voters away from informed decisions about who represents their interests on the Assembly. It’s a reminder that local elections matter deeply, impacting everything from our schools and parks to the future of affordable housing in neighborhoods like Spenard and Lake Hood.

Local Context

Alaska’s unique landscape and history – from the vast wilderness surrounding Anchorage to the strong ties to subsistence traditions and the significant presence of the military – shape our community in profound ways. Our Assembly members play a vital role in balancing the needs of a growing city with the preservation of our natural resources and the respect for the values of Alaska Native communities, including the Chugach Alaska Corporation and the numerous villages surrounding Anchorage. The rapid pace of development and the need for responsible resource management are constant conversations in South Anchorage.

What to Know

If you’ve received these mailers, take a moment to critically evaluate the claims being made. You can research each candidate’s voting record on the Anchorage Assembly website (www.anchorageak.gov/assembly) and compare their stated positions. The Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) website (www.apoc.alaska.gov) allows you to track campaign finance disclosures. Don’t let confusing messaging distract you from making an informed choice on April 7th.

Anchorage residents, let’s ensure a fair and transparent election by staying informed and engaging in the democratic process. Let’s work together to elect leaders who truly represent the values and priorities of our community.