As a resident of District 1 (Downtown Anchorage), I am proud to support Daniel Volland for re-election. He is not only my Assembly member but also my friend, eye doctor, and neighbor. After reading the recent Anchorage Daily News article about his race, I was struck by the mischaracterization of his record and must set the record straight.

As a business owner, I’ve seen firsthand how complicated it can be to navigate Anchorage’s permitting process. Daniel Volland understands this struggle and has actively worked to reduce red tape, making it easier to do business in our city. He was a driving force behind repealing outdated parking minimums that stifled business growth, drove up costs, and hindered economic development. Daniel Volland recognizes that sometimes the best thing government can do is step aside and let businesses thrive.

Daniel Volland has also played a key role in improving the cleanliness and safety of our parks and trails. I live near Valley of the Moon Park, and the positive changes in recent months are evident. Daniel Volland supports increasing treatment options and ensuring our public spaces remain safe and accessible for everyone. I want more of this, not less.

When it comes to housing, Daniel Volland has been a leader in eliminating unnecessary regulations that have kept homeownership out of reach for many. Thanks to his efforts, residents can now more easily build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and multi-family housing—options that allow more people to afford homes and create rental opportunities. Nearly everyone I know who has purchased a home in the past five years has done so with the help of rental income from their property. Daniel Volland’s policies help real people, not bureaucracies.

Unfortunately, some of his opponents and their supporters have resorted to vague, misleading criticisms of Daniel and his character. The ADN article quotes one critic saying, “No one will say ‘we’re against more housing’… but it’s about the process.” What process? They must be referring to the process that has resulted in the chronic housing shortage that Daniel Volland is working to fix.

Another critic claims that Daniel is “combative” and “alienates people.” That is simply not the person I have known for five years. He is measured, kind, and always looking for common ground. These attacks, which are provided with no evidence, feel less like legitimate critiques and more like political smokescreens from those who oppose his forward-thinking policies.

Daniel Volland is a pragmatic leader who is getting things done. He is making Anchorage more business-friendly, making our parks clean and safe, and expanding housing options for residents. His record speaks for itself, and I proudly support him for re-election. I encourage my fellow District 1 residents to do the same.

Bryce Coryell was born and raised in Anchorage and supports housing, in “his backyard” and elsewhere. He is an entrepreneur and business owner. He resides in Anchorage Assembly District 1.