New Allegation That Anchorage Mayor’s Office Spied On Employees Entering Ombudsman’s Office

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A memo from the municipal ombudsman to the Anchorage Assembly says members of Mayor Dave Bronson’s administration uploaded security videos showing who entered and left the ombudsman’s office. The memo was included in the docket for Thursday’s special Assembly meeting, where members will meet in executive session to explore their options for punishing the mayor for other allegations, which have come to light. the last days.

Darrel Hess, the city ombudsman, also requested a review by the city’s legal department because spying on employee whistleblowers can be considered a form of misconduct.

“Recently, several city employees contacted the ombudsman’s office alleging that a city executive said the mayor’s office was uploading copies of city hall surveillance videos to see who is accessing the city hall’s office. ombudsman and interacts with members of the Assembly. Employees have stated that they are reluctant to visit our office because they fear access to our office will be monitored. Employees perceive the alleged executive statements as an attempt to intimidate them into contacting the ombudsman’s office,” the memo reads.

“The Anchorages Self-Reliance Charter states that residents of Anchorage have the right to the services of an ombudsman. Accusations of trying to intimidate city workers to dissuade them from contacting the ombudsman’s office are serious and chilling allegations, even though no video was extracted. Given the seriousness of the charges and based on the statements of several City employees, I reasonably believe that there may have been a dereliction of duty, misconduct or illegal activity on the part of a City employee. I believe I have an obligation under AMC 2.60.l70* – Municipal Staff Misconduct – to refer this matter to the Municipal Attorneys Office for review, to determine if there have been any violations of the Code municipal or other applicable law,” Hess continues.

“If the ombudsman believes that there is a breach of duty or misconduct on the part of an official or an employee of the municipality, the ombudsman may refer the matter to the head of the competent department, the mayor, to the ethics board or, if applicable, to the municipal attorney, district attorney, or other agency,” the memo concludes.

The mayor is already under siege because former city manager Amy Demboski brought forward several allegations about improper contract awards and other actionable items, which were already part of Thursday’s meeting.

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