Walt Monegan is Running for Mayor of Anchorage!
It’s official. Tomorrow, former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan will file his paperwork, and throw his hat in the ring as a candidate for the Anchorage mayoral seat about to be vacated by current Mayor Mark Begich.
Begich will head to Washington D.C. as Alaskas Junior Senator and leave the Chair of the Anchorage Assembly, Matt Claman in the role of Acting Mayor until the election in the spring.
Matt Claman has been unwilling to say whether he will run for the seat he will temporarily occupy between January and April, or not. My guess is that he will not. His wishy-washiness to date has been aggravating, and the fact that there are already two strong progressive candidates in Croft and Selkregg means that the addition of Claman and the potential splitting of the vote could feasibly result in Dan Sullivan being elected, which many would consider disastrous.
The mayoral field is crowded. Monegan will be running against Anchorage Assembly member Sheila Selkregg, former legislator Eric Croft, former Assembly member Dan Sullivan, and former police spokesman Paul Honeman.
Monegan has recently spoken at the Bartlett Democratic Club Luncheon, and also at the University of Alaska. The theme for his talks was “ethics in government.” Alaskans are generally not familiar with that term.
And what does he have to say about the ethics of our current Governor?
“I think there could be improvement. Let me put it that way.”
Monegan is not giving details of his campaign until the paperwork is filed tomorrow.
His ouster at the hands of Sarah Palin, and the ensuing ethics investigation which found her guilty of abuse of power had the effect of catapulting Monegan into the national spotlight. His support in Anchorage is widespread both among law enforcement personnel and the public at large. He will be a formidable opponent.
Let the games begin!
Thanks for the exciting news, AKM!
“I think there could be improvement. Let me put it that way.”
That pretty much says it all….
If I lived in Anchorage he would have my vote. It is my understanding that he is also involved in Native affairs? So they would have someone speaking for them since the governor doesn’t give a hoot.
Yes, you need a Progressive/Ethical Alaska!!!
AKM-
I know you were hopeful he’d run for Governor, but do you think he’s running for mayor to gain political experience? What are his chances- you said there are other strong candidates…
Yes, I was hoping he would run for governor. I think his experience and passion for rural issues is very much needed, and it seems to me that this might be the best use of his talents and abilities. He may very well be looking for the mayoral experience before pursuing that path.
There are other good candidates. Dan Sullivan is the only bad apple in the barrel. I’ve sat through too many Assembly meetings when he was a member to ever want to see him again in any public office.
I think Monegan will be a strong candidate. He’s got an impressive resume, and some pretty good name recognition. I’ll be interested in hearing more about his policy stances as the months unfold. But, as far as character and ethics issues, I like what I see. And that’s saying something!
“I think there could be improvement. Let me put it that way.”
The Master of Understatement…
Is Walt a Democrat? I’m concerned that all of these Democratic candidates will split the vote allowing the totally unacceptable Dan Sullivan to cruise to a victory. I know a lot of people who strongly support Sheila Selkregg.
I am concerned too about splitting the progressive vote. Honestly, I was hoping that neither Selkregg nor Claman would run, simply because we JUST got a progressive majority in the Assembly and I don’t want to see that jeapordized. I wish both would stay put and continue doing their good work there.
Eric Croft is another strong progressive candidate who many are supporting. And he is not currently holding office, so he wouldn’t deplete the group that’s already in.
I don’t know much about Honeman except that a close friend of mine who is a progressive will be working on his campaign and respects him a great deal.
There will be lots of decision making going on!
whooooo-go walt-i hope he does a good job if he wins
I am so glad to hear this news! How can we help AKM? From Mayor to Governor for Walt!
This will keep Troopergate right in the face of Sarah-the-Liar for months.
But what if he is elected? Eighteen months later the (new) Governor of Alaska will be sworn in. Is this an indication he’s not interested in Governor?
I hope the locals are taking note of all the petty politicking that’s currently going on at the Assembly. I wouldn’t elect any of the participants in that, no matter what their politics.
Good for him. So, ethics in office in Alaska seems to be on the upswing. Is this SP’s incentive to refuse that 25k raise? Maybe trying at this late date to prove her commitment to Alaska’s wellbeing? Naw, somebody whispered in her ear that taking that increase would look bad in the mainstream media……and as we all know, she really doesn’t need any more bad press, bless her heart. especially when she’s gearing up for that 2012 run.
It would be nice if he got the experience there in Anchorage, I wish him well!
All the talk about the work, and the recommendation that the politicians receive a pay raise. IF they do the work, I can understand that , then so be it.
The main consideration to even serve in office, would be to get people who are more educated. i.e. for state office, require the people get a masters in business or political science and we need to raise our standards.
It seems awhile back, they did that story on Monegan and it looked like he had quite an impressive resume. Good luck, I wish I can vote there!
Please let us know where to send a campaign contribution.
PS to the guv — I’m still waiting to hear your condemnation of the racist emails.
moneganformayor.com is under construction.
Maybe the Democrats/Progressives can get together for breakfast and work this thing out so that the worst candidate will not win. No primary I take it?
Too bad none of the progressives you seem to have in abundance in Anchorage can’t be spared to move to Eagle River to run against ol’ dipsh*t spammy email whatsisname (Dyson?).
AKM, do you use the word ‘progressive’ because it includes both dems and repubs?
Most of Alaskan voters are registered either Independent, Non-Partisan or Unaffiliated. Also, there are some Democrats who would be Republicans anywhere else in the country. So I guess I use the progressive>>>conservative sliding scale to identify where people are in comparison to others. It’s tough to use political party labels and have it mean anything really accurate. Also, the mayor is technically a non-partisan position.
AKM
and independents? (but not AIP, who are by definition not progressive…)
Hooray!
“And what does he have to say about the ethics of our current Governor?
“I think there could be improvement. Let me put it that way.” ”
I’m lovin’ it.
The current and past governors set the bar so low for ethics, it wouldn’t even hit me in the shin! And I’m short!
It’s always nice to hear that an ethical man is willing to throw his hat in the ring. So often the choices are between dumb and dumber or unethical or down right illegal, as is in convicted felon.
Walt Monegan is about to enter politics, talk about a dream come true. He h Alaska, in a town called Nyac, by his maternal grandparents. At that time, Nyac was a gold mining community with a population of 54 people and a one room school house. After attending one year of college at Alaska Methodist University, Walt enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1970.
In January of 1974, Walt was hired as a patrolman with the Anchorage Police Department. Since that time he has worked in every division and almost every unit of the Department including Internal Affairs, Crime Prevention, Communications, and Detectives, but always enjoyed his time on Patrol which he returned to frequently. Walt has attended Northwestern University Traffic Institute Police School of Staff and Command and University of Louisville National Crime Prevention Institute.
I want to send a donation to his campaign, and then more once Christmas is over. What is the link for his mayoral campaign, AKM?
Do you know, if you had told me four months ago that I would be interested in who the next mayor of Anchorage would be, I wouldn’t have believed you. Thank you for the political education AKM. And go Walt!!!
Hey, do you guys remember when SP brushed off the mainstream media and didnt answer the question whether or not she will run for President in 2012? Then she went back to Alaska and said, if there was a crack in the door, she will plow right through, well, this might seem off topic, but i came across this video and it reminded me of her.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaP5LyVYyH0&feature=related watch this closely, at about 35 sec into the video, you can see this character “plowing through the door” So funny.
If all the people like this, I believe WM has a good shot.
Sounds like this is great news for AK! After ms. ‘gut a moose’ tried and failed miserably to ruin this man’s life and reputation, he has overcome all her evil machinations and perseveres. Good for him and for the people. He deserves to serve the people up there with intelligent professionalism. A vote for Mr. Monegan would show that all AK voters do not want to continue to support the crooks and liars like SP and her mentor felon.
Just the thought of Sarah seeing Walt’s signs everywhere and it grinding that pea-sized brain of hers………and little decals of the mudflats logo with the phrase “we’re watching” stuck everywhere………little penguins bleating “e-mail..e-mail “
AKM “Also, the mayor is technically a non-partisan position.”
Lordy the POTUS should also be a non-partisan position. A governorship should be nonpartisan. Let Congress be partisan – they can have brawls similar to the Korean Parliament. . .
from the ADN:
The city filing period for the mayor’s race doesn’t open until Jan. 30, but the letter of intent allows candidates to set up campaigns and begin to collect political contributions.
moneganformayor.com – I have it bookmarked.
When can I come to Alaska to help him become Mayor? Then, we can move on to Governor in 2012 and Sarah Palin can be flushed down the toilet like the crap she spews!!
At the very least, he’d be a governor that actually KNOWS what the law IS…. (/snark)
that stinks!!!! he needs to run for GOV… Darn it anyway..
Has Bristol dropped the latest Palin pup ??? ……..wonder what the name is gonna be…………something absurd I’m sure……
@austintx,
Hey austin! Why don’t you join over at the forum – there’s even a thread discussing possible baby names for Bristol and Levi’s little bundle coming soon. So many wonderful posters here have not made the jump to the fourms; but it’s fun and there are lively discussions. Only takes a few visits to figure out the navigation of the threads, etc.
I see others here who should make the jump too!
As far as Walt goes…this is great news. I am glad to see others entering this race that are good candidates as well; makes me think there’s hope in Alaska! Also, too….
Hallelujia, Monegan for Mayor.
Will he be a problem for sp? you betcha.
Greetings AKM and all,
Firstly – I am actually pleased to welcome my former boss Walt Monegan to the campaign trail. I would have preferred that Walt run for a state seat – and offered to assist in his campaign for Lt Gov. or Gov in 2010. Either way – Walt was classy enough to call me yesterday and advised that he would be running for Mayor as one of my competitors.
I am and always have been non-partisan in my registration and my vote. I am fiscally conservative and yet progressively concerned about the proper, efficient and effective delivery of city government services.
I am the ONLY candidate who has run for this seat before and I must state that I am not interested in any other elected office. Can you really say that about my challengers? I ask this in the context that a ‘professional politician’ as we have experienced time and again does not always act in the best interest of the taxpayer when constantly considering their ‘next job’.
Selkregg and Sullivan (possibly Claman) – Assembly, Mayor, what next??
Croft, Legislator, oh wait – no Governor, nah – Mayor (what next)
I respect and even like each and every other person for many reasons, and yet the main reason for my becoming Mayor of Anchorage is to demonstrate that Alaskans deserve better than the partisanship bickering and politically motivated service delivery – or lack thereof in our great city.
I believe that my biggest challenge will be explaining to voters why I am deeper and broader than just public safety. And I am up to that challenge for those willing to openly communicate. Please visit http://www.honemanformayor.com to learn more. I look forward to the April election. At the end of the day – actions speak louder than words. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Anchorage!
I look forward to serving as your Mayor.
Paul Honeman
wow! nice letter Mr. Honeman, I appreciate your candor. And will wish you the best.. and pray you are a man of your word. allot of Alaskan’s are feeling deceived and betrayed by state officials at this time..
Welcome to Mudflats, Paul Honeman. Great to have some Alaskans here using their real name!!