Alaska Governor's Board Picks Resign Amid Controversy

0:00It's April 28th. You're listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news. Four Laskins appointed by Governor Mike Dunlevy to stay boards just step down right before a key legislative confirmation vote set for May. Seventh. Dunlevy sent letters to lawmakers on Friday and Monday letting them know the seats are now empty. This includes spots on the Alaska Judicial Council, Board of Massage Therapists, and Board of Nursing. Two of these picks stirred up real debate. John Wood on the Judicial Council dealt with lawsuits over his eligibility since he's a former attorney with a suspended license filling a non-lawyer. Slot. A superior court judge ruled him eligible, but an appeal is still pending. Another council appointee faced similar pushback because she lives in Anchorage, not a small community under 2,500 people as required. Folks were vocal about their concerns, especially around wood. House Judiciary Chair Andrew Gray, a Democrat from Anchorage, got flooded with emails,

1:00calls, and even heard opposition at public forums. He had a hearing lined up for Wednesday, but now that's off the table. The other two, Victoria Acree from North Pole on the Massage Board and Ashley Scali on the Nursing Board, didn't face any public drama or hearings. Wood himself says it's not about the controversy. He's turning 80 soon and wants to focus on family time instead of council schedules. Lawmakers can still mix nominees with a simple majority, like they did with two of Dunleabies last year. These resignations dodged that fight, but it highlights the tension between the governor's choices and legislative oversight in Alaska politics.