FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2014
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Scott Kawasaki (D-Fairbanks), Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) and Representative Andy Josephson (D-Anchorage) released the following statements upon hearing Dennis Mandell had withdrawn his name from consideration for the Alaska Assessment Review Board after concerns were raised about his residency, his history of working for the oil industry in disputes against Alaska, and his failure to pay taxes.
“At least Mr. Mandell had the integrity to do the right thing when the governor would not,” said Kawasaki. “This governor tried to stack the deck against everyday taxpayers in Fairbanks with another big oil appointment who isn’t even from Alaska. It continues a troubling trend that the governor who also pushed us off a fiscal cliff with SB21 continues to work against Alaskans in favor of the big oil corporations.”
“The governor keeps bending over backwards to give the oil industry control over the taxes they pay to Alaskans,” said Gara. “Firing a fair tax assessor and trying to break the law to let oil company executives control how little Alaskans receive for their oil-related property taxes is yet another giveaway. Mr. Mandell made the right decision.”
“I am pleased with the announcement of Mandell’s withdrawal. His California residency was not the only concern here. The governor needs nominees who represent Alaskans, not corporate interests,” said Josephson.
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