Dunleavy replaces resigning human rights commission members

JUNEAU, Alaska – Gov. Mike Dunleavy wants to immediately replace two members of the state human rights commission who announced plans to resign.

Commission chairman Brandon Nakasato and vice-chair Freddie Olin IV announced plans to resign May 1.

Nakasato said his decision was related to the uproar involving the commission’s executive director, Marti Buscaglia, who last month complained on social media about a “Black Rifles Matter” sticker she saw on a truck in the building’s parking lot and believed to be racist. Buscaglia was suspended for 15 days, starting Monday, and said she’d resign when the suspension is over.

Olin said he was resigning for unrelated personal reasons.

Dunleavy appointed Cynthia Erickson and A. Debbie Fullenwider to the seats. His office said the appointments were effective Wednesday. Both are subject to legislative approval.