Happy Solstice everyone! Today also happens to be my birthday. Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I hope everyone has a great Christmas this week. There is only one Sunday Minefield left before we hit 2026!
The Republican Senate minority chose Senator Mike Cronk (R – Tok) as their new leader, but not without some internal drama. Governor Mike Dunleavy (R – Alaska) has still not chosen replacements for the two vacant Mat-Su House seats. Things got wild at a packed meeting of the Palmer City Council due to an issue involving the Palmer Golf Course. The Anchorage Assembly voted 7-5 to change the city seal, a move that made many Anchorage residents unhappy. And some politicos are on the move.
A friendly message and reminder to all our readers. The Landmine is made possible by myself and a team of awesome Alaskans. I have been covering the legislative session in Juneau for the last seven years and will be heading back for my eighth session in January. If you enjoy the content we provide, please consider making a one time or recurring monthly donation. You can click here to donate. We have a system that makes it super easy. We would really appreciate it. And thanks to everyone who has been supportive.
Republican Senate minority chooses new leader, but not without problems
The following is an excerpt from this week’s edition of the Alaska Political Report. You can click here for more information about the Political Report. A subscription is $1,299/year per organization. Discounted pricing is available for non-profits and government entities. If you have any questions or would like to subscribe, please email jeff@akpoliticalreport.com.
This week, the reconstituted six-member Republican Senate minority chose Tok Sen. Mike Cronk as their new leader.
Cronk replaces Mike Shower, who resigned his seat in late October to focus on his campaign as Republican gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson’s running mate. He was replaced by Sutton now-Sen. George Rauscher.
Shelley Hughes also resigned her Senate seat in mid-November to focus on her campaign for governor. She was replaced by Wasilla now-Sen. Cathy Tilton.
Rauscher and Tilton were confirmed Nov. 29. Rather than quickly choosing a new minority leader, it became clear there was a split between the caucus’ more conservative members (Rauscher, Tilton, and Robb Myers of North Pole) and the more moderate members (Cronk, James Kaufman of Anchorage, and Rob Yundt of Wasilla).
Cronk, Kaufman, and Yundt all voted for the budget and to override GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s partial veto of education funding. The rare budget veto override, which took place in August during the special session, got 45 votes – the bare minimum required by the Alaska Constitution.
Myers, Tilton, and Rauscher voted against the budget and no on overriding Dunleavy’s veto.
Myers wanted to be minority leader, but so did Cronk. Each of them had three votes, one short of the four needed from the six-member group. Unlike the very public drama within the Republican House minority, the Senate minority quietly dealt with their issues — but issues persist nonetheless.
For starters, Cronk’s vote to override Dunleavy’s education veto does not bode well for the Senate minority’s relationship with the governor in the final year of his term.
Cronk is also keeping his seat on the finance committee. Sources report that it was made clear to the more conservative members of the minority that even if their caucus split with Cronk as minority leader, Cronk and Kaufman would be able to keep their finance seats — even though the reduction of the bloc’s size would typically cost the caucus one or both seats on the committee. The guarantee that Kaufman and Cronk could keep their seats is only something the Senate majority could promise — suggesting the mostly-Democratic majority helped sway the outcome of the vote for minority leader.
Other considerations also played into the choice of Cronk as minority leader. Rauscher will get a seat on the influential resources committee, replacing Hughes. Tilton will get a seat on the state affairs committee, replacing Yundt. Yundt will go to the education committee, replacing Cronk.
All committee assignments will be confirmed shortly after the legislative session convenes on Jan. 20 when the Committee on Committees meets.
The Political Report will again be covering the legislative session from Juneau.
Palmer Golf Course contract extended for one year
A Tuesday (12/16/2025) meeting of the Palmer City Council got wild when hundreds of people showed up to support the Palmer Golf Course. There were so many people in attendance that the location of the meeting had to be moved to accommodate everyone.
OMG! https://t.co/QVqtaqpBwn pic.twitter.com/kVMNDI5gde
— The Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) December 17, 2025
You may recall the Loose Unit in the December 7th Sunday Minefield was the City of Palmer, with a special mention for City Manager Kolby Hickel Zerkel. This was due to the fact that the city nearly let the contract for the operator of the golf course expire. It was set to expire on December 31, but the outpouring of support from the community resulted in the council extending the contract for one year.
If the contract had expired, it was not clear if the course would even operate next year as much work needs to be done in the winter to prepare for the summer golf season. The whole thing was either the result of incompetence by City Manager Hickel Zerkel, or a potentially more sinister attempt to shut down the golf course – which makes money for the city.
Seeing the writing on the wall, Hickel Zerkel actually attempted to take credit for fixing the issue with the contract. It was a brazen attempt to take credit for a problem she caused. Assembly member John Alcanrta pushed back, saying that she was looking for problems with the FAA and that she’s looking for a solution in search of a problem.
One observation about the Palmer people who showed up to testify, they did their homework and were very respectful. Testifiers ranged from golfers to employees to a Special Olympian to one girl who learned to golf there and is now attending college on a golf scholarship. It was great to see so many people organize and show up to support an asset so important to the community.
Other Happenings
The Resource Development Council announced Connor Hajdukovich as their new executive director. Congrats, Connor! He’s been interim director since October. Following the breaking of the glass ceiling by Steve Wackowski to lead the Alaska Oil & Gas Association, Connor is the second man to lead one of the industry trade groups. He’s the son of Leslie Hajdukovich, who unsuccessfully challenged Senator Scott Kawasaki (D – Fairbanks) last year. She now works as Representative Nick Begich’s (R – Alaska) Fairbanks director.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Heilala hired Tom Wright to be his campaign manager. Congrats, Tom! Wright worked as senior legislative staffer in the House for many years. Ryan Sheldon will stay on as deputy campaign manager.
The Landmine has confirmed the board of the Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant & Retailers Association (CHARR) is looking into former president/CEO Sarah Oates Harlow and how she may have got loose with her expense account. It sounds like it’s internal for now. She was let go in October.
Everyone in Southcentral should be paying close attention to the gas issue. If these low temperatures keep up and gas has to continually be pulled from the Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA), things could get dicey in March and April if there is a cold snap. Or if one or two of the wells were to fail now, that could also create a big problem. It’s so crazy the people in charge of our state have let our energy situation come to this.
Everyone in Southcentral should be aware that the colder it gets and the longer it lasts, Cook Inlet gas is being consumed at higher and higher rates. There’s limited storage and if the cold keeps up, things could get dicey later into the winter. Another Alaska failure. #akleg
— The Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) December 15, 2025
Another one! That makes 13 Republicans in the governor’s race.
Another one! Republican Henry Kroll of Soldotna filed to run for governor. At this rate there might be 25 Republicans on the primary ballot. #akleg pic.twitter.com/41zNig9VMb
— The Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) December 22, 2025
This Week’s Loose Unit
This week’s designee is as easy as it gets. This week’s Loose Unit is the Anchorage Assembly, specifically the seven members who voted to change the city seal: Chris Constant, Daniel Volland, Yarrow Silvers, George Martinez, Cameron Perez-Verdia, Felix Rivera, and Anna Brawley.
The fact that it only passed by one vote is telling. After a public survey the Assembly put out backfired, they went even further and chose a design that was not even one of the options! Classic Loose Unit behavior.
I have not seen this level of pushback and disgust from Anchorage residents against the Assembly since Covid. It’s hard to understand just what the hell they were thinking.
They cut out Captain Cook’s ship and the airplane. I can see why some would want to get rid of the ship (not me) but the eliminating the plane is super loose. Anchorage is a critical aviation hub for the world. It seems the most important reason for many of the yes votes was due to the weird Native worship feelings they hold.
How do you feel about the Anchorage Assembly vote last night to adopt a new city seal? It passed 7-5. pic.twitter.com/ZAKE6uiXkP
— The Alaska Landmine (@alaskalandmine) December 18, 2025
It was clear that Anchorage residents did not want the seal changed. Reasons ranged from the potential cost to wanting the Assembly to focus on the real issues affecting Anchorage to not liking the new designs. Regardless of the reasons, it was clear the vast majority did not want it changed.
I made a Facebook post on the Landmine page asking what people think of the new seal. With more than 400 comments, it’s hard to find a positive one.
If Mayor Suzanne LaFrance had any political sense, she would have vetoed the new design. The Assembly would not have the votes to override the veto. The whole thing is maximum loose and beyond comprehension.
If you have a nomination for this week’s Loose Unit, or if you have any political news, stories or gossip (or any old pics of politicians or public officials) please email me at jeff@alaskalandmine.com.
“It was clear that Anchorage residents did not want the seal changed.”
-Landfield
Lol. “Clear” why?
From looking at the unemployable oddballs who go to assembly chambers on a weeknight, sign up, and testify on sub-trivial council issues?
Yeah, Nick Danger, Theresa Obermeyer, & Dustin Darden. SUPER normal, totally representative of the whole town.
Anchorage residents don’t know about and don’t care about the muni seal update.
But clearly Landfield cares a LOT about the seal.
Hang in there big buddy, it’ll all be okay.
Dan, were you the kid growing up with hyper ADHD who would obfuscate and make excuses till the cows come home about your poor grades? “Oh Mom who cares what teachers think, my grades are a sub-trivial issue when you think of how good I’m doing at playing video games and smoking pot with my friends!”
Just a crappy response. From the old school, “If I don’t like the criticism or input, then just dismiss and denigrate.” He was making a point. Your point only seems like a personal attack. Not what we need, in my opinion.
When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.
The argument was lost from the start when he led with a comment in support of the minority opinion that the city seal needed to be changed.
The argument was lost from the start when he led with a comment in support of the minority opinion that the city seal needed to be changed.
residents should care because its going to cost a lot of money, from stickers to stationary.
Nope. It won’t cost ANY money.
The new seal will only be used when existing stocks of materials with the old seal dry up.
Widely reported, but you missed it.
Nice to see this MAGA site is pro-offshoring.
It is important to support the global economy by hiring cheap labor from other countries like India. Americans and Alaskans have enough jobs.
When will the glass ceiling be broken at the alaskalandmine?
Oh never mind…look a missing ship from a city seal.
“………Oh never mind…look a missing ship from a city seal……….”
It would have been more apt to remove the ship from the seal. The muni is dragging anchor and adrift in a very strong left-leaning current and nearing the rocks.
Lol if you control-f “offshoring” or “offshore“, yours is the only one that makes any mention of such thing, Landfield made no direct reference or even insinuate of that idea… a little reading comprehension can go a long way, Madame from Florida, whose littering an Alaska resident only intended webpage.
See Choppi. Employed by the alaskalandmine
And if you don’t know who floridawoman is, you should learn more about Alaska politics.
Hint: she know actually lives in Alaska…Skagway these days
Edit: I personally have no issue with offshoring, but am not MAGA.
Your reference to Choppi and MAGA are as relevant as your initial comment to this article…
And I do know who you’re referring to now, it made no sense before because genuine followers of AK politics and the blogger you take issue with understand the whole “Florida” reference was a blowhard’s attempt to discredit her following and the conservative movement in this state at-large, she is allowed to be from another state as most Alaskan’s are, she’s been here more than not as far as her career as a blogger goes.
She was a resident of florida till recently…but claimed she was local.
“Her following and the (allegedly) conservative movement in this state” can handling discrediting themselves just fine. Election deniers and pedophile protectors have no standing to call the shots in state government.
Lmao Choppi is not a real person. It’s obviously there as a goof. Very loose!
A “real” news site with a fake employee is pretty goofy for sure. What else is made up here?
Dan Svatass….
“What else is made up here?”
Fake name “Reggie Taylor”, and the rest of the many aliases he uses.
Is that so ?
“……..Fake name “Reggie Taylor”, and the rest of the many aliases he uses……..”
Says “Joe Cockalotavich”. LOL! I’ll assume Kelsey pulled this sock puppet in his front pocket………
Hi Mark Kelsey!
Art and decision by the largest committee is often so bland. In the end, they decided to change the Seal. Okay, maybe it was time. In any case, I don’t think it is really something to get worked up about. Let the people in charge make decisions, take action, especially on stuff like this. And, this is how democracy works. A decision made, often by a bare margin of votes. The decision was made nonetheless. It’s hard for me to understand the level passion about a freaking city seal. Things can change, and the people we elected get to change… Read more »
Wouldn’t it have been better for them as our assembly to spend a lot of time gnashing their jaws over a really high-priority issue that we did all ask to be addressed in the first place? Seems worthy to criticize and call-out considering nobody but them deemed this to be something to address to begin with…
I like how James pretends to think that the Assembly only worked in the muni seal issue.
It was just one of 11 ordinances and resolutions on the agenda last Tuesday. But to James, it was EVERYTHING!
All mocking aside, I guess a rich fantasy life can sometimes be healthy. You do you, James!
It wasn’t even worth the two different sets of agenda items it ever took up space on in the first place, that was my whole point, everyone on here knows that reading and understanding isn’t your strong suit though Dan and that’s okay! Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!
That’s the thing. They get to decide what they focus on, and, they have to walk and chew gum at the same time. I think it wasn’t inappropriate focus to chang ethe seal. The people that were here before Columbus, Cook at all have had a totally different experience. Taking the ship out of the seal seems like a decent move to me. Others may disagree. But understanding other perspectives is important.
Native worship? Really?
If more East Anchorage voters had turned out to vote in the last assembly election, we never would have ended up with somebody like Yarrow Silvers. Before the vote on Tuesday she got into this when she said (in her most abrasive, screeching voice), “It’s time to bring the spirit of our land acknowledgement that we state often into our municipal seal.”
All of Anchorage deserves much better than Silvers.
“All of Anchorage deserves much better than” to have a narrow-minded person speaking for them.
Don’t know who exactly is referenced in regards to “those in charge who’ve let it come to this.” There are two primary entities in alaska “in charge.” one is the state, the other the private sector. ADN this morning articles a decision regarding lease arrangements in cook inlet. Major takeaway is there is only ONE entity in this state of consequence in cook inlet, Hillcorp. Combine the net cash resources of the many folk up north who clamber incessessantly about woe is us, and you have billions of dollars available for investment choice, which is what’s needed to wildcat cook… Read more »
“………There are two primary entities in alaska “in charge.” one is the state, the other the private sector. ……..”
The feds. They’re still in complete control of 65% of Alaska’s lands, offshore seas, and most negotiations with our international neighbors all around us and the native communities. They also control the vast majority of oil rich lands left up here. The feds dictate Alaska’s past, present, and future. They rank #1 of who’s “in charge”.
Happy Birthday!
🎂
You have grown up since first starting Alaska Landmine
I used to be really disgusted by its early content because of it was really shallow and stupid
After years not following it’s made a full circle into a new direction but it’s just got started heading down a new path
Still pretty shallow much of the time.
Yes. The leaders over the municipality either don’t know how to lead or manage and they need to step down. Or they are so corrupt that they don’t know the difference between right and wrong and to be jaded and hard hearted not to listen to anyone who doesn’t agree with them
Not everyone can handle leadership or management the current Anchorage government leaders even business leaders here proven they can’t handle the stress of leadership
If they could Anchorage wouldn’t look the way it does
You voted for Bronson?
C’mon, admit it.
You liked his incompetence, and his bozo underlings.
You loved how he paid contractor-supporters millions without assembly approval, appointed frauds like Joe Gerace to turn the health department into a clown show, and figured out a way to sexually harass employees like Amy Demboski into big taxpayer-funded settlements.
You loved it all. Admit it.
“……..You voted for Bronson? C’mon, admit it. You liked his incompetence, and his bozo underlings………” LOL! That works both ways. If you vote, you’re choosing what you believe is the better of the offered evils. Bronson or LaFrance? You lose. Don’t vote? You still lose, but your loss is chosen for you. Life is suffering. If you’re lucky, determined, blessed, and work hard, you might suffer less than others. But you will always be held hostage to the rulers of this Earth to one extent or another. I prefer the system in which taxes can be held down as much… Read more »
“… taxes can be held down as much as possible. I think I’m doing okay in that regard.”
Reminds me of your corrupt buddy McCabe. Didn’t he cheat on his property taxes and short-change the borough and its honest taxpayers all those years? He’s “doing okay in that regard” too. You guys sure have a lot in common. He also prefers to support pedophile protection instead of standing up for Epstein’s victims, just like you do. Amazing coincidence!!
“………Reminds me of your corrupt buddy McCabe……….”
Yet another Kelsey sock puppet?
The Palmer Golf Course makes money on paper since the land lease rates are way below FAA requirements for using airport land purchased with grants for non-aviation uses. Anchorage had to move a snow dump off airport lands at great expense for the same issue. Palmer with have to significantly raise golfing fees to cover the requirted lease rate. No golf course would be no revenue at all, but that’s not the way FAA looks at it.
Reps. Cronk and Kaufman have solid legislative records that demonstrate vision and the ability to work with others to get meaningful things done for Alaskans. They also have the respect of their peers and are generally well-liked in the halls of the capitol. Yundt may lack their experience, but he has shown an understanding of policy and process that transcends the more extremist posture he adopted to get elected. They’d all be better off in the majority. They’d also be more effective for their constituents.
Oh Mark Kelsey, the Alaskan political savant with another bold prediction on another landmine article that won’t come to be in the slightest because of his lack of understanding of the electorate that is superior to him!
Amazingly, the only people he can hope to sway with his derangement are the voters of McCabe’s district. Everybody else has to endure his insanity and multiple personalities for no reason, since none of us can vote for or against McCabe.
Yet another example of how the mental issues of the few can effect the lives of everybody……….
In this cold snap when everyone is scrambling to buy ice skates it’s important to remember that Ermine Skates is one of the founding partners of the Landmine. When you’re buying skates ask yourself whether you should be supporting a business that makes money by saying the Anchorage assembly has “ weird Native worship feelings”. Better yet ask businesses that carry those skates why they are supporting the toxic Landmine.