The Anchorage Assembly will hold a special meeting on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. to address the aftermath of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s abrupt resignation in the wake of public scandal.

On Oct. 13, Berkowitz announced that he will quit on Oct. 23 after admitting to an inappropriate texting exchange and relationship with local news reporter Maria Athens.

Assembly Chair Felix Rivera is in line to become “acting mayor,” unless the Assembly decides to reorganize and replace him with a different chairman.

According to the city charter, a vacancy in the mayor’s office “shall be filled at a regular or special election held not less than 90 days from the time the vacancy occurs.” That means Anchorage could hold a special election as soon as Jan. 21, 2021. The charter, however, does not specify the latest point at which a special election must occur. Berkowitz’s term was set to expire in April 2021.

Until a new mayor takes office, the acting mayor will have veto power but may not vote on Assembly actions.

The Oct. 16 Special Meeting will be held in the Assembly Chambers at the Loussac Library.

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