The Nome Common Council voted 4-3 Tuesday night to overturn the city’s denial of a chauffeur’s license for Harold Michael Ahmasuk, who was convicted of sexually abusing a minor more than 40 years ago.
Ahmasuk was convicted of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor in April 1985. He was 30-years-old at the time of the offense, according to Alaska Court System records. Ahmasuk pleaded no contest to the charge.
Nome City Clerk Dan Grimmer denied Ahmasuk’s chauffeur’s license application on Oct. 1, citing a city ordinance that prohibits issuing licenses to people convicted of felony offenses against another person. The denial letter directed Ahmasuk to cease and desist driving a taxi immediately.
Grimmer defended the decision during Monday’s meeting, saying the ordinance leaves city officials no choice.
Watch a replay of the discussion:
“The code is clear that it shall be denied, as it states in the code the charges that are non-negotiable are offenses against persons,” Grimmer said.
Ahmasuk appealed the denial in a handwritten letter dated Oct. 6, which formally brought the matter before the council.
During discussion, council member Adam Lust questioned whether Nome’s licensing requirements were too restrictive compared to state regulations governing rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. He noted that state regulations generally look back seven years for certain convictions, while Nome’s ordinance does not define a time limit for disqualifying felony convictions involving crimes against a person.
In the city's denial letter, Grimmer also pointed out that Ahmasuk’s conviction for sexual abuse of a minor “does not have a statute of limitations.”
During public comment earlier in the meeting, taxi operator Steven Longley said Ahmasuk has worked for him for years. Longley claimed Nome Police Chief Mike Heintzelman had already approved Ahmasuk’s application “months ago” and argued that the city’s licensing ordinance contains conflicting requirements.
“What I ask you guys tonight to do is overturn the denial by whichever staff improperly denied it, and that way Mike [Ahmasuk] can get back to work,” Longley said.
Councilmembers Kohren Green, Adam Martinson and Randy Oles voted yes on granting the appeal. Councilmembers Scot Henderson, Mark Johnson and Adam Lust voted no, splitting the vote 3-3. Mayor Kenny Hughes looked down at his meeting packet for 13 seconds, then cast the deciding yes vote to grant the appeal.
