Ann Spohnholz
Ann Spohnholz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from district 13-A | |
| In office January 9, 1989 – April 12, 1989 | |
| Appointed by | Steve Cowper |
| Preceded by | Walt Furnace |
| Succeeded by | David Finkelstein |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mary Ann Spohnholz April 18, 1950 Northampton, Massachusetts, U.S |
| Died | June 9, 2024 (aged 74) Anchorage, Alaska, U.S |
| Children | 4, including Ivy |
Mary Ann Spohnholz (April 18, 1950 – June 9, 2024) was an American educator, feminist, and politician who served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from January 9, 1989, until April 12 of that same year.[1] She was appointed by Governor Steve Cowper to fill a vacancy until a special election was held on April 5, 1989.[2]
Biography[edit]
Spohnholz was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, she attended Amhurst Regional High School before earning a degree from Alaska Pacific University.[3][4] Due to a vacancy being left in the 13th State House District, which covered Mountain View and East Anchorage, due to the need for a runoff, Spohnholz was appointed by Governor Steve Cowper to fill a vacancy until a special election was held on April 5, 1989.[2][4] She was succeeded by David Finkelstein.[1]
She ran for a full term in the state house in the 1990 elections, but was defeated by Terry Martin by a margin of 25 votes.[5] In the 1996 Alaska State House of Representative elections, Spohnholz ran for the open 21st district. She defeated Sharon Cissna in the Democratic Primary by a margin of a single vote, but was defeated by Joe Ryan by only eleven votes.[6][7]
In 2013, she earned a master's degree in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage and was a teacher briefly before her retirement.[8] Her daughter, Ivy Spohnholz was also a member of the Alaska State House.
She died on June 9, 2024, at the age of 74. As a result, governor Mike Dunleavy ordered the Alaska and United States flags to fly at half-staff on June 17, 2024.[2] Her funeral was held the day before on June 16.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Alaska State Legislature, Roster of Members 1913-2013
- ^ a b c Schroeder, Kollette (2024-06-14). "Governor Dunleavy and First Lady Mourn the Passing of Former Alaska Representative Ann Spohnholz". Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ "100 Years of Alaska's Legislature - Ann Spohnholz". akleg.gov. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ a b Alaska Blue Book. Division of State Libraries and Museums. 1989.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - AK State House 13-B Race - Nov 06, 1990". www.ourcampaigns.com. Retrieved 2024-06-20.
- ^ 2004 Alaska Media Packet - Your Vote Counts!
- ^ Wilkerson, W. R. (2006). How Would You Vote If You Were Allowed To?: Experience the Power of Direct Democracy and Make Your Voice Heard. Ciro's Books. ISBN 978-0-9676643-3-0.
- ^ Obituary of Ann Spohnholz
- ^ "Memorial Service for Ann Spohnholz - St. Mary's Episcopal Church". www.godsview.org. Retrieved 2024-06-20.