This Nov. 9, 2016 photo shows state Rep. Zach Fansler during a House news conference in Anchorage after the 2016 general election. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

This Nov. 9, 2016 photo shows state Rep. Zach Fansler during a House news conference in Anchorage after the 2016 general election. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Rep. Fansler, absent from Legislature, continues to collect pay

  • By Becky Bohrer
  • Friday, February 2, 2018 6:49am
  • News

An Alaska lawmaker, under pressure to resign after being accused of hitting a woman, has missed committee hearings and floor sessions this week but continues to be paid.

Jessica Geary, deputy executive director with the Legislative Affairs Agency, said the agency’s accounting office has received no notice from Rep. Zach Fansler indicating that he wishes to decline the daily allowance that lawmakers are entitled to during session.

Geary told The Associated Press by email Thursday that since the allowance, or per diem, is paid two weeks in advance, Fansler has been paid through Feb. 11. She said the agency does not pay a member per diem if certain days are declined in writing.

The Juneau Empire reported Saturday that a woman accused Fansler of hitting her during a night of drinking shortly before session started, drawing condemnation from state House leaders and calls for his resignation.

Fansler’s attorney, Wally Tetlow, on Saturday denied the allegations and said Fansler had no immediate plans to resign. Tetlow has not returned messages since then.

House leaders have reassigned Fansler’s staff and asked Fansler to turn in his office keys.

Geary said absences have no effect on whether lawmakers are entitled to their salary, per diem or office allowance accounts.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 3

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

“I voted” stickers featuring Tlingit artwork by James Johnson are displayed on a table at an early voting station at the Mendenhall Mall annex Oct. 30. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
In ballot issues, voting and democracy are having a moment

While other states consider implementing ranked choice voting, Alaska may be first state to repeal it.

A docked cruise ship, the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, is seen in Seward’s harbor on June 19 from the Race Point on Mount Marathon. The Port of Seward received a Clean Ports Program grant from the Environmental Protection Agency for a shore-based system to power cruise ships when they are docked in town. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Seward gets grant for shore-based system to power docked cruise ships

Town on track to be second in Alaska, after Juneau, to provide such facilities.

El Sombrero opens the doors of its downtown restaurant for the final time Saturday after 45 years at the location. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
El Sombrero says ‘hasta luego’ by closing restaurant after 45 years, with plans to open food truck

Downtown eatery owned by family for three generations who grew up alongside their customers.

Nesbett Courthouse in downtown Anchorage on Oct. 7, 2024. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
After controversial correspondence school decision, Anchorage judge faces voters in election

Adolf Zeman is one of 19 judges on Alaska’s ballots, but he’s the only one with a campaign against him.

The outcome of the struggle for control of both the House and Senate will have sweeping implications for the country’s future. Shown is the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 9, 2024. (Jane Norman/States Newsroom)
Will control of Congress shift? The results hinge on a handful of states and races

Narrow Republican Senate majority would allow Murkowski to wield outsized influence, expert says.

A sign on Egan Drive reminds motorists at midday Friday a lower seasonal speed limit is in effect in an attempt to reduce collisions at the Fred Meyer intersection. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Reduced 45 mph speed limit goes into effect on Egan Drive in vicinity of Fred Meyer intersection

Change in effect until Jan. 31 intended to improve safety; JPD reports normal number of traffic stops.

People voting ahead of Election Day line up inside the Mendenhall Mall annex on Friday, Oct. 25. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
Juneau an afterthought for candidates ahead of Tuesday’s election, but early voting at a record pace

Toss-up U.S. House race, minimum wage increase, repeal of ranked choice voting on ballot.

Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo
Tesla Cox (left) explains the damage done to her home and possessions by record flooding Aug. 6 to a delegation of municipal, tribal and federal officials on Aug. 11. The City and Borough of Juneau is considering a memorandum of agreement with the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska for public safety issues such as emergency response, plus a similar agreement involving solid waste operations.
City leaders, Tlingit and Haida considering operational pacts for public safety, solid waste

Assembly members Monday will also discuss flood barriers, short-term rentals, homeless.

Most Read