Assembly cites Alaska statute to move into executive session on candidate matters

During the Sept. 5 special meeting, an assembly member moved to enter executive session specifically to discuss candidate personal characteristics and reference information that could prejudice a candidate’s reputation, citing Alaska statute 44.62.310(c)(2).

Assembly member (S4) read the motion that referenced the statute and stated the discussion would be limited to those subjects and auxiliary matters; the mover invited the borough attorney (Crystal Harvilla) and the consultant to remain in the executive session. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The chair later reconvened the assembly at 06:34 and stated “No action was taken in executive session.”

The assembly’s invocation of the statute was procedural: members said they would limit public deliberation to qualifications and job-related experience while reserving character and reputation questions for executive session when appropriate. The chair had asked whether any candidates waived the right to executive-session protections; some candidates had replied but not all waivers were in hand at the start of the meeting.