Travelgate. More Evidence of Sarah Palin’s ‘Specialness’.
Governor Sarah Palin yesterday agreed to pay an estimated $6800 for what she charged the state for her children’s travel expenses and related costs since assuming her role as governor.
This all came about as the result of an ethics complaint filed against Palin by Frank Gwartney, a retired electrical lineman who had had enough of Palin’s hypocrisy regarding cleaning up government, and stopping abuses. The complaint, which was filed in October after new information came out about her state paid family travel, was sent to the Personnel Board and investigator…..(wait for it)…..Tim Petumenos. You remember him. He’s the one that said (despite the Legislative Investigation into the Troopergate ethics scandal, and their finding that Palin was guilty of abuse of power under the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act) that Palin was innocent of any wrongdoing. And the fact that there was contradictory testimony from Palin and Walt Monegan? Well….that just wasn’t worth pursuing in his humble opinion.
So now, after looking at FORTY examples of the state paying for Palin’s children to travel with her, he’s come up with 9 instances where he found the personal benefit outweighed the benefit to the state, and Palin has agreed to pay for these 9 occasions in exchange for getting to say “I did nothing wrong!” and for Petumenos agreeing not to file a formal accusation or take the case to a hearing. Not a bad deal. Palin get’s to pay a small amount in order to stop an investigation, and also gets to claim, according to her attorney that she was “exhonorated.”
The charges at issue include the cost of airfare and one meal when daughter Bristol to accompanied Palin to New York City in 2007 for a women’s leadership conference, according to the settlement agreement. State travel forms put that cost at about $1,400.
There’s also airfare and hotel costs for daughters Bristol and Piper to travel with their mother to the National Governors Association meeting in Philadelphia last July. State travel forms say the flights and hotel room at the Ritz Carlton cost more than $2,500.
Other questioned trips were in Alaska, including one last year to the start of the Tesoro Iron Dog snowmachine race, in which Palin’s husband, Todd, was one of the contenders.
So, what were the other 31 trips, where the presence of the Palin children had more benefit to the state than to them, or the governor personally? I’d like to hear what compelling reasons Mr. Petumenos found, that would make me feel good enough about the benefit to the state of Alaska that I’ll pony up money to send her kids along on the trip.
And what did Palin have to say about this? What is her justification?
“This is a big state, and I am obligated to — and intend to — keep Alaskans informed and meet with them as much as I can, from Barrow to Marshall to Ketchikan,” Palin said in a written statement. “At the same time, I am blessed to have a large and loving family, and the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
So, she thinks that her job as governor shouldn’t prevent her from spending time with her family. And it shouldn’t keep her from living in Wasilla, rather than the state capital, Juneau. And it shouldn’t prevent her from taking per diem payments to live there and work in Anchorage. And it shouldn’t mean she has to pay taxes on that per diem, and her state vehicle, and on and on.
Nothing works out like it should for the governor, does it?
The policy found on the official state web site says that travel expenses by a state employee’s spouse, children or companions “are not reimbursable.” But somehow when applied to the governor, the rules become “dizzying and circular” according to Petumenos. And the other side agrees as well that things need to be “clarified”.
Palin keeps saying she did nothing wrong. But when one governor’s actions constantly tiptoe over the line, meaning that ethics rules need to be “clarified” and reevaluated at every turn, and when public opinion sees the obvious lack of ethics that went into the decision making process, then it means they did do something wrong. Whatever leads a governor to say “It’s OK to charge the state to live and eat in my own home” and “Sure, the state should pay for my huge family to travel with me everywhere because I shouldn’t have to give anything up like other people do” shows a basic disconnect, hubris, and a sense that the person feels that they are owed something.
It’s that old “inappropriate vs. illegal” argument. Alaskans would rather have none of the above.
Oh for crying out loud. None of the rest of us could ever get away with taking along our family on business trips, even if there was some benefit for the state. Why on earth……. Oh I just can’t get rid of this headache that is GINO…
yea.
ooops. sorry for the yea.
just excited about open thread.
gotta love ya, akm.
Well, first let me start with, thanks you guys. You left me over there all alone and some weird guy came in and … it’s too creepy to talk about. Some friends you are.
Palin busted! Hahahahahaha!
Every time she blame someone else and tries to clear her name more and more comes out. What a money grubbing moocher boo hoo baby.
OK, so who is going to forward this to the IRS those pesky bean counters more scrutinizing than Petumenous????
I’ve already bothered the Anchorage fbi once today with Regina’s blog post….
I wish Talis Colberg would talk. There is a reason he decided to jump ship and not go along with spinning the breaking of laws and calling it “inappropriate” instead of “illegal.” SING Talis, SING! But since Colberg lives in or near Wasilla and does not want the intimidating calls from daddy Heath or Todd, I will not hold my breath.
So like….
“So, what were the other 31 trips, where the presence of the Palin children had more benefit to the state than to them, or the governor personally? I’d like to hear what compelling reasons Mr. Petumenos found, that would make me feel good enough about the benefit to the state of Alaska that I’ll pony up money to send her kids along on the trip.”
Can you imagine how much that would add up to??? I bet IRS could add up real fast, ugh Huh!!!
And I bet they wouldn’t be so nice as Handpicked Petumenous is…..what do you guys think????
Sorry about the locked comments… Sometimes the WordPress elves just decide to have a little fun.
Seriously- Bristol was in NYC for a week and only ate one meal?
“dizzying and circular” = “I can do what I want until the law tells me I can’t!” Dejaboohoohoohoo.
Palin keeps saying she did nothing wrong…. double dejaboohoohoohoo?
An origional excuse? One. Just one.
So, is that the end of travelgate…or can it be pursued further? Also, is it possible to get more details of the other 31 trips? Bejayzus, when did those kids go to school? Enquiring minds would like to know.
Lori in Los AngelesNo Gravatar (15:24:30) :
I wish Talis Colberg would talk. There is a reason he decided to jump ship and not go along with spinning the breaking of laws and calling it “inappropriate” instead of “illegal.” SING Talis, SING! But since Colberg lives in or near Wasilla and does not want the intimidating calls from daddy Heath or Todd, I will not hold my breath.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Did Alaska get their new FEDERAL AG YET??? Does anyone know? I bet Talis codpiece would have to talk to a FED AG!
In all fairness Crystalwolf- who do you think is working up those budgets? Kind of explains why the wee ones would be excused from school, math related trips, etc… So, yeah, may be beneficial to the state???
What can be done? It will take a grassroots effort (or permafrost effort in some places) to get this
weaselwoman out of office. She is an entertaining embarrassment to the folks of Alaska, and offers much in the way of fodder for case studies for political science classes in our colleges and universities. But she also is a negative role model for young people who are trying to make their way in the world. She needs to be “invisibled”.Ok, I thought you were laying off comments for awhile…to weird, also
I guess the Palin “camp” thinks they can put out “this” fire by tossing a handful of dirt on it. NOT.GONNA.HAPPEN. I’m loading up my squirt gun with lighter fluid and keep squirting.Gotta keep the fire hot on her B.S.
PaulaNo Gravatar (15:27:57) :
In all fairness Crystalwolf- who do you think is working up those budgets? Kind of explains why the wee ones would be excused from school, math related trips, etc… So, yeah, may be beneficial to the state???
~~~~~~~~~~~
Oh yeah GINO’s idea of homeschoolin’…..! I still think a IRS agent would not be so forgiving as Petomemous, but that’s just me, lol!
the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.
For gods sake she lives at, work from & discharges her duties FROM HOME. How much more time do you need?
“the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
The discharge of her duties WOULDN’T prevent her from spending time with her family– it just prevents her from having the state PAY FOR her to spend time with them. That’s a big difference, though of course it’s one that SP does not recognize. She’s always got her hand out.
Oh, doncha know….GINO is sooooooo very special! SHE doesn’t have to go to work and spend time away from HER Family, noooooooo!
She’s that special, doncha know!
Not!!!!!
I forgot to add, SP’s comment about the discharge of her duties vs. spending time with her family doesn’t do any favors to women with children who want to run for political office. You never hear a man say anything like that.
duct idaho palin:She’s always got her hand out.
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That’s called Republican Welfare! They can have THEIR hands out and that’s ok, Ronald Reagan said so…!
I think the final nail in the Palin coffin will be “house gate”. I’m quite sure the Palin house was built as a kick back by the contractors who built the Wasilla Sports Complex.
Tracking this down will be hard, and made harder by Palin’s suspension of building permits and inspections, which would have revealed the names of the various contractors, the plans and the architect, and value of materials.
It will take a lot of detective work, probably starting with a records request on the Sports Complex, to see if there were more materials billed for than installed. (eg. billed for 24 windows, 18 went into the Complex, six went into Palin’s house). Also, track down the Sports Complex contractors and who worked for them at the time. Bound to be a few disgruntled former employees who delivered materials to or worked on the Palin house.
A big job, but they got Uncle Ted that way…
Keep the pressure on.
I wonder if Frank Gwartney will take this pronouncement from thePalin camp lying down?, something tells me NO! The man is a real, honest to goodness hero.
austintx, you feed the fire, I’ll dig the grave. Figured I’d go for 12 feet. No sence takin chances with this one.
I could maybe respect her a teeny tiny bit if she would jusy come out, just ONE time, and say, yeah, I flubbed that one. Or something similar. It’s always blame, blame, blame.
Spending time with her children didn’t do anything to prevent Bristol’s pregnancy. Maybe there were a few hours when Sarah WAS actually working.
duct idaho palin:She’s always got her hand out.
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That’s called Republican Welfare! They can have THEIR hands out and that’s ok, Ronald Reagan said so…!
_____________
Just as long as it’s not called a stimulus, is related to Democrats or involves helping real people.
Look at Jingleberry, doesn’t have a problem taking millions in fed money for his state. But Obamas money? Egads. Irresponisble!
Palin is no different.
Wonder where she’ll work after she loses it all? AKM, a poll.
I’ll start with Faux Noise and the 700 Club.
@Bystander-have you seen this blog? Also has a link to village voice which did a extensive article re: housegate
http://threebrain.blogspot.com/2009/02/house-that-sarah-built.html
Yeah, wavelength, she seems to like talking on the phone. From home. For $60. a call.
Hey, why no news from Anna about the village visit???????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Paula
Wonder where she’ll work after she loses it all? AKM, a poll.
I’ll start with Faux Noise and the 700 Club.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My vote, “dancing with the stars” or “celeb rehab” (too much coffee with Sherry)
I’m starting to run out of fingers counting her ‘gates’!….
Good grief..it is apparent that Palin is not in any way like the rest of us. The rules just do NOT apply to her so all you whiners just get over it!!!
Ya’ll are just jealous because she’s so beautiful and smart and Queen of Alaska! Also..too…therefore and soforth…
ok, if a retired electrical guy can do this, then why not other people? File complaints people in Alaska!!! Be heard! Are you not tired of being overlooked?
Palin Family reality TV where we find out the REAL family dynamics. Like the Ozborns without tatoos… or are they?
You’ll need a few more fingers…
witchdoctor gate
God gate
Real Americans gate
per diem gate
travel gate
Levi gate
dropout gate
soldier gate
stylist gate
back taxes gate
blogger gate
media gate
trooper gate
house gate
broken water gate
Baby Trigg Gate
wolf gate
library gate
rally gate
mayor gate
iron dog gate
bridge to no where gate
turket gate
Emmonak Gate
Greta gate
wardrobe gate
dairy gate
oxy gate
baby name gate
mansion gate
willow gate
affair gate
gotcha gate continued
Couric gate
Bristol gate
beauty queen gate
Inaguration gate
beauty queen gate
the other beuty queen gate
Sarah Pac gate
Team Sraha gate
Rouge gate
Ann Coultie Gate
ebay gate (plane)
stimulus gate
basketball gate
Franklin Graham Gate
ANWR Gate
Those 31 other trips? Maybe they were ‘justified’ before the dizziness set in. All I know is arguments have been stretched and facts have been tortured until they begged for mercy.
Sarah Palin confessed to Travelgate in October. It’s taken until February for Van Flea to “negotiate” Palin paying back the money she obtained fraudulently.
As an investigator, Petumenos is a failure. His work on Troopergate sucked (he even acknowledged the probability that Sarah Palin committed perjury) and his work on Travelgate sucks because he is still trying to claim that she didn’t commit fraud because of the dizziness there too also. Petumenos is clearly only interested in one thing – and it ain’t truth or justice.
@crystalwolf aka caligrl (15:27:19) :
I think Cohen is still our Federal Prosecutor, until such time as a new one is appointed. I haven’t heard anything about a new one yet, so I’m guessing he’s still around.
Off to the real world. Have fun folks
Bystander – I won’t go into it at length again – but – lien holder on rink , insurance -yes/no , “Certificate of Occupancy”.
What is amazing to a lot of us in the lower 48 is the willingness of many people who have information that would blow Sarah out of the water to keep it quiet. The level of fear of or loyalty to her is unsettling.
Down here, poltitical opponents, as well as everyday citizens would have exposed and exploited the many political scandals of a governor like Sarah unmercifully years ago.
GINO:::::it’s your job to serve the ppl of AK first.
Now, as a ‘once’ single parent, I understand the balancing of family & job duties all too well, however, if your family, your need to be with them outweights the rights & responsiblities you owe to the ppl of AK as their Gov, then you should be person enough to do the right thing for all concerned. Right now it sounds as if everyone involved is gettingthe short end of the stick….[not you, family fun, free funds, federal experience]…
And if you’re so interested in spending all that time w/ family, hey, let the Lt. Gov make some of those trips…[how big is his family],
But I guess that would eat into your cash -huh?
oh my, thats interesting Paula, you think the Rural Advisor is blocking her from reporting the truth.
What is shocking to me, is how little she paid back, on their article headline it said she paid it back, as though she paid back everything she overcharged.
InJuneau – If Cohen wants to keep his job , maybe he should DO his job. just sayin’
There you go again. Say it ain’t so Joe public. All of you seem to be forgetting that SWSNBN is a DIVA. Of course she can have her cake and eat it too, again, at the expense of the taxpayers also too though doncha know… Who are we to question what she knows is right and what she is entitled too, again, she is THE GOVERNOR for God’s sake (and with God’s blessing too also I am sure)… and she is working hard everyday for the people of Alaska, and staying on top of all that state business that is put in front of her every day. She just does what needs to be done, that is the way she is wired, and again, sometimes she needs to include her family when she is working so hard for Alaska, and she doesn’t blink, she just takes care of everything, and sometimes that means she is entitled to charge the state for expenses while she is working so hard from home, and also, when she takes her family with her to do state business outside of Wasilla. What’s the problem? She hasn’t done anything illegal or anything like that. She is doing all she can to make sure the citizens of Alaska get good government, and the anonymous bloggers are at it again nit picking every step she makes.
Stop picking on the GINO, its not fair, its just plain mean. You big bullies.
GINOs [Pet]umenos, yeap! he’s all for fair & balance & holding GINO accountable.
[un-funny joke ofthe day]
Dear Gov. Palin,
Please consider donating you and your childens frequent flyer miles to Operation Hero Miles. Alaska Airlines is part of this program.
http://www.heromiles.org/
Air Charity Network® (formerly Angel Flight America) is another worthy cause.
Thank you.
http://www.irs.gov/help/page/0,,id=13148,00.html
seachele99::::::”She is doing all she can to make sure the citizens of Alaska get good government….”
YEAP, come election time, she’ll see that she’s done an excellentjob of getting a new person elected!
Her @$$ will be out!
Home schooling has its fans- Sarah believes in home governing.
Ok … I have already posted somewhere about having worked for a state (university) myself and working on NASA and other government contracts while there and the very exacting and specific rules of expense reporting, etc. Also (getting to hate that word) as a full-time employee at the university, we got our gym membership free – quite a perk, right? However … guess what? It was taxable. Yes, we had to report it and pay taxes on it. Each and every employee that accepted the membership. CALL FOR AN IRS AUDIT! Believe me, they will get a list of all the travel, food, lodging. They do not have favorites and do not honor specialness!
“travel expenses by a state employee’s spouse, children or companions “are not reimbursable.” ”
Where I come from this is not dizzying or circular.
Her rationale about bilking Alaskans because of her needing time with her family are nothing short of hilarious and an insult to working parents everywhere.
This has really been a riot getting to know your Sarah better.
It is so clear when she is reading her scripted talking points and sound bites she is clear, if not coherent….
but when she is left unscripted, she bumbles along, aw shucks, you betcha…
I’m glad there are at least 40% of Alaskans who really question her ability to govern. Please keep up the challenges to her competency before she again becomes a national problem and embarrassment.
Kate in Canada (15:59:49) ::::”Home schooling has its fans- Sarah believes in home governing.”
LOL
Oh God, Another correspondence course….just what AK needs
After forking over $2500, Little Miss Frugal won’t want to ever see Philadelphia again, let alone the Ritz Carlton.
Paula – and the all encompassing “I’madumdass-gate”
So Sarah wants another $200 some million more than the bailout she opposes wants to give Alaska?
At least the Republicans next best choice, who also opposes the bailout has the guts and integrity to refuse his bailout. Well, he doesn’t want all of it. He’s only going to take 3.6 billion of the 3.7 billion offered.
At least some Republicans have principles!!
@austintx (15:52:07) :
Well, the Feds and the FBI have been doing quite a bit of work in AK in the past few years. We do have, what 3 or 4 former legislators in prison, one more that’s pled guilty but not yet been sentenced, a few other folks who’ve pled guilty but haven’t yet been sentenced ’cause they’re still helping the Feds. It may take the FBI getting involved before the Prosecutor’s office can doing anything; I don’t know.
Okay, I’ve said it before, but once again, business travel is not a hard concept. Palin knew travel was part of the job when she chose to sign up. How many of you out there have been required to travel on business? How many of you missed your family? Did your employer say, “ahhhh, I’m sorry you miss your family. Look, I’ll just pay for them to come with you. ” Am I missing something here?
I give up. What is “GINO”?
SC
@seachele99 (15:53:17) :
Oh, you’re good; really, really good!
@Sally C. (16:09:30) :
GINO = Governor In Name Only
InJuneau,
Thanks. Now why couldn’t I figure that out?
SC
Sally-GINO=Gov. in name only
ABOUT GINOs suspension of building permits and inspections….[It that legal?]
Whats the ‘given/official reason behind that move …How was she able to do that without objections?
eeewwww
What Sarah needs to realise, is that when you accept a job, you cannot drag your kids into work with you. Before you accept the job, you make sure you have provisions in place for child-care, so that you can toddle off happily and DO YOUR JOB, safe in the knowledge that your children are being cared for. I can just imagine the look on some of my former employer’s faces, if I had arrived in to work with a baby under my arm.
It is not appropriate that Piper and the rest of the kids accompany their mother on stage at all hours of the day and night. Sarah, you need to start paying for some good day and night care for your children.
Housegate just might be the final straw. The windows and railings in her house are very similar to the sports complex.
No problem. We were looking for a good new name for her a while back and someone proposed that (based on RINO (Republican in Name Only) and DINO (Democrat in Name Only) and it stuck. If you’re not familiar with RINO and DINO, it’s not really obvious!
ya know Kmart, I was wondering the same thing. Too, also, was wondering about her overwriting the current rules on perdium. Won’t the legislature have to vote on that or can she just rewrite the rules as she sees fit? Anyone know the answer?
the state of Alaska needs to charge her interest on the money she borrowed. Yes, she borrowed it, and now she’s paying it back. Like a loan. Except it was really stealing… but whatever.
And I sure hope that the taxes she owes on those other “gifts” is much more than she suspects.
Going down….
anyone else hear the anvil coming, ala wile e. coyote?
GINO = Governor in Name Only welcome Sally C.
Knock Knock. Whos there? FBI Ma’am. FBI who? We didnt order any FBI. Ma’am open the door or we’ll have to dress you in wolfskin and take you up the helicopter and drop you in the bush. Ohhh…that FBI…Todd!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just kiddin’!
…I’m confusseed’ed [again], is this money ‘from’ what was paid to her daughter, I think I read that she made some big bucks traveling w/ mom?
just wondering about the money the family collected from the state [Todd too], are they SECRET State Agents or something, how do they get to claim travel and GET PAID becausethey traveled with their wife/mom?
WHAT THE FREAK!
eeewww
InJuneauNo Gravatar (16:10:26) :
@seachele99 (15:53:17) :
Oh, you’re good; really, really good!
___________________________________________________________________________________
I am taking copious note from AKM – I have some “things” on my mind, and I am working up the guts and the writing skills to start blogging. Thanks AKM for providing a successful model….
Being aware of the Governor’s responsibilities most States provide their governor with a home where they can work near their families. Often it is a large home in some states it is even referred to as a “Governor’s Mansion”!!!
Alaska should consider this.
In most states the “Governor’s Mansion” is situated right in the state capital, where all the state’s business goes on. The states that do this find it is convenient for the Governor, their families and the State’s business.
It seems to work well in most states.
I agree with all who say it will be Housegate that brings GINO down, ala Stevens. I have always thought it would be the Feds, since Legislators et.al. in AK seem afraid of or enamoured with her. The Feds will not be intimidated or hypnotised. I am hoping that they already have some good investigaors in Wasilla NOW. I am noticing how much trouble she has brought upon herself lately by throwing too many people undr the bus. Pissing of the media was not a good idea either. Greta will have Zeigler on her FOX show tonight to remind everyone how the meida elected President Obama and picked on Sarah and ruined her. None of this ruination HER fault. This now rings true for only the very few and very gullible.
seachele99,
Go for it. I too, (that bloody word..she has ruined it for me), love your posts.
I am not an Alaskan, but as I recall, in fact I remember seeing pictures, there is a “Governor’s Mansion” in Juneau, but SWSNBN at some point stated that it was under restoration, and it was cheaper for her to stay in Wasilla at her home. That seemed like a bogus excuse at the time and seems like one she intends to drag out over a long period of time….
KO talking about Mt. Redoubt and how GPS is not in place b/c of lack of funds, re: Jingleberry’s statement on Volcano watch.
Sarah does what she wants , when she wants. And she won’t stop until a Judge tells her to. Sarah Palin actually said that while Mayor of Wasilla. She obviously meant it……the record speaks for itself.
I was hoping he (KO) would mention it started right before GINO went to the Alfalfa club…..but he didn’t…
Paula,
Beluga gate
Polar bear gate
Pipeline/ AGIA/ TransCanada gate
And I think there’s a big oil gate. Something doesn’t look right there. It could be that she’ll get her pay-off after she leaves office…
The tax on big oil was a ploy to get her elected. They’re quite happy to pay the taxes and have her fighting on their behalf. Lawsuits to un-list endangered species, toxic dumping anywhere they please, drilling in ANWR and whatever else they might want to do. They couldn’t pursue any of these things themselves, as they would be accused of being greedy. But Sarah does it to progress the great state of Alaska, to feed those hungry markets in the Lower 48, it’s a matter of national security, so the country doesn’t have to depend on those horrible foreigners for energy, etc etc. They pay the taxes, she looks good and tough, and all is well.
Wow! I have to turn this comment into a post!
Do visit sometime. http://palingates.blogspot.com/
GINO shold do what AK wants, but, as you said, she does what she likes…loopholes are ger bestest friend-ever
The IRS is already on her ass. The house is bound to come up and Todd and Friends will have some splainin’ to do. I heard the Feds were considering using Alcatraz Island again. Perhaps God will open that door for her.
@eastcoast (16:30:22) :
Heh, you’re funny! We’ve got one, it’s actually in the Capital, and it’s mere blocks from the Capitol, where there’s an office for the governor and everything. We even have decent schools in this town, if she needed any for her kids or whatever!
eastcoast – Our freshly torched “Governor’s Mansion” is 2 blocks from the capitol. Now Perry commutes 20+ miles roundtrip from a villa near the lake that the taxpayers pay 9k a month for.
@austintx (16:45:48) :
So what, exactly, happened to your Gov’s Mansion? I hadn’t heard anything about it in the news. Was it recent? Any ideas why?
Is she getting close to running out of “Get Out of Jail Free” cards yet?
@Pursang (16:50:09) :
Naw, she bought out the whole state’s stock of Monopoly games so she wouldn’t…
There is a ‘Governors Mansion” where she should be living with her family and its 2 blocks from the Capitol Bldg. where she should be working. All the other Govs. have lived there, but she’s special!!
Of course, if an employee charged meals for their family members to their employer, they would be fired, or at least be considered a risk. My husband won’t even charge mileage and gas when he drives out of town to do his employer’s business. With the job reduction, many employees are thrifty and want to help their companies by making sacrifices.
This is no more than daring to push the envelope and then when caught, making light of it. It’s like a kid who steals candy from another. If caught, most parents make the kid return the goods, AND APOLOGIZE, and promise they’ll never do it again. Where are those old hometown values anymore?
rebekkah (16:57:07) :
It’s like a kid who steals candy from another. If caught, most parents make the kid return the goods, AND APOLOGIZE, and promise they’ll never do it again. Where are those old hometown values anymore?
—
She supposedly was the home town values candidate! She insulted all the people who ever lived in the non-real America. The imaginary Americans. The ones who pay taxes so this media hooker can go on and on, ripping off her fellow citizens in the name of her “god” since she’s such an evangi-nut.
Let me see if I’ve got this straight: SP declined to actually move into the paid residence of the Gov. of AK with her family, which she could have, done her job near her “home” and have her hubby and kids with her.
Now then I wonder, what was she planning if she had actually become Vice President?
So I take it packing up the family to move them completely and utterly away from friends. family, schools and lifestyle is OK if you’re VP but not if you’re only Gov.? I don’t get it. Did she not think about the impact to her family when she ran?
Oh wait, I forgot who it was we were talking about.
To be fair though, Todd and the kids certainly had to have had opinions on all this as well. Pity we’ll never know the real story.
I say, if they were fine with moving to DC for her career, they should have been fine with moving to Juneau.
No, no, had she become VP they were going to move the national capital to Wasilla.
@ InJuneau….good one! Do you remember when there was an Obama sign in the front yard of the Governor’s Mansion and pictures were taken? It stayed there for a while, due to the fact no one was living in the Governor’s Mansion during session. GAWD!
She makes up all of these excuses why she’s not in the Capital city, Juneau, Alaska and needs to be in Anchorage. She even hides out in Anchorage or Wasilla, it doesn’t matter where she is residing at, she’s a fraud. She isn’t qualified to do the job we hired her to do. She throws out these little bombs or smoke screens hoping we won’t notice. The Legislature knows how she operates…they know she’s limited. Might as well be, Gino the Drama Queen.
BUT, we have noticed….and it’s NOT in the way she likes. We know she has a ton of excuses why she can’t perform her duties, and we are calling her OUT on them. Doesn’t matter where the true Capital is located, she still can’t do her job regardless!
…sounds like your job is a burden (or would that be your family?) For a fact, you are putting an additional fianical burden on AK, holiding it responsible for the decision and options you made – starting with your accepting a job that – because of family responsiblites – you might not be able to complete in the most COST EFFECTIVE MANNER – never you mind also that when you do THINGS LIKE THIS it proves how UNQUALIFIED you are to start with!
roflma, sarah, todd, and family would never had made it in DC in the summer with the heat and humidity. EHEHHHEHE, thanks for the nice picture in my head.
I enjoyed this politico post regarding Palins boohoo media:
Sarah Palin came on the scene with nasty rhetoric, inciting hatred, and lies about bridges and what not….
So Sarah sweetie, kindly STFU. YOU reap what YOU sow.
If you come out in 2012 with that same vile crap and utter displays of stupidity, the media and annoymous bloggers will take your azz out again!!
Paula, girl, you Crazy! Glad you made it safely to the new thread:)
palin wouldn’t move to DC…she would rule from her house!
BUT, let’s not go down that road, because that’s NOT gonna happen…I will see to that, even if I have to do it alone. :O
Holy cow! How can she possibly continue to get away with stealing from the state, especially when that money could and should be used to benefit people and state programs that need it? Is she nuts? Well, we already know the answer to that one.
Clearly, Sarah Palin shouldn’t have taken the job as governor. She wants to do the job, but there are just too many things that are not convenient. And if spending time with her family was so important, then why didn’t she just stay home and spend time with them. Bristol, for one, might have benefitted from a little more attention from her mother. Or, maybe not.
Here’s the thing. I’ve traveled with my husband when he has had to go to LA on business. We pay for my expenses – airline, food, Disneyland – and would NEVER think to charge that to the company. Nor would they put up with it.
Alaska shouldn’t have to pay ANYTHING for the Palin children when Sarah’s drags them all over. I highly doubt that there is any benefit to the state of Alaska when the children travel with her. Especially Piper or Trigg. I understand her wanting to take them, but it should be on her dime not the state’s.
Pat
count me in lainey
Slightly OT: When Gino was mayor of Wasilla she hired a city manager to do her job, remodeled her office and passed an ordinance to do away with building permits. Then she hired a grant writer to get grants to build the skating rink, and get community development money to help build strip malls. All in the name of saving the tax payers money, and reducing government. Not govenment spending on her projects, just government, you understand, we don’t like government meddling in Wasilla’s affairs.
I sure hope Wasilla doesn’t ever get the kind of snow falls the rest of the west coast as been getting. I’d hate to see the flat WalMart and strip malls building roofs collapsing like they have been in Spokane, WA and other cities this winter.
One of the aspects of Travelgate that Petumenos is apparently not addressing is Palin’s altering or amending travel expense reports well after the fact. This is a serious ethical breach by any professional standards!!
As AKM mentioned, Petumenos also didn’t think it important to ivestigate contradictions within the Personnel investigation on “Troopergate” although probable perjury was committed.
Mr. PET needs to be challenged as to why he is inordinately hasty and superficial in his case dispositions…..leaving questions of perjury and ethics breach (altered expense reports) unanswered.
Talis Colberg resigned under very suspicious circumstances regarding his own politically expedient legal actions FOR the governor. It’s time to go after Mr. PET for the same!!
His case dispositions on Troopergate and Travelgate are UNFINISHED…..and sound dirty.
Hey,folks. Although born in Alaska, I’ve lived outside since 1959, and am not up on how everything works back home…….isn’t there some sort of Public Interest Research Group or citizens organization that can initiate lawsuits to force state employees to comply with the laws, or force state courts to decide what a state employee can withhold from the public? Tim Petumenos can have his opinions, but how can that be the last word? Surely there must be ways to force the Governor and her minions to face the public inquiries, and comply with state regulations ,such as the one saying on the official state web site that travel expenses by a state employee’s spouse, children or companions “are not reimbursable.”
Help me out here. How can someone living outside support some accountability in the Governor’s office? What organization needs a few bucks to start some action??
isn’t there a connection between PET and Palin? was he their lawyer at one time or a connection w/the complex? i can’t recall.
InJuneau – Several months ago,around 2 am,a person threw a Molotov at the front door. The Mansion was under renovation,so no one was inside. The perp hopped a fence and walked right up. Got ‘em on video. 50k reward and no leads. Literally 15 yards away is the D.P.S. Guard building with 10 security monitors. The nimrod Trooper on duty had his back to the bank of monitors and was surfing the web looking at pxxn. Two citizens driving by called 911. When the 911 tapes were released , the operator was heard asking if they were “sure”, since no call had come from “security”. Now – some Hysterical….oops… Historical group wants to hire someone from South Carolina to rebuild it . WTF ?!? For 27 mil. WTF!!! Several major custom home builders have gotten together and said “We live here and we will do it for 10% over cost” So thats where our “Mansion” situation stands…or doesn’t stand actually , never mind………
My friends son got arrested for stealing from Walmart. His excuse? “Walmart has lots of money, so why would they care if I take one CD?”
A guy my husband worked with got fired for stealing toilet paper & lightbulbs from work. He felt he should and could take it. He works hard. So what?
For people like them -and Palin, it’s not stealing. It’s taking what they can because they can and because they think they deserve it.
They don’t do what you and I would and think, hmm, just because I can, should I? Is it right? Did I earn it? Is it cheating? They just TAKE.
Yeah….kind of like…what was that again? A fish sculpture, a massage chair, a Viking grill, Christmas tree lights, furniture, a new level on the house, a car, a sled dog….etc. Uncle Ted deserved all that stuff because he worked hard and got appropriations for the state. Can you believe they didn’t buy that argument?
AKM
@ boz
Were you thinking of the Ombudsman?
http://www.state.ak.us/ombud/
“the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
Guess that ‘splains why the Dud has/had an office at the Capitol, eh?
seachele99 (15:53:17) :
There you go again.
She is doing all she can to make sure the citizens of Alaska get good government, and the anonymous bloggers are at it again nit picking every step she makes.
Stop picking on the GINO, its not fair, its just plain mean. You big bullies.
________________
It’s a dirty but fun job and I am happy to do it.
OOOO, Martha, can that be used to investigate the investigation???
@Boz-Hi there, Welcome to the ‘Flats…You would think SOMEONE could/would….Please start reading back posts on Muflats and some of the other Alaskan Blogs. You will be Shocked, then totally Pissed off! And to think this nutjob was put up for VP. Ok, the situation is… a lot of us wrote and emailed Alaska’s Leg. and Senators, and Reps. Most of us go no response, a couple of positive ones, and some downright idiotic unprofessional responses from elected persons. Most of the people who surround GINO are HANDPICKED BY HER, including Petumenous of the ETHICS committee. She is surrounded by syncopants and well insulated and during the VP got a real taste of power as RNC Lawyers defended her, Lawyers from Texas came up to block “Troopergate” etc.
Read up on all her gates…..
So for that reason, when something else POPs up I am sending the article/blog whatever to CREW and Anchorage FBI.
The FEDS need to come and clean this whole house of snakes….!
SP is a classic, ” Control drama quean”. She will travel with her kids to be, in-charge of the situation. She has a, ” kid shield”, in front of her of her at all times. She can’t be pinned down with a tuff question from those pesky media people, or informed Alaskans with kids in tow. SHe always has her way out of a tuff question, if her kids are close by. Momma bear can just push the cubs along into a photo opportunity, flag waving, strip mail ribbon cutting, or just be completely happy with shallow conversation with her kids as props. She also youbetya soas, wants to get her kids used to being in the spot light with lots of cameras around. She is sick!
Shovel ready bull shi! is what we get SP on her own, with out her safety net of family or staff. She’ll get back at ya with those tuff questions…
Her other strategy is to create a crisis to get in control of the media or tuff questions. Kind of like a,” strong offense is the best defense”, mind set.
“the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
– so how about ALL state employees start bringing their children to work, everyday. If it’s good enough for the Gov, then it’s good enough for the rest of us.
sauerkraut – not only is it “a dirty but fun job” , it’s a hobby !!
akmuffin – and don’t forget pets too.also. If everyone is happy , then everyone is happy !!
I’m liking this combo: GINO and her PET lawyer, since that is probably just what Mr. Petumenos (aka Mr. PET- thanks Lee!) is to her, a warm fuzzy body who wags his tail (or other appendage) every time he sees her, and longs for her to stroke his fur (in unmentioned places), and is loyal to the death and will put up with whatever crap she throws at him.
GINO likes a loyal PET and her PROPS (her children).
Hey AKM…seriously, how come palin hasn’t really been indicted for all she’s ‘obtained’, like the house that contractor built OR belly of the plane new clothes, OR not paying taxes, OR unofficial and inappropriate expenses being reimbursed, etc. ??? Isn’t that EXACTLY like what Ted Stevens did? There is a lot of finger pointing, but that’s where it ends…so it seems.
I’m really baffled by her Teflon.
Petumenos findings terribly flawed. For example:
Palin is only paying Piper’s travel for 2008 to attend the Iron Dog.
But travel documents show that state $$$ paid for travel expenses for
Piper, AND BRISTOL AND WILLOW
to attend their dad’s Iron Dog STARTS AND FINISHES
in Anchorage and Fairbanks, respectively,
AND both in 2007 and 2008.
Page 24 of State of Alaska Travel Policy
Receipts are strongly encouraged. All expenses claimed are subject to review.
Reimbursement of unsupported expenses may be disallowed.
Fraudulent claims may be subject to disciplinary action.
The following travel-related expenses are not reimbursable:
Expenses for children, spouses, and companions while in travel status
Palin is channeling Nixon
When the governor does it it’s NOT illegal.
AAAGH!
Put on Fox News right now!
I FINALLY got a call from a focus group asking me questions about how I felt about the “terrific job Governor Sarah Palin is doing for the citizens of Alaska”
OMG I practically shouted all my NO answers to their questions!
I’m sure they will cull my answers from their results, but, still, it felt so good to scream “NO, she’s a lying, thieving, idiot!”
Andree Mcleod- Hi! You are one of our hero’s…
Is there anything we can do to help you? Do you have a PAC or something?
What can we (in the lower 48) do to stop GINO?
I’m so glad you are here!
Lainey – I think there are more and bigger piles of poop to scoop up. The law of averages alone dictate that Sarah is on borrowed time.
Why aren’t criminal theft charges being filed?
Somebody needs to perform the citizen’s arrest next time she files her expense sheet, please!
ATFNo Gravatar (19:02:29) :
I FINALLY got a call from a focus group asking me questions about how I felt about the “terrific job Governor Sarah Palin is doing for the citizens of Alaska”
OMG I practically shouted all my NO answers to their questions!
I’m sure they will cull my answers from their results, but, still, it felt so good to scream “NO, she’s a lying, thieving, idiot!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The day after the inauguration I received a call from Newt’s PAC (do I want to sign a petition to change the “death tax” and for a “flat tax”) No I siad PO going to change the tax code…big silence. the next eve another call, Am I “outraged how Bush is being treated” I’m like no, I want to see him prosecuted for war crimes….BIG silence, “oh I’m sorry you feel that way”….!
The next day….! A letter give $$$ to Newt’s pac “they are trying to take god out of the square” whatever THAT means….! I can only guess, I email the mccain campaign several times demanding GINO’s apology to PO. I don’t know how else they got my name & phone. Hehe, they have stopped calling….
And Petumenos needs to be audited.
Sarah has a stack of Fashion Police citations that need issueing also.too.
Nancy Pelosi (yeah!) on RM coming up, I caught part of it and she is great!
So proud of her, she is from the Bay Area, like Barbra Boxer and Diane Feinstien….! Yeah, she (Nancy) rips into repub Taliban!
I couldn’t get enough of her smiles last night! compared to the tight,tortured smiles during the TARP vote.
Yea! to Nancy, Madam Speaker!
She wont tell the Alaskans the truth huh, whats up with Alaskans for truth, any updates?
@Lori in Los Angeles (15:24:30) :
I wish Talis Colberg would talk. There is a reason he decided to jump ship and not go along with spinning the breaking of laws and calling it “inappropriate” instead of “illegal.” SING Talis, SING! But since Colberg lives in or near Wasilla and does not want the intimidating calls from daddy Heath or Todd, I will not hold my breath.
———
Ahhh, yes. You know, when it was all blamed to Troopergate, I couldn’t help but think that it was something else that was the last straw for him. There’s something that made him draw the line – ‘nope, I’m not going to lose my job and my future over this.’ I wonder if Talis got some b@lls, or even better – ethics.
Wait I am confused? I thought McCain and GINO’S illiterae crazed base said that one of GINO’S admirable attributes was that she could multi-task and do it all. Ya know, be great mother, wife and public servant. Now she’s whining about having the right to be with her family.
OT: Yep,yep, yep, it will be Housegate that will break the Gov’s back.
typo: that’s illiterate.
@wavelength:
I love “invisible” as a verb! as in “invisibled”!
You know, something that I just thought of – and I don’t know why I didn’t earlier. Just what did Sarah think she was going to do with her family if she had gotten elected Vice President? Did she really think that was her way to spend more time with her family? I suppose she had planned to haul Piper and Trigg to all sorts of meetings that require security clearances. Then she could have complained that they were picking on her because the kids couldn’t come in.
I really do keep wondering when it’s all going to catch up with her. At some point, and hopefully it’s before she’s in office as long as Uncle Ted, someone has to start holding her accountable for all the gates that we know about. Who knows which ones are still waiting to be discovered?
Pat
@duct idaho palin (15:33:22) :
I forgot to add, SP’s comment about the discharge of her duties vs. spending time with her family doesn’t do any favors to women with children who want to run for political office. You never hear a man say anything like that.
———
and related to that – I had the thought last night …
Let’s say that a single person runs for governor and gets the job. S/he doesn’t have a spouse or family or SO. So does s/he get to take mom, dad, girlfriend, boyfriend on trips and get state to pay? I mean, c’mon, that regulation was written for a purpose. Otherwise, you could take it to the ends of the earth.
@Big Slick
If Ptumenos is GINO’s Pet Lawyer, shouldn’t he be neutered?..that might help him see the light:-)
Hi Andree – thanks for all your efforts. This all looks like turning into a massive PalinPoohGate – many ‘gates rolled into one! YOU GO GIRL!
Queen Snowflake/GINO/Wasilla witch if you are reading this I hope you are planning for a brief “oops my pants are showing” media blitz, followed by total obscurity.
Anyone heard from Ann?
@Paula:
Wonder where she’ll work after she loses it all? AKM, a poll.
I’ve vote her favorite consignment shop in Anchorage – what’s the new name again now that they got sued? – so she could get her designer duds on discount.
“the discharge of my duties should not prevent me from spending time with them.”
Maybe she should have thought about this BEFORE running for governor. My husband has a loving family and I don’t get to fly with him when he has to make trips up to the North Slope.
OMG Paula, are there really that many gates???????
@Bystander (15:48:54) :
What is amazing to a lot of us in the lower 48 is the willingness of many people who have information that would blow Sarah out of the water to keep it quiet.
========
Depressing, isn’t it? It’s like trying to break out of a concentration camp. The guards are out there, all around you, and you know you don’t have a chance unless you can engineer some sort of miracle.
crystalwolf aka caligrl:
Considering the open nature of this forum; what i can tell you is that hope springs eternal; stay the course: great days lie ahead; and, stay tuned!
Andree
Thanks for checking in and keeping us hopeful with a message from the front lines, Andree! AKM
@Kate in Canada (15:59:49) :
Home schooling has its fans
———-
Yes, and when done well the students are extraordinary. However, Alaska’s supervision of homeschoolers is spotty and often lax. I have a friend who’s a teacher and have heard it first-hand.
@Andree Mcleod
oooohhh, that sounds promising…I don’t even live in Alaska, but palin makes me a nervous wreck, nonetheless. I worry about our country being in her manipulative, thieving little hands…or so she wishes.
Thanks.
@yukonbushgrma:
Home schooling should be monitored by the state, with periodic asessment testing, as required in public schools. You’re right; it rarely happens- I’ve had a couple of great home school students fit right into high school, but most are like pieces of swiss cheese: full of holes where basic knowledge should be. And they don’t understand deadlines for assignments…
Lee323: Lee thank you. I am finally someone actually said this. I hope you are an Alaskan, and that you have many friends.
New Thread!
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/138435
SP apparently NOT on state business and NOT using her children as state advisers during the Iron Dog. Good call. There’s more to pay back, Sarah. Where is the check for the $700 plus hotel room for you and Bristol? I’m waiting…
I wonder how many other government officials are getting away with this stuff? If I go on a business trip, I can’t charge my business for taking my children with me. That’s just ridiculous. I may decide to take them along AT MY EXPENSE, but I don’t think it would be appropriate to take them to work with me unless they were involved in the job somehow. I can see that the governor’s family would be at certain functions and some expenses may be paid for, but not ALL of them. I also can’t charge my business my meals for working at home when I would be eating there anyway. The IRS wouldn’t go for it. This woman is SO NOT going to be in the running for any political offices in the future.
Thanks, AKM…
I remember paying for day care. Palin has been working the system to her advantage, no doubt.
Palin has set back women’s movement 50 years. Yep…and that glass ceiling—concrete. I wonder how many qualified women with young children will be denied job opportunities because of the repercussion of Palin’s selfish actions.
Oh, and just wondering…for insurance purposes, did Palin’s doctor sign a release for Palin to return to work a day or so after having a baby?
Remember when the folks at Newsweek said they were surprised by the request of the Governor to include Bristol to the New York Conference?
Bristol wasn’t orginally invited. Sarah asked that they amend the invite to include Bristol.
Sarah asks for a lot of amendments doesn’t she?
I want what I want when I want it…and if you can’t furnish it when I want it, then I’ll find somebody who will.
Yep, sums it up.
@ ATF
“Sarah asks for a lot of amendments doesn’t she?”
We don’t want to even know how she would try to butcher the constitution! She doesn’t know what it IS or STANDS FOR, but she’ll try to take that red pen to it, the ORIGINAL if she can, and draw little frownie faces in the margins while she crosses out the parts she doesn’t like (the whole thing with the exception of the 2nd amendment).
She’s a cracker head alright. She’s right, she WOULD change America and the world if we only give her a chance…
@ATF
Sarah asks for a lot of amendments doesn’t she?
——–
So, why do ‘they’ keep saying yes? A child (palin) NEVER grows up and behaves if nobody ever says ‘no’.
This comment is from an older post and I’ve been wondering the same:
bozNo Gravatar (17:59:36) :
Hey,folks. Although born in Alaska, I’ve lived outside since 1959, and am not up on how everything works back home…….isn’t there some sort of Public Interest Research Group or citizens organization that can initiate lawsuits to force state employees to comply with the laws, or force state courts to decide what a state employee can withhold from the public? Tim Petumenos can have his opinions, but how can that be the last word? Surely there must be ways to force the Governor and her minions to face the public inquiries, and comply with state regulations ,such as the one saying on the official state web site that travel expenses by a state employee’s spouse, children or companions “are not reimbursable.”
Help me out here. How can someone living outside support some accountability in the Governor’s office? What organization needs a few bucks to start some action??
AKM, Alaskans for Truth, Shannyn Moore, Immoral Minority, Andree McLeod, Zane from Wasilla, dude who filed the ethics complaint about Grifter Sarah’s travel expenses (sorry I don’t remember his name, wish I did), palindeceptions, Palingates, Palin Peyton Place and several more people have done an outstanding job in educating and updating people about Sarah Palin, the Wicked Witch of the West’s transgressions and activities.
But is there an actual “coalition” in place, comprising individuals and groups, with the aim of removing grifter GINO from office, who are filling out the forms necessary for doing so and examining public records (such as for the Wasilla Sportsplex, to help convict GINO for HOUSEGATE?) Is there a group whose mandate is to impeach GINO?
Thanks Paula for listing all the gates – haha, I hadn’t added them all up.
And yeah, what is up with Tim Petumenos? Seems like Grifter GINO is stroking her pet just the way he likes it.
OT – Quetzacoatl: Gerard Kennedy, straight up guy, always wins his riding, shunned by the Liberal elite for the leadership every time – why? I’m not a fan of Ignatieff either. But better than Stephen “Friend of Big Oil” Harper. Have you read that one of Dubya’s first international appearances will be in Alberta, Canada?
Don’t forget Phil Munger at Progressive Alaska, Linda Kellen-Biegel at Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis, and Dennis Zaki at The Alaska Report!
And you’re thinking of Frank Gwartney who filed the complaint on her kids’ travel. AKM
Comments are ON now – new thread!
Pat, Washington state…you have reveled her evil plan!
those Palin kids are in training so that they can hold public one day, thanks to Moms OJT!
@ Canuck
I posted the Alaska Ombudsman link earlier in the post as a possible agency to formalize complaints?
In 1975, Alaska was the 4th state to establish a state ombudsman. Alaska now has state ombudsman offices in Anchorage and Juneau to help people across the state with questions and complaints about state government agencies and the University of Alaska. Juneau residents may call the Ombudsman for help with municipal issues as well. The Alaska Ombudsman is authorized under Title 24, Chapter 55 of the Alaska Statutes, 24.55.010 – 340.
http://www.state.ak.us/ombud/
How to Contact:
Anchorage
P.O. Box 102636
Anchorage, AK 99510-2636
(907) 269-5290
Fax: (907) 269-5291
Toll Free: 1-800-478-2624
Juneau
P.O. Box 113000
Juneau, AK 99811-3000
(907) 465-4970
Fax: (907)465-3330
Toll Free: 1-800-478-4970
Wait, Dubya’s going to Canada? Will he be arrested and put on trial as a war criminal?
Thanks, AKM, for reminding me of Frank Gwartney, the guy who filed the ethics complaint against grifter GINO. If you’re reading this, Frank, thanks for having the sense (and the balls) to question what you found to be just wrong.
Phil Munger at http://www.progressivealaska.com is a straight talker and very funny.
Linda: http://www.divasblueoasis.com is reasoned, well-spoken, and a straight talker, also.
Dennis Zaki at Alaska Report http://www.alaskareport.com/ is a reporter but a hero in my view, too, also.
Is it ethical, proper and legal for someone to publish a book entitled, “Anonymous Bloggers?” Besides great reading, it would get the word out to a wider audience. Lawsuit? We are protected by anonymity. How Palinesque.
“…isn’t there some sort of Public Interest Research Group or citizens organization…”
Actually he’s referring to the Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AKPIRG) and a guy named Steve Conn (retired in 2003). Kind of a Ralph Nader thing. Everybody got kind of tired and defeated after the salmon price-fixing lawsuit.
http://www.akpirg.com, P.O. Box 101093, Anchorage, AK 99510
907.278.3661, fax 907.278.9300, AkPIRG@gci.net
I wonder what Ralph Nader thinks?
Paula, thank you for the list of “gates”
I hope you don’t mind but I copied and pasted them into a text file on my computer for future use. I’ll make sure I quote you whenever I use it. I fixed the typo of turkey gate and removed the duplicate beauty queen gate reference. Okay? Thanks.
Here’s the statute cited by Petumenos and Svobodny as relevant in KidTravelGate:
“Sec. 39.20.060. Exclusion of governor and lieutenant governor from personnel laws.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the governor and lieutenant governor are not considered employees of the state for the purpose of state personnel laws relating to hours of employment, annual leave, sick leave, overtime, compensatory time, and travel allowances. This section does not deprive the governor and lieutenant governor of the right to participate in the state retirement system or in state group insurance plans.”
Do you see anything about family members in this statute? I don’t.
Why is Palin only reimbursing the state foir airfare and 1 meal for Bristol’s junket to New York City?
Here’s some oriinal reporting on that:
“In October 2007, Palin brought daughter Bristol along on a trip to New York for a women’s leadership conference. Plane tickets from Anchorage to La Guardia Airport for $1,385.11 were billed to the state, records show, and mother and daughter shared a room for four nights at the $707.29-per-night Essex House hotel, which overlooks Central Park.
The event’s organizers said Palin asked if she could bring her daughter.
Alexis Gelber, who organized Newsweek’s Third Annual Women & Leadership Conference, said she does not know how Bristol ended up attending.”
It sounds like the Palins owe half of the 700 PER NIGHT hotel room, and any other meals Bristol ate at state expense.
@austintx (18:08:40) :
Ooo, what a drag. What your mansion at least a cool looking one? Hope the state has the sense to take the local contractors up on their offer!
If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888 If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Please include the following information, if available:
* Name and address of the person you are reporting.
* The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business.
* A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information.
* The years involved.
* The estimated dollar amount of any unreported income.
Your name, address and daytime telephone number Although you are not required to identify yourself, it is helpful to do so. Your identity can be kept confidential.
This whole Travelgate reminds me of an analogy to a great documentary I recently watched… ‘Man on Wire’.
There was a person who dreamed of doing something no one could ever imagine (walk a wire across the WTC towers/Palin as VP). A tight knit group of devoted friends helped this person break/bend a few laws so this dream would be realized [in SP's case they (Palin fam, Billy Mc, Megster, Vanphlem etc...) continue to do so].
The unimaginable moment came. It truly was a spectacle. Walking the wire this person defied all odds (SP: the vp race, debates, media interviews).
In the end however, even the closest of friends were alienated and forgotten. Left behind by the star whose ego blinds her from seeing simple rights from wrongs. Whose daily reliance on her lawyers to explain her wire-walking actions to her constituents are opening the eyes of more and more people.
It’s a sad story really but a reality nonetheless.
who cares? palin 2012
this must be were all The women Failures hang out. Cry because they wish they could have a real life.
BAHAHAHAHA
PALIN 2012
Although you have obviously overwhelmed us all with your wit, and intelligent discourse, I’m afraid I’m going to have to fling you into the Mudflats. AKM
Steptoe (23:41:50) :
who cares? palin 2012
————————————-
Answer = The FBI and IRS
I read somewhere (and I can’t find it right this minute, but I will keep looking) that the complaint filed in October actually listed 72 items, not 40.
I don’t know if this is true or not, but if it did contain 72, why were only 40 looked at?
I can imagine VERY few things where the children’s attendance would benefit the state. To be honest, off the top of my head, I can think of none.
I would like to know if there were really 72 vs 40 items though.
I found a link that included the 72 reference. I’m sure there are others, since this isn’t the one I read yesterday, but here it is:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6950496
So if her attorney says there were 72 items, why does the report say 40?
What benefit could there possibly be to the state in those other 63 trips?
There must be some way to find out what those trips were. A FOIA request maybe? Her expense filings are public record aren’t they?
AKMFan (00:25:17) :
I read somewhere (and I can’t find it right this minute, but I will keep looking) that the complaint filed in October actually listed 72 items, not 40.
I don’t know if this is true or not, but if it did contain 72, why were only 40 looked at?
I can imagine VERY few things where the children’s attendance would benefit the state. To be honest, off the top of my head, I can think of none.
I would like to know if there were really 72 vs 40 items though.”
I was just going to say the same thing.If you look at what PET-umanos said,Sarah has agreed to a “settlement”.So maybe the terme of the settlement were that the rest of the trips would not be researched and that she would pay back this small amount only.Maybe to keep the state of Alaska from having to foot the bill for more attorneys,investigators,etc. to defend SP.Maybe this has more to do with Colberg resigning than anything else,perhaps he was of the opinion she should have to pay it all back ? Or that she should be prosecuted for fraud for the expenses and for the changing the records to try to support her claims ?
InJuneau – Yeah – It was built in the mid-1800′s and has the 2 story columns and all the Greek Revival goodies. and I still say Sarah never got that 1st good spanking………
Murkowski, Jindal raised “a legitimate question about funding volcano monitoring in legislation that’s supposed to create jobs for unemployed Americans.”
Does Murkowski think they just create themselves? They are generally fitted with high tech gear and people to man and moniter that gear… but maybe jobs in a scientific field don’t count? Maybe a bunch of fundies should just camp out on that mountain, wack the hell out of it with Bibles and kill the deamon within? Time for Jindal to climb another mountain. He can bring Palin along for moral support. If we’re lucky, they’ll both fall in.
She makes up all of these excuses why she’s not in the Capital city, Juneau, Alaska and needs to be in Anchorage. She even hides out in Anchorage or Wasilla, it doesn’t matter where she is residing at, she’s a fraud.
____________________________________________________________________
Research needed!!! In order to be fair….
Aren’t there a fair number of governors who don’t “live” in their governor’s mansions.
Has anyone looked into this.?? Laughably, the only two I can think of off top of my head have been bounced from office: Eliot Spitzer (lived “primarily” in NYC not Albany – plus Albany a quick train ride form NYC so he coudl do a daily commute) and Blago who lived “primarily” in Chicago not Springfield ( Cap of Il)..not sure of milegae distiance.).
Can anyone look into this ??? Back to the salt mines for me…
let it run – I believe Arnold commutes , and on his dime I might add. I defer to the ever vigilant caligrl to be sure.
@let it run: reporting from WA. Christine Gregoire lives in the mansion in Olympia.
OT: It’s SNOWING again! Unbelievable. This is NOT Alaska and we are NOT accustomed to this weather. grumblegrumblegrumble
again AKM, thanks for keeping us that live in the bush (and city folk) up on things,,:} Love you’re blog.
Lisa Demer seems to be investigating “Kids Travel Free!”
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/138435
Bristol went with her mom to NY to devise a plan regarding young Bristol’s pregnancy, period. There was some speculation that if Bristol, Willow and Piper went with SP to the Iron Dog in 2008, and a luncheon of the Heart Assoc. (which they were NOT INVITED TO) that that was proof that Bristol was not Trig’s mom, because her condition would have been obvious at that point. According to LD’s article Bristol did not go with to Fairbanks in 2008. If Andree Mcleod is correct that AK has already been charged for this trip, with three daughters in attendence, LD’s article would seem to contradict this. I am confused, but isn’t that the point? IMHO, Bristol did not go with her sisters and mom to send off papa dawg in 2008, because she was very pregnant.
The tower is tumbling folks!
Lots of good links in the adn blog!
penny: three kids does not necessarily include Bristol. Don’t forget Track, no 1 son.
@austintx (03:45:57) :
Ah, what a loss. Hopefully they’ll get it back up and lovely again. Our was built in the 1930s by the Feds as the Territorial Gov’s House and is just another one of those things we inherited from the US Gov. when we became a state (the Capitol has been said to look like an inner city elementary school, though I think it’s a bit nicer than that!).
Hey TPC,
This is a link to an earlier article about SP’s very own “Kids Travel Free!”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-10-21-palin-AP_N.htm
I do not know if Track was included in KTF shenanigans, but of interest to me was the American Heart Association luncheon on February 15, that the girls, 1? 2? 3?, attended uninvited. That trip to Fairbanks has been used as proof that if all the girls were there, none of them could be Trig’s mom, because SP was the only one camouflaging a non-existent pregnancy in those days. They were not invited or expected, but it was their attendance on behalf of the State of Alaska, that SP used to charge the State, when they just wanted to see papa dawg off. I really can not figure out how many girls she charged the State for, but if Lisa Demer’s information is correct, only Piper and Willow went with. I have not been able to locate any photos of Bristol on that trip, which leads me to my conclusion, she did not go on that trip because, IMHO, she was very pregnant.
penny
@wired differently (06:39:16) :
Hey, you should pop over to the Forum to write on the Writing Club Week 12 thread. The topic is Unexpected weather. Here you go: http://www.themudflats.net/forum/index.php/topic,6409.0.html
@ penny — there was a travel expense form filled out for Bristol Feb 15, 2008. Did she actually attend? Don’t know. See pages 11-112 of the travel authorizations document at ADN.
I am not great at manuevering around ADN’s site. Could you give me a link to those documents TPC?
thanks!
I haven’t read the 170 or so comments above mine, just responding to the article:
R U kidding me??!!! I’m jumpiing jack flash incensed by the level of high school antics Alaskans allow SP and her govt. to get away with. This is dangerous precedent setting stuff which firms inside the logic of HRH and carries over into whatever actions she takes next, not only on a State level, but Nationally.
By not impeaching her you undoubtedly ”enable” her flawed logic to run ‘rogue’ impacting the lives of the population of Alaska.
Why haven’t formal proceedings to remove her begun?
@penny — I tried to post it earlier, but I think the link was toooooo looooong. If you go to the http://community.adn.com/adn/node/138435 (that you actually have already mentioned) and then about half way down Lisa Demers’ article it says in blue “all the children’s travel reports.” Click on that blue to open up the PDF and then scroll down to page 111, there is Bristol’s travel authorization for Nov 14,15,16, 2008.
She thinks that we should foot the bill for her “bein’ a Mom” (and a kind of crappy one at that…) That’s really what she’s saying. Well, if spending time with her children is so important that she presumes to charge the state EXTRA for DOING HER JOB, ya know, the one that some people up here elected her to do, then she should perhaps step down and just be MOM. If she does not want to enlist a professional child care worker to assist her with her children when she is DOING HER JOB, then she really needs to decide WHAT HER JOB REALLY IS. Instead she totes the kids around on the state dollar and makes up reasons for them to be there. Hey, I’ll go run a raffle at a fund raising event for a free plane ticket and hotel room and a few meals. I’m probably more qualified than her children…..I’m sick of paying her to be a MOM as well as paying her to be Governor. ‘Nuff said.
NEVER has a Governor of this fine State used the internet to divide and conquer like our Governor is these days. She’s got TeamSarah and SarahPAC pitting Alaskans against Alaskans and Alaskans against the rest of the country.
She’s also been busy having her minions paint her as the hero in this picture and Alaska as the bad guys. You know, according to the TeamSarah and SaraPAC scripts, she initiated this all on her own as part of her transparency in government platform. NOT
So, how about a full blown investigation, there is certainly enough just cause. We could get rid of 3 for the price of one – if we send the Governor packing then TeamSarah and SaraPAC will follow. Alaska can’t afford to be her national soapbox any longer. The Legislature and Washington DC need to hold a summit in restoring Alaska’s national reputation. If we expose her for what she is, we can all wear our Alaska T-Shirts when we travel again. alohalaska / united we stand, divided we fall
Furthermore, FREQUENT FLIER MILES
Are they attributed to the States account for future use or the Flier’s name?
This is a pretty valuable point system and should be given to the employer who is footing the bill or TAXED as income.
IMHO
Does anyone know about this?
Someone has created a timeline from the travel reports of Palin and think they solved the baby gate.
http://www.flickr.com/people/33163903@N05/
Also, of what use is Todd if Palin has to claim responsibility for raising the kids? It’s not like he works, right?
FYI: I just posted this comment on the ADN in response to their article “More on Palin kids’ travel – governor will repay 10 trips not nine.”
Somebody please explain how Petumenos and the Personnel Board have ANY authority to have anything to do with this ethics complaint.
According to the article Petumenos was only “hired by the Personnel Board to investigate the case as an independent counsel.” That does not give him any authority to settle anything, just to investigate the case. This is the same as a cop, who investigates a case and then negotiates a plea deal with the accused. That is not the cop’s role. Here too, it was not Petumenos’s role to negotiate any settlement.
The article also states: “A state law specifically exempts the governor . . . from state personnel laws . . . The governor is taken out of the entire personnel act . . . Petumenos said.”
Thus, any questions about Palin’s compliance with “state personnel laws” is not for the Personnel Board to consider, since apparently it only deals with matters within the “entire personnel act.”
So, something is very wrong with how this ethics complaint was handled, no?
I went through the travel reports and put it together with the timelines that we had and it has all of the answers. It is so clear what happened. Who was where…and at what school. It is complete and leaves NO DOUBT when and who gave birth to Trig.
I am so excited!! I have copied the timeline to this link:
http://tinyurl.com/cnhqwu
We’ve got it! Now I am going to send to off to every media outlet I can think of!! Including… and especially… Alaskan Daily News!
OK, despite all of the other glaring times we paid for Sarah to bring her family along on our dime (I don’t charge my work for my family time) I want to know:
Why do we have to pay for Sarah to watch her husband’s sporting event?. Since when is that government business?
Not only have we been paying for her family to be hauled around but why are we paying for her personal trips?