Anchorage witnessed a history-making event as Suzanne LaFrance became the city’s first elected female mayor. Hundreds of residents gathered at Town Square Park, buzzing with anticipation under a soaring American flag, to witness the inauguration.
How will Anchorage thrive under LaFrance’s leadership? Not everyone shared the optimism. Darwin Biwer, a local business owner, expressed concerns, particularly regarding the city’s homeless population. “The homeless situation is critical,” he stressed, “it’s causing damage and needs solutions.”
Therefore, former mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson showered LaFrance with praise during the ceremony. She applauded LaFrance’s leadership style, a refreshing departure from the usual “male-dominated” approach. Quinn-Davidson highlighted LaFrance’s strengths – her attentiveness, focus on people’s needs, composure in the face of negativity, and unwavering advocacy for what’s right.
LaFrance’s inauguration marks the culmination of a six-year journey. After serving as an Assembly member for six years, including two terms as chair, she embarked on a year-long campaign to become mayor.
