Assembly adds ‘In Memoriam’ noting Charlie Kirk and wording changes to election pamphlet after brief debate

The Matanuska‑Susitna Borough Assembly voted Sept. 16 to add an "In Memoriam" statement to the borough election pamphlet referencing Charlie Kirk (1993–2025) and “other victims of political violence,” and to add the phrase "In God We Trust." The assembly also approved a series of small editorial corrections to the pamphlet.

Assemblymember Maxwell Sumner introduced draft memorial language and read it for the assembly. After a short series of proposed amendments — including adding the name and dates “Charlie Kirk 1993 to 2025” and the phrase “and other victims of political violence” — members debated whether naming a particular individual was appropriate. A secondary amendment to add the phrase “and other victims of political violence” passed after an objection was resolved; another secondary amendment to add “In God We Trust” at the end of the memorial also passed.

Sumner acknowledged that parts of his submitted memorial had been edited with AI and told the assembly, “So these are not wholly my words.” Members who opposed naming a specific individual said they feared the memorial could appear partisan; those who supported the amendment said they wanted to recognize the impact of a recent high‑profile death and to condemn political violence generally.

The clerk recorded the passage of the amendment package; several members opposed individual elements during roll calls but the package as amended carried. The clerk read earlier non‑controversial editorial corrections the clerk's office would make to the pamphlet (for example, adding a state voter portal link and correcting pluralization in a ballot propositions heading). The assembly did not change other sections of the pamphlet.

Why it matters: The election pamphlet is an official voter information document mailed to borough residents. The addition of a named "In Memoriam" and the insertion of a religious phrase generated debate about partisan tone and the pamphlet's purpose as an informational civic document.

What assembly members said: Assemblymember Sumner said the memorial was drafted to be nonpartisan and to condemn violence: “I purposely did not make this partisan.” Others urged inclusiveness for victims of political violence. The clerk confirmed editorial corrections and the assembly's amendment votes before the meeting moved on to other business.

What's next: The clerk's office will update the pamphlet with the approved language and other clerical edits prior to printing and distribution.