Alaska governor announces town hall plans

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy plans to hold town hall meetings in two Southeast communities next week centred on the state’s fiscal situation and future.

Dunleavy has said he plans to more directly communicate with Alaskans. His first year in office was marked by an ongoing recall effort, which was fueled by anger over budget cuts he proposed last year. Dunleavy has called the recall effort political.

The meetings announced Friday are planned for Petersburg on Monday and Wrangell on Tuesday. Dunleavy’s office said the town halls will be open to the public. Additional public events will be announced later as part of a town hall series, his office said.

Besides the town halls, Dunleavy plans to meet with school and community leaders, tribes, business groups and nonprofits across the state, according to his office.

Dunleavy faced criticism last year for holding town halls hosted by Americans for Prosperity-Alaska.

Dunleavy told reporters Friday the state is paying for the upcoming trips.

The Associated Press