Sorry, for such a late report on the recent elections in Anchorage but I have not been online much in the past 5-6 weeks (I know, those of you who know me well will be amazed at that statement!!!).

For those of you living in Anchorage, this news will surely not be NEWS but for those on this list who live in other parts of Alaska or Outside, we had some very GOOD news during our Spring elections.

First, Mayor Rick Mystrom was reelected. Although Mystrom is a conservative Republican, he attempts to project a more moderate image than his opponent--former Mayor Tom Fink. Far more rightwing than normal conservatives, Fink seems to be the leader of the Neanderthal wing of the Republican party in Alaska. Fink also appointed anti-gay members to the Municipal Equal Right Commission during his two terms as mayor...including the rabidly anti-gay Michael Johnston (the ex-gay with AIDS who championed every anti-gay item in Alaska for the last 4 years).

EQUAL (EQuality Under Alaska Law), Alaska's largest predominately gay/lesbian political group, supported Mystrom for the sole purpose of defeating Fink. For the first time since its inception in the late 80's, every candidate supported by EQUAL won their race. Congratulations to those of you who live and vote in Anchorage.

The most dramatic races were those for School Board. Progessives/moderates held a 4-3 margin on the outgoing Board with 2 progressives (Harriet Drummond & Debbie Osiander) and 1 conservative (Lorraine Ferrell) up for election. Religious Political Extremists and the Republican Party were thought to be strong enough to win both the progessive seats and take over the Board with a 5-2 margin. Instead both Progressives (Drummond & Ossiander) won and the incumbent conservative Board member (Ferrell) was beaten by a liberal former principal (Rita Holthouse). Progessives now hold a 5-2 margin on the Board. This is very good considering the conservatives even voted no concerning AIDS education this past year when it passed by a slim 4-3 margin.

Surveys after the election revealed the public is beginning to see the hidden agenda the rightwing is using. Several persons stated the candidates were more concerned with religious views than educating children. There was also concern as to why all three conservative candidates had their children enrolled in private schools (Anchorage Christian School----Anchorage Baptist Temple).

Send me anything you would like to be distributed to others on my list and have a great spring/summer. Can't beat what we have had in Anchorage over the past 7-8 weeks!

Later

Dan