What you need to know:
- Chris Chiavetta, a Republican candidate for Mat-Su Borough Assembly District 1, was demoted and later fired from the University of Alaska Anchorage police force following investigations into his workplace conduct. Chiavetta has highlighted his law enforcement background as part of his campaign.
- Chiavetta appealed his demotion and firing in Anchorage Superior Court. The case is pending.
- A UAA investigation found Chiavetta created a hostile work environment through inappropriate sexual comments. He was later fired after sending a letter demanding that a witness retract what he said are false statements and pay him $100,000 or face a lawsuit.
- Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.
PALMER — A Mat-Su Borough Assembly candidate whose campaign includes references to his law enforcement experience was demoted and later fired from the University of Alaska Anchorage police force in 2025.
Chris Chiavetta made comments that created a hostile work environment and then sent a threatening letter to a witness in the investigation into his behavior, according to university and court documents.
Chiavetta is a Republican candidate running for Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly District 1, which includes Butte, Sutton and the Wasilla-Fishhook area near Hatcher Pass. He was appointed to the borough platting board in early 2025, where he represents District 1…