Savannah Fletcher criticizes Assembly Ethics Code and retaliation during public testimony

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Regular Assembly Meeting held on February 27, 2025, addressed several key issues, including public testimony on ethics and community projects. The meeting began with a brief introduction and moved directly into citizen comments.

Scott Calder, a resident from the Esther area, expressed support for the proposed natural gas pipeline and the replastering of the Merseyside Swimming Pool, highlighting these as positive developments for the community.

The assembly then heard from Savannah Fletcher, a West Fairbanks resident, who spoke passionately about the need for improvements to the Assembly Ethics Code. She expressed disappointment over the failure to pass changes to the code in the previous fall, particularly regarding the need for protections against retaliation for those participating in the ethics complaint process. Fletcher shared her personal experience of facing retaliation from Assemblymember Barbara Haney, which she described as an attack on her livelihood. She emphasized the importance of ethical conduct in public service and urged the assembly to take action to prevent such retaliatory behavior.

Fletcher also discussed a bar complaint filed against her by Haney, which she claimed was without merit and ultimately dismissed by the Alaska Bar Association. She expressed concern that such actions could discourage individuals from engaging in public service.

Assembly members engaged with Fletcher, asking about the status of the bar complaint and the potential ramifications of such complaints. Fletcher clarified that she did not incur legal costs in addressing the complaint but found the situation stressful, particularly during the holiday season.

The meeting continued with additional public testimony, indicating ongoing community engagement and concern over ethical standards within the assembly. The discussions highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in local governance, setting the stage for future deliberations on ethics reform.

Overall, the assembly meeting underscored the importance of ethical practices in public office and the challenges faced by individuals advocating for change within the system. Further discussions and potential actions regarding the Assembly Ethics Code are anticipated in future meetings.