Some scholars consider Alaska’s constitution a model for progressive governing, but there is a effort underway to amend some of it. Representative Bill Stoltze's upcoming resolution would make the position of attorney general elected rather than appointed.
"A lot of my constituency favors it,” said Stoltze, (R-Chugiak). “I have people ask me on a regular basis, Bill, when are you going to push for an elected attorney general?"
"It's something I personally favor," Stoltz added.
Alaska is one of seven states, plus the District of Columbia, where the attorney general is appointed by the governor, state supreme court or state legislature.
"The reform that's being proposed about having an elected attorney general, what you're doing is having the person who is running for office, probably using it as a stepping stone, probably doesn't represent the broader interest of the public,” said former House Democratic Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz.
Berkowitz says appointing an attorney general also has its flaws. He says future attorneys general should be vetted through the Judicial Council, and the governor should have his own counsel instead if using the state's top law enforcement officer for representation.
Since statehood, all 14 of Alaska’s department heads or commissioners have been appointed by the governor.
"Appointing the commissioners is a good thing. The governor should have the prerogative to appoint his or her own people to do the job that the governor wants done,” said Berkowtiz, a former Gubernatorial candidate. “But you have a built in conflict here, the attorney general is a different circumstance."
Representative Stoltze's resolution limits the attorney general to two consecutive terms and a provision would require eligible candidates to meet the requirements of a superior court judge.
"Most people like to vote on things, and I think they would like to have an attorney general that is accountable to the people, the people of Alaska,” said Stoltze.
The resolution must pass with two-thirds of the vote in the house and senate before it can appear on the ballot in the August primary.