In early March, we talked with East Anchorage Assembly candidate Karen Bronga to learn about what motivated her to run for Assembly, and what she would focus on if elected. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Tell me why you decided to run.
I am running because of my love for Anchorage. I have lived here since 1964 and plan to be here to the end. My work on Scenic Foothills Community Council and trail advocacy helped to train me in the public process. I want to take that advocacy to the next level. East Anchorage often gets the short end of the stick with contentious things like the megashelter, bus barn, the sanctioned homeless camp at Centennial Campground and the lack of response to Tudor/Muldoon safety. I want to be a strong voice for the community I love.
You grew up in East Anchorage. How has the community changed?
Supplies were limited in my childhood. We drank mostly powdered milk. Canned fruits and veggies got us through the winter. Our closest store is where Red Apple Market is now. All our clothes were sewn or purchased from a catalog. It was incredible to see Anchorage growing and being part of this change.
Tell me some of the work you have done as Chair of Scenic Foothills Community Council.
I worked to increase safety and traffic-calming on the Tudor/Muldoon curve. I worked to increase trail connectivity and wrote grants with a team of neighbors to complete a safe pedestrian passage from the Chugach Foothills to Campbell Airstrip Road. I led the charge to pass resolutions denouncing both the megashelter and the Centennial Campground homeless encampment. We increased participation in meetings. Ultimately, our council passed a resolution denouncing the East Anchorage Gerrymander and I wrote a letter voicing my concern.
What are the challenges and opportunities facing our community?
Affordable housing for the working- and middle-class, as well as the underemployed. Community support of schools is another challenge. Our schools are in crisis and need our help. We must provide infrastructure and public services to our residents, such as snow removal, drainage, road repair, and public transportation to keep our city moving.
What would you like to do in your first six months on the assembly?
- Investigate allegations against the mayor and whether he has breached the public trust.
- Get the Port modernization/expansion on track.
- Support purchase of the Arctic Recreation Center for shelter and adjacent housing.
- Listen and learn.
- Advocate for my constituents.
Tell me about your teaching years. What did you learn about the community as a teacher?
I taught 6th grade at Bayshore Elementary, family consumer science and service learning at Wendler Middle School and health at Scenic Park and Kasuun elementary schools. I learned that families are working hard and stretched thin. I also saw children being accepting of differences within their peers. Inclusive classrooms help children see their peers with learning and behavioral differences as just kids with challenges. I worked hard to understand the cultural values of the families I served and created lessons showing teaching tolerance.
How would you like to change the direction of the assembly over the next three years?
I would like to see meetings shortened and run more efficiently. No one should sit until 11:30 p.m. only to find that the ordinance they came to hear has been tabled. Public comments should be limited to Anchorage citizens and signing up in advance can ensure that you have time in front of the mic.
What do you feel is on track that you would like to see work continue on?
Port of Alaska modernization will come before us as early as this summer. It is important we work together to get this revitalization in motion.
