Save Anchorage backed Mayor Bronson "apologizes" for "perception" of his statements
After inciting a social media and news firestorm last evening, Anchorage Mayor David Bronson issued a press release attempting to backtrack his defense of Holocaust imagery used by members of his "Save Anchorage" supporters.
In the press release, Mayor Bronson claims to now understand that people should not "trivialize or compare what happened during the Holocaust to a mask mandate."
"I want to apologize for any perception that my statements support or compare what happened to the Jewish people in Nazi Germany," Mayor Bronson said, seemingly unwilling to take full responsibility for the words that now appear in national news reporting — only apologizing for how others perceived his own words heard around Alaska and now, the country.
Mayor Bronson also addressed Assembly members in his press release, stating they had his full support in asking for calm at tonight's meeting. However, it's unclear if his disruptive "Save Anchorage" supporters will heel.
Shortly after Mayor Bronson's press release, Assembly Member Jamie Allard called on Mayor Bronson's supporters in the "Save Anchorage" Facebook group to "keep up the fight" when the Anchorage Assembly continues listening to public testimony later this evening.
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Over two days of public testimony, members of the public, many associated with the Save Anchorage Facebook group, have appeared at Assembly meetings wearing faux Stars of David. The stars depict the words "We will not consent," and some list a website associated with the group behind the effort to recall Assembly member Meg Zaletel from her Assembly seat.
Former Save Anchorage member and Alaska Republican operative Christine Hill, who attended last evening's meeting, told the Anchorage Daily News she wore the star to compare the atrocity of genocide and a mask mandate.
The Anchorage Assembly will meet again this evening at 6 p.m. for the third day of public testimony.
Click here to read Mayor Bronson's press release.
A video of Mayor Bronson's statement, made last evening, can be viewed at this link.
