OPINION: Why I proudly support Chris Tuck for Anchorage mayor

As a state senator with the privilege of being a public servant for so many years, I know firsthand what a genuine public servant looks like. For me, a genuine public servant is one who has a passion for serving and representing the interests of their constituents. Chris Tuck is a “genuine” public servant, and his commitment to, and passion for, public service is why I unequivocally support him for Mayor of Anchorage.

I’ve had the honor of serving alongside Tuck for part of his 14 years in the Alaska Legislature. His extensive experience at both the state and local levels makes him uniquely qualified to lead our city through its current challenges and future opportunities. As a state representative, he developed a reputation as a bipartisan problem solver. And that is why he was consistently elected to serve as minority leader and, when they became the majority, as majority leader in the House. He worked tirelessly to find common ground on difficult issues like education reform, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. Tuck brought people together to pass impactful legislation that improved lives across Alaska.

Perhaps even more importantly, Tuck understands how state and local government interact by having experience on both sides. Before his service in the Legislature, he served on the Anchorage School Board. This gave him invaluable insights into the needs of our schools, students, and teachers. It also familiarized him with the complex relationship between the city and state when it comes to funding major functions like education. He knows how important funding education is for our children — our future.

When I was elected to the Alaska Senate in 2018, I believed that my municipal budget knowledge and experience would be my leeway for maintaining my “budget guru” reputation as I moved from the local level to that of the state. I was sadly mistaken for several reasons. I spent years appropriating funds to provide services for our city with a budget of just over a half-billion dollars and understanding every bit of the process. Now, the responsibility of appropriating funds for a $14 billion budget to our communities throughout the entire state is an entirely different ballgame. Yes, entirely different.

As both a state representative and School Board member, Tuck developed expertise in creating and managing large budgets. This experience managing fiscal resources will serve him and our city well at a time when budget pressures are more pronounced due to economic uncertainty. The Anchorage municipal budget, while sizable, pales in comparison to the complex multibillion-dollar state operating and capital budgets Tuck helped craft.

As the largest city and economic engine of Alaska, Anchorage faces budget challenges that require innovative thinking and an understanding of budget priorities. Tuck has that budget experience at the state and local levels. He is uniquely positioned to tackle our fiscal realities with a steady, solutions-oriented approach. He knows that difficult decisions will have to be made and he has a proven track record of bringing people together through open discussion to find the best path forward for all.

Anchorage also faces other issues demanding a leader with vision, competence, and collaborative skills. Jobs, economic recovery, and public safety are at the top of mind for many residents. Tuck’s legislative record shows he has just the right temperament and experience to meet these challenges head-on while keeping our diverse communities united. He knows how to embrace unity and get practical results.

For all these reasons, I am proud to give Tuck my full endorsement for mayor of Anchorage. At a pivotal time for our city, we need an experienced, bipartisan leader who understands both state and local issues. Tuck’s 14 years in public service have helped hone the skills needed to guide Anchorage into a successful and prosperous future. His years of work in the private sector in the building trades have also prepared him for this work. These experiences along with his tireless work ethic, compassion for people from all walks of life, and dedication to finding solutions over scoring political points are exactly what we need today, for a prosperous tomorrow.

I urge all Anchorage residents to join me in voting for Tuck this spring. His background sets him apart from other candidates, and his record of bipartisan achievement gives me full confidence he will be an outstanding mayor.

Elvi Gray-Jackson served in the Anchorage Assembly from 2008-2017, serving as its vice-chair from 2014-2016 and chair from 2016-2017. She was first elected to the Alaska State Senate in 2019 and re-elected in 2022.

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