Republican House candidate's comment to Anchorage police union sparks controversy
Anchorage Republican Rep. Mel Gillis made a comment to a representative of the Anchorage police union that it would be nice to hire off-duty cops to beat up protesters.
The union administrative assistant told Sgt. Jeremy Conkling, the president of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association, about what Gillis had said on the phone.
Conkling brought it up in a phone conversation with Rep. Harriet Drummond. Numerous other people in Anchorage also heard about it from union officials.
Later, Drummond send a text message to Conkling saying she was disgusted by the comment from Gillis and “shocked that he would contemplate that your union members would be willing to be off-duty thugs for pay! This is NOT the kind of person that our city needs in the Legislature developing statewide policy.”
She said “it’s a tough subject to discuss but I feel it needs to be public.”
“I agree that Mr. Gillis does not reflect the ideals of the APDEA, but we have a long-standing policy that we don’t publicly release statements made by candidates” during the process of deciding who to endorse, Conkling replied.
The union has endorsed Calvin Schrage in District 25 in the race against Gillis, who was appointed to the seat a year ago by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Contacted Thursday by email, Conkling said that the comment by Gillis was taken as an off-the-cuff comment made in jest, and “not an actual request” to hire off-duty cops to beat up people.
Drummond said, “whether he was joking or not, I still don’t think he’s got the temperament for public office.”
Drummond, who is running unopposed, has also endorsed Schrage in the race against Gillis. She said she would be upset about the comment regardless of the political circumstances and who was involved.
Gillis, also contacted Thursday by email, did not deny that he made the remark or confirm it.
“It is ridiculous to think I believe that. Attached is the questionnaire I sent to APDEA. Please see response to question 8. Also, Rep. Drummond has endorsed my opponent. I hope you mention that in your reporting,” he wrote.
I did as he suggested. Question No. 8 was, “What does implicit bias mean to you and what do you believe is the best way to combat it.”
His response was, “Treat everyone with respect and decency.”
Given what is happening in the nation, the remark by Gillis reflects terrible judgment for someone who sets policy for state government in one of the most important positions we have. Interactions between police and protesters in Alaska have been peaceful and respectful and every elected official ought to be aware of what it takes to preserve those conditions.
Gillis should pay attention to his answer to Question No. 8 and act accordingly.
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