Dear neighbor,
One of our two opponents finally showed up! Typically, this is great for democracy. Anchorage’s voters deserve a wide range of choices to choose the elected leader who best represents their values. Except in this case, “late” is probably not better than “never.”
Even with two fully organized campaigns running for Seat D, only one is running transparently. That should deeply concern us all.
Sharon Gibbons, a former substitute teacher and protégé of Dave Donley, filed for an exemption to run for this seat, meaning she is not expected to raise or spend more than $5,000.00.
Yet, Gibbons lacks all the legally required “paid for by” disclaimer elements on her Facebook page, campaign website, and direct donation page, violating laws designed to maintain transparency in our elections.
Further, she is hosting campaign events with well-funded far-right elected officials like Dave Donley and Jared Goecker, who have staunchly committed their influence to hurting teachers and public education as a whole.
Our opponent operates with a total lack of transparency regarding her campaign finances. Voters deserve to know exactly where her campaign funds are coming from, especially given the missing or incomplete disclaimers on her website and donation pages, and the fact that she’s holding fundraising events.
I would welcome the opportunity to ask her about her fundraising directly, but she has simply quit showing up to public events. In fact, she is dodging tonight’s West Anchorage candidate forum to hold a private fundraising event with well-to-do donors.
This race comes down to basic integrity. We are running against someone who believes the rules do not apply to her. From dodging public debates to hiding campaign finances, Sharon Gibbons is running a campaign in the dark.
Quyanaa, thank you,
Paul
**Please vote for Paul McDonogh – Seat D and return your ballot to a secure drop location by April 7 so we can get to work together.