Bronson Appointee Supported Recall Efforts of Perez-Verdia and Austin Quinn-Davidson
Last month I wrote about Sami Graham, Mayor Bronson's pick to serve as Anchorage's head librarian. The piece focused on Graham's lack of educational background or work experience in public libraries.
According to the listed requirements and preferences for the position, it seems that if Ms. Graham were applying for this position, she likely wouldn't be considered, and sources within the Anchorage Public Library system say that they are concerned about her lack of qualifications.
According to Alaska Public Media, a spokesman for Mayor Bronson did not respond to a question about why Graham was appointed if she didn't meet the required qualifications for the job.
Related: Bronson Appointee Unlikely Qualified to Serve as Anchorage Public Library Director
Last October, Graham thanked Anchorage resident Dustin Darden "on behalf of all of us" for his efforts in working to recall progressive Assembly members Kameron Perez-Verdia and Austin Quinn-Davidson.
The Bronson supporters of Save Anchorage and Alaska Parents' Rights in Education have been aglow at the prospect of a Graham confirmation hoping that she will bring an end to drag queen story hour which already ended years ago, 🙄 and that Graham would rid the public library system of any book even remotely associated with critical race theory, so you know,  it's easy to see why those Bronson supporters would be excited. It's worth noting that the story hour ended long ago.
When asked at a Growing Alaskan Leaders School Board Candidate Forum in February what came to mind when candidates saw the acronym LGBTQIA2S+, Graham responded, "Not age-appropriate for elementary."
Graham's answer seems to jive with the viewpoints of Parental Rights activist Annie Massey who is a moderator of the far-right Alaska Parents' Rights in Education group. Massey and the group supported Graham when she ran for Anchorage School Board, writing that she would "implement wise techniques" if elected.
Parents' Rights in Education is staunchly anti-LGBTQ, evidenced by this statement which claims children are being groomed, and easy prey for pedophilia advances by adults via the American Library Association.
"The American Library Association promotes events in libraries across the nation. Drag Queens, men dressed as women, reading children's books portraying little boys who want to become girls (Jack Not Jill) and animals' choice of underwear or none at all (What Color is Your Underwear?) are grooming 3-5 year olds to normalize and embrace homosexuality and transgenderism, easy prey for pedophilia advances by adults."
Parents' Rights In Education
Eagle River Assembly member Jamie Allard also shared her support for Graham during this year's school board race. Then on July 29, 2021, Allard 'roundaboutly' solicited emails supporting Graham's appointment from the Save Anchorage group. A comment under Allard's post is worth noting, which speculates that Graham wouldn't permit drag queens to read to children.
Also in July, Allard commented about Anchorage's transgender community as a whole on the Louisiana-based Dan Fagan show.
"I truly believe those who are transgender are mentally ill," Allard said, sharing with listeners that if one were to "mutilate your body and cut off your body parts because you want to be something you're not, it will never change your DNA, you need mental health (help)."
Related: Mayor Bronson's Stealth Nominee to the Health Commission Seems Like a Disaster
Social media support for Graham's appointment stems from at least two concerning social media groups (Save Anchorage and Alaska Parents' Rights in Education). In addition, that support is derived from those who believe Graham should end LGBTQ programs (whether they exist or not) and take aim at reading material related to critical race theory. But her support of an effort to recall two Progressive members of the Anchorage Assembly should not be overlooked.
Graham's confirmation hearing is tomorrow, August 19, at noon. Interested individuals can email the Anchorage Assembly with their thoughts about her appointment.
