Andi, for once I have to disagree with you. On occasion we get blindsided by our experiences, conventional wisdom and perceptions. This is one of them. If you knew Ms Lavtar Nevins and what she does it would be a much different take. I have the privilege to know and work with her as a private citizen doing the volunteer work on Anchorage Parks and Trails so many above advocate.  And I can tell you, we are so fortunate to have her working for us.  Our trails are being restored  for the first time in decades, several for the first time since construction.  The Chester Creek Trail is her finest work yet.  She probably got tagged to talk to the press and has a fine line to walk as anyone in that position would.  I would also urge folks to compare our trails to say, those in many other major cities. The level of vandalism and graffiti is far less and for that Parks and Rec is due a lot of credit for forging and managing successful partnerships.