In Chugiak-Eagle River, it’s representation vs. ambition

Scott Myers, Jared Goecker, and Donald Handeland (right)

By JARED GOECKER and SCOTT MYERS

March 20.2026 – This Assembly race in Chugiak-Eagle River is about something simple: representation versus ambition.

Donald Handeland has spent years doing the work of being an active and engaged member of this community. His opponent has spent a campaign (2x) trying to skip it.

Donald is a civil engineer, a small business owner, and a long-time active member of this community. He serves on the Road Board, leads in his community council, and regularly attends Assembly meetings and other community boards to stay informed and engaged. He has knocked on more than 10,000 doors for this campaign; not for show, but because he believes the job starts with listening.

That’s what real representation looks like.

His opponent? By his own admission, has attended exactly one community council meeting and dismissed the very people who show up to those meetings as “retired people with nothing better to do.” Those “retired people” are the backbone of our community: the volunteers, the watchdogs, the ones who actually show up when it matters.

If you won’t respect the community, you have no business representing it.

And the disconnect doesn’t stop there. Donald understands the frustration homeowners are feeling right now with skyrocketing property tax assessments. He knows the system needs accountability and reform because he’s been hearing it directly from residents across this district. 

His opponent shrugged it off in a recent debate.

Donald believes government should live within its means and respect taxpayers. His opponent is campaigning openly on new taxes and even defended taxpayer-funded meals for elected officials, at a time when families are tightening their belts.

Donald is running to represent the people of Chugiak-Eagle River. His opponent said he’s excited to represent “special interests.” Run the tape from the debate, don’t take our word for it. 

That alone should tell voters everything they need to know.

Then there’s the issue of judgment. Donald has put in the time to understand complex local issues, including the proposed Eklutna casino and its impacts. His opponent has voiced support for the casino without ever even attending a Birchwood Community Council meeting to hear directly from the residents most affected. That’s not leadership, that’s checking a box.

Even more concerning are the questions surrounding his candidacy itself. Reports of an ongoing campaign finance investigation by regulators raise serious concerns about accountability and judgment. Voters deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve better.

This isn’t complicated. One candidate has done the work, built relationships, and proven his commitment to this community over time. 

The other is asking for your vote without having earned your trust and while actively holding the very people and institutions he wants to represent in contempt. 

Chugiak-Eagle River doesn’t need someone looking for a political stepping stone. We need someone ready on day one, someone grounded in this community, accountable to its people, and willing to fight for it.

That’s Donald Handeland. And that’s why we’re proud to support him.

Jared Goecker and Scott Myers are both members of the Anchorage Assembly for Chugiak-Eagle River.

Anchorage elections underway as ballots begin arriving in mailboxes