The Redemption of Tom Anderson

The former legislator, after three-plus years in a federal penitentiary, launches a radio show

Tools

By Sean Doogan

Story Created: Feb 3, 2012 at 12:04 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 12:43 PM AKDT

The voice on the radio says, “In a world where right versus left, concrete versus tundra, zealot versus dogmatic…”


Tom Anderson is beginning a new phase in his life, hoping the sound of his voice will change people’s point of view. He has a new radio show that starts daily February 6 on KOAN 95.5FM and 1020AM.


Because as the song says, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. This is the first interview Anderson has given since he returned from his stint in a federal penitentiary.


In July 2007, the former Anchorage legislator was found guilty of seven counts of corruption in federal court.


Now, after three and a half years in jail, Anderson got a chance to reinvent himself.


“It was the hardest part, other than being away from my family, thinking people didn’t respect me, didn’t value my effort, my life, what I’ve done in public service,” Anderson said.


Now, in a room not much bigger than a prison cell, Anderson finds freedom rather than confinement.


“I thought to myself what can I do to improve, to think about things, to make a difference here,” Anderson said.


On one day, he easily moved from topics like housing to a gasline. But does Anderson think people are ready to forgive past sins?


I don’t expect to do that with everybody,” he said. “I don’t expect that in the grocery store or at an event, if I get an evil eye, I can recompense or change the minds of other people. I think my acts [are] what will do that.”


But his guest this day, Dan Fauske, CEO of the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, says he thinks Anderson won’t shy away from his past.


“Tom’s personality is such that he’s going to tell you about it whether you like it or not… I think that’s part of the fun with Tom,” Fauske said.


Alaska is a land of second chances, and Anderson is hoping people will take more stock in how he got back up, rather than how he fell.
 

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Michelle said on Friday, Oct 12 at 6:12 PM

But did he tell you he has another baby by a woman he knocked up just weeks out of prison? I doubt he did.

103852056
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.