Death Wish by Cutie: Woman who publicly wished death to Trump appointed to Sister Cities Commission

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday approved Mayor Suzanne LaFrance’s appointment of Tasha Boyer Dunbar to the Sister Cities Commission—despite Dunbar’s widely circulated statement earlier this year in which she told a BBC reporter that she hoped President Trump’s plane would crash.

The vote, which passed with only two objections, came after Assembly member Jared Goecker of Eagle River pulled the item from the consent agenda to address what he a serious concern about Dunbar’s previously expressed wish for the death of a sitting president.

Goecker asked that the mayor be available to answer questions; LaFrance had joined the meeting by phone.

Read up on the background of this appointment in this previous article:

Anchorage Assembly to consider appointment of activist who verbally wished Trump’s plane would crash

Goecker began directly:

“Are you aware that your nominee publicly stated that she wished for the plane of the president to crash?”

LaFrance answered:

“Member Goecker, I am aware of the remarks that you referred to. Ms. Boyer Dunbar’s remarks are very unfortunate. And I strongly disagree with those specific remarks and remarks of that nature. However, she has stated she regrets those remarks and that she wants to contribute to the community and volunteer in this role.”

LaFrance defended Dunbar’s qualifications, noting she speaks four languages, works in international business development, and is a graduate of Chugiak High School.

“I strongly disagree with that remark,” LaFrance repeated, “however, I don’t believe that a mistake for which regret has been expressed should prevent someone from serving in this capacity.”

Goecker pressed further:

“At the time you selected Ms. Dunbar, were you aware of the comments?”

LaFrance replied:

“Ummm … I believe I had heard about a social media post earlier in the year, and when I went to the list I was looking at resumes and that was not top of mind.”

Goecker clarified:

“Generally you were aware?”

LaFrance confirmed:

“At the time it happened, I was aware and I understand that she expressed regret for those remarks.”

Goecker then asked the central question:

“Do you believe it’s acceptable for someone seeking a public role in a public office in this city to express hope for the death of an elected official—any elected official?”

LaFrance:
“Member Goecker, clearly it is not acceptable for anyone to express that kind of ill will toward anyone.”

Goecker:
“I appreciate that. If it’s not acceptable, why are you appointing her?”

LaFrance:
“This is a volunteer capacity. It is not an elected public official role, it is not a paid role. If someone makes a mistake and takes responsibility and expresses regret for that, I believe this is an OK capacity here.”

That prompted Goecker to restate the issue:

“So the difference, madam mayor, just for clarification, is somebody being allowed to make a statement wishing for the death of the president of the United States—it’s not OK—but since she’s not getting paid, it’s a little bit OK? Is that what I’m hearing?”

LaFrance responded sharply:

“Member Goecker, this is not a productive conversation. If you have other questions…”

The tension drew murmurs from the chambers, prompting Assembly Chair Chris Constant to gavels: “Excuse me, the chamber will come to order.”

The mayor’s stance stands in stark contrast to her own record while serving on the Assembly.

During the Bronson administration, LaFrance repeatedly voted against several of the former mayor’s nominees, often citing concerns over qualifications, professionalism, or public trust.

Among the Bronson appointments LaFrance opposed:

• Sami Graham, Library Director — Rejected 7–4; said she was not qualified.

• Jim Winegarner, Real Estate Director — Rejected 5–5, Tied to a whistleblower complaint from the previous director alleging improper hiring and fiduciary issues; concerns over Winegarner’s oil/gas consulting background.

• Joe Gerace, Health Director — Confirmed over LaFrance’s objection. Questions about Gerace’s qualifications and potential bias in handling Covid-19 policies; LaFrance and allies expressed skepticism over his ability to serve vulnerable populations impartially, despite prior collaboration.

• Todd Peplow, Employee Relations Board — Rejected 8–2, due to him supporting Mayor Bronson.

• Mario Bird, Municipal Attorney — Rejected 8–4, Bird’s involvement in lawsuits against the Assembly (e.g., over pandemic meeting rules); LaFrance at the time emphasized the Assembly’s “broad discretion” in confirmations without needing to state reasons, per municipal law.

In 2021, LaFrance supported ordinances explicitly aimed at tightening the Assembly’s control over confirmation timelines following what members called “controversial” Bronson appointments.

Yet on Tuesday night, Assembly liberals shrugged off Dunbar’s documented call for the death of a president, saying it did not matter and was irrelevant to her serving as a volunteer ambassador for Anchorage.

The appointment passed with only two members voting no: Keith McCormick and Jared Goecker.
Conservative member Scott Myers was absent, as was liberal member Kameron Perez-Verdia.

Dunbar—married to Democratic State Sen. Forrest Dunbar, and known for holding a protest sign this summer labeling Donald Trump a “fascist”—will now represent Anchorage in international Sister Cities relations.

The mayor got her nominee approved. But the exchange highlighted a glaring double standard: past conservative appointees were rejected for far less, while Dunbar’s wish for a presidential plane crash was waved away as an unfortunate mistake.

Even in a city used to sharp ideological divides, Tuesday’s confirmation shows just how uneven the standards for public service have become.