Alaska governor appointee faces questions about background

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A member of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s cabinet has been accused of lying about his business background while a new hire in the commissioner’s department faces scrutiny for racially charged and misogynistic social media comments.

A Seattle-area coffee chain owner disputes Administration Commissioner Jonathan Quick’s statements to senators that he had sold an ownership stake in Anthem Coffee and Tea and Elements Frozen Yogurt. In a letter, Janie Reynolds says only she and her husband have had ownership.

Meanwhile, Art Chance faces scrutiny for Facebook comments about minorities and women, including Democratic presidential hopeful California Sen. Kamala Harris.

Chance posted Tuesday that he had accepted a policy post within the department. The state online employee directory didn’t list him Thursday.

Messages seeking comment were left with a Dunleavy spokesman, Quick and Chance.