Bottoms Up for Dan Sullivan? (Updated)
As the mayor’s race looms near, this just landed in my inbox. It is written by former Assemblyman Allan Tesche, who served on the Assembly with Dan Sullivan.
And here’s a .pdf of the letter ==> mcginleys1
Not sure how many other inboxes were graced with this letter, but a hat tip to Phil at Progressive Alaska for being quickest on the draw.
More to come…
UPDATE: Well, this has been a hot topic! Sorry it took so long to post an update. Busy day.
Here are the court documents related to this case:
Most of the relevant information is in the third document. Here’s what we know:
On a night in early October of 2006, a 23-year old cocktail waitress at McGinley’s Pub ended her shift and proceeded to share a pitcher or more of Guinness with someone named Jennifer, and her boss, someone named Dan. She testifies that she, Dan, and Jennifer leave the bar together at 4am, hug each other (awww), and part ways.
Sometime shortly thereafter, the aforementioned cocktail waitress proceeds to drunkenly drive the wrong way down the Minnesota corridor around Westchester Lagoon and eventually causes a head-on collision with a man. Fortunately, nobody was injured. She flees the scene, and is arrested at her apartment 2 hours later by the APD, who later testified that she smelled of alcohol and was visibly drunk.
A little over a year later, on January 11th, 2008, she is found guilty of this crime, just a few weeks after Sullivan declared his candidacy for mayor.
There is no doubt that the young woman in question should not have driven her car. It sounded like she did quite a bit of fancy maneuvering to get where she did, and was extremely lucky that she didn’t end up killing herself or someone else. She should have known better. And so should her employer, who was more than twice her age, and a part-owner of an establishment that makes its money by selling alcohol. Knowing what to do with drunk people should go with the territory.
But once again, situations like this point us to the real issue – judgement. Granted that sometimes we all exhibit bad judgement. We’re only human. But we’d like to think that the people we choose to run our city (and our state for that matter) will have a better than average track record of good judgement. It makes us feel better…like our city is in good hands. Good steady hands.
So let’s put on our special glasses that let us look at someone’s actions through the lenses of good judgement. Here’s what we have. Dan Sullivan, a bar owner and employer, a manager and 59-year old family values kinda guy, is out at his establishment drinking until 4am with a young employee.
Mind you, he is not only allowing his employees to drink after bar hours, but he is participating in the drinking, and providing the alcohol.
He hugs the young lady when they leave the bar, but apparently doesn’t smell the alcohol on her that APD officers were still able to detect on her two hours later. He also doesn’t notice that she is, quote, “visibly intoxicated”. Aren’t bar owners pretty familiar with visibly intoxicated people?
There’s a solution for this, which bar owners also should be familiar with. Bar owners take note: It’s called “calling someone a cab.”
And we all know he is really into further regulation of those bars.
snark/
Cheers!
Prost
Slante
and I’ll take a ‘here’s mud in your eye!
very cool…. and great work of “calling out” the slug.
We really do need more… at this point, we’ve got one guy with a possible bone to pick (and an agenda in hand) making unsubstantiated accusations. What I do know is, if the arrested woman was old enough to work in a bar, I’m not going to hold someone else responsible for her decisions, no matter how seductively the wrong choice was presented.
I don’t blame Rumsfeld for the CIA operatives’ torture work, either. Tossing aside humanity is a personal choice, each and every time, and every single person involved should be held accountable for their own actions.
I’m afraid I have to disagree with you, Oregonbird. In both cases it is a shared responsibility; both parties are at fault.
oregonbird
Have you got someone you love very much? a mother, a child, a husband?
If that person was in a car, or even walking on the pavestone and a drunk driver crashed into them and killed or maimed them, would you then go and shake the hand of the person that waved them off in their car?
Just askin’
@oregonbird…sorry, but my take is very different. Where I live, the law is very clear. A bar server, waitress, bartender whatever, is held legally responsible when a customer gets behind the wheel of car. The law is so strict, and so well enforced, that a bar owner or manager would NEVER allow his staff to drink.
You might think these laws where I live draconian, but I can tell…the number of drunk driving accidents are few and far between in my town.
I have seen bartenders let someone drink to point of passing out at the table in years gone by. When I was a young person, I probably even found it amusing when the waiter would wake the person up for “last call”. Those days are done, and rightfully so.
In some states, the owner of the bar would be held financially liable for the damage done by that waitress.
I’ve never heard of a restaurant or bar that allowed their servers to drink. Even at the end of a shift, they have to leave and then come back as a paying customer.
@uk lady…lol..my trigger is tripped too. People must ALL be held responsible when they are involved in any way. Torture…and drunk driving.
Vote for Dan, he’ll give you a drink!
Salud!
‘Word salud’
I do believe that the bartender is culpable, but that doesn’t absolve the drinker of responsibility. Also, I was married to an Army officer for a number of years. I can tell you that the military works very hard to tear down the individual and then build him up as a team player. They are trained to follow orders no matter what. So many times I have heard my husband and others say, “It’s not my fault. I did what I was told.” It is the military mentality. In the case of torture, I blame those higher up the ladder who connived to get permission to order the torture.
oregonbird Says:
“I don’t blame Rumsfeld for the CIA operatives’ torture work, either”.
Actually, oregonbird you are quite right! Rumsfeld, the Pentagon, the FBI and the Armed Forces, wanted nothing to do with torturing. That’s exactly why the responsibility for torturing fell into the lap of Tenent and the CIA.
You should however, blame Bush Cheney and Rice for the torture work.
Oregon is a state that holds liquor establishments liable for “over-serving” in cases of later accidents or criminal behaviors of the over-served client.
In other words, serve ‘em drunk, your bad.
As for Rumsfeld — completely different issue. Friggin troll comment.
Don’t feed the trolls!
Nobody is trying to defend the damn drinker! The bar owner is also culpable though.
WOW!
AKM I do believe that you have been instrumental in inspiring folks to come foward about political and public figures in your state now. Not saying I know any of the past as an outsider, but you’ve certainly given the people of Alaska a voice!
Kudos to you and Mr. Tesche!
The thread topic is about Dan Sullivan and his loose well-drink-canon. Don’t let a troll turn it into anything else, please.
An ethics complaint before he’s even been elected? If this claim is substantiated, I hope it is widely publicized BEFORE people vote. If he doesn’t exercise good judgment in the way he runs a business, I wouldn’t expect good judgment in running a city!
The first thing that jumped out to me is the statement that L St. runs north. The last time I checked, I St. runs north and L St. runs south – as “anyone who lives downtown” would know. It doesn’t diminish Sullivan’s culpability, but it tarnishes Tesche’s credibility.
I know from personal experience that Mr. Tesche is a man of principle and is not afraid to speak up when he thinks it is necessary. I would put AKM in that category. More of us need to be that way.
Mr. Tesche nd his wife live 200 yds from the bar according to the letter. This should be easily proven.
It sounds like the citizens of Alaska are getting bolder about submitting complaints for the misbehavior of their elected officials.
Bravo! May this “disturbing trend” continue until all their state employees learn to walk the straight and narrow. Accountability is a wonderful thing.
It doesnt really matter much to me which way L street runs. If Dan S. permitted, or better yet…offered his staff member drinks…then watched her walk out and drive away, he is culpable. Nobody is saying the driver has no responsibility here. Of course she does. If jail was involved…or a fine or a drivers license to lose, then I would bet she paid it.
He should be held accountable for over serving his customers or staff…whichever it is. Its simple. You have a responsibility when you own a bar and serve alcohol. If you see that someone is intoxicated you stop serving them. You find out if they are driving…take the keys or inform them that if they insist on driving you will call police.
We actually have inspectors that wander through the local drinking establishments randomly and check for over serving. They will shut you right down if someone is on the premises who is obviously intoxicated. Harsh …perhaps, but if it saves lives I dont care.
hmmm…I’m kind of all over the board on this one. I will drive after having one drink, but I’m generally opposed to the concept of drinking and driving, as most drinking drivers have usually had more than they should have had, and alcohol related auto accidents take a tremendous toll in lives and property damage. Who here NEVER drives after a drink? Going out to dinner? Had some wine with dinner? Drive home?
Second part. I used to manage a pizza parlor in Juneau. When I took over the job as manager it was standard practice to allow employees a beer or glass of wine at the end of the shift and I continued that practice. Unfortunately, the restaurant was full of drunk people pretty much all of the time, due to our drink specials and the lax attitude about drinking in Alaska. I regularly broke up drunken brawls and threw out underage drinkers being slipped drinks by their buddies. In fact, in spite of our drink specials, I developed a reputation for being the meanest manager in town concerning underage drinkers. This was during the time when Alaska was switching from a drinking age of 19 to 21. One of the things I discovered when I moved to Alaska was that basically everybody drank all of the time, and always too much. Many stories, not going into that. Suffice it to say that I left Alaska permanently due to no longer being able to deal with a soused population.
Alaska has a SERIOUS alcohol problem. Now is not then. We were wrong back then and Alaska has had plenty of time to change. Somehow I don’t think it has. People still support the all night open bar idea. My aunt told me that back when Anchorage had the open all night policy the way to find a friend who didn’t come back from a night of drinking was to go into the bars on 4th St and lift up the heads of the passed out people at the bar to see if they were somebody you knew.
On the this-is-overboard side, the cops in Flagstaff AZ used to sit in bars and watch people drink and then follow them to their cars and harass them. They did that to my husband when he had had one drink, because he walked crooked due to a partly mended broken leg (the guy he was with was soused but was not followed).
Soooo…we should not get too self righteous unless we NEVER drink and drive, but laws should reflect the common sense that drinking and driving do not mix and that bar owners hold some responsibility, but so do the drinkers.
Like I said, I’m all over the place on this one, but it is no longer 1983 in Alaska and it’s time for people to get their drinking problems under control up there or take a damn taxi.
I can state without reservation…I do not drink and drive. I get angry when people do. I have been the victim of a drunk driver. There is no excuse.
If I am going to drink, the car stays home, the end.
just one more thought. One drink for one person may be ok. It most likely is. One drink for someone else is not ok. We all respond to alcohol differently…and at different time. It depends on what we have eaten …or if we had enough sleep….or are we under any kind of stress.
One drink doesnt usually equate to drunk driving though, and I think the letter is referencing someone who was drunk. A pitcher or even half a pitcher just might do that to someone. I am sure it would get me drunk.
If I were in the appropriate state office I’d be pulling that liquor license so damn fast they wouldn’t know what had hit them.
The letter references “court records”, so to me that says either someone was charged with dangerous driving (or the AK equivalent) or DUI (do you guys have breathalizer cut offs?).
If he gives his employees too much to drink after work, what’s he going to give his staff too much of when nobody’s looking if you elect him your Mayor?
Here , every person who hands a drink to a person , has to take a class on laws , rules , recognition of intoxication. You then must pass a test. Bars have been sued successfully for “over-serving”.
If my husband and I drink at a restarunt, we always planning on staying long enough for the alcohol to clear our system.
My brother lost his girlfriend in a fatal car accident a few years ago. Two of his other friends were sent to the major trama hospital for several days. While the cops never directly pointed to alcohol as a factor in the other driver, it was strongly suspected to have played a role.
Driving sober is such a simple act to make the road safer for the people around you.
$4 and you can have a personal Breathalyzer on your keychain.
I have this exact item. It works and is accurate.
http://www.amazon.com/Alcohol-Breathalyzer-BREATH-Tester-Keychain/dp/B001M5B5DS
There is a big difference between an bar owner giving an employee a ‘shift drink’ after a long hard night and sharing a pitcher of beer with the employee and allowing her to drive. If the waitress got a DUI, it’s pretty obvious she was over-served.
Mr. Sullivan needs to keep a better watch on things in his pub and the folks in Anchorage deserve a better mayoral candidate than this schmuck.
@austintx….we are subject to the same tests. Once certified you are given a card and it must be on your person when the inspector arrives. If you dont have it…the bar is closed. It took years to get these laws…and they are good ones.
People can get as sh*tfaced as they like, I don’t care, I’ve had a few too many myself more than once, just don’t drive, it’s selfish, dangerous and stupid.
@UKlady — i don’t like to play cop but i think you were a bit disagreeable in response to oregonbird’s comment. you may disagree with her (i certainly do) but she should not be made to feel that she is not welcome because you think she is wrong.
i’ve been on the receiving end of responses like yours and it has caused me to stop visiting some sites as a result.
on topic — dan sullivan should be embarrassed by this. it will be interesting to learn, if we can, whether his bar changed its policies after her conviction and before this inconveniently timed letter. if they are changed as a result of this letter, all to the good for public safety, but yet another reason to vote against him. do alaskans really want another politician who acts out of expedience and not principle or good character?
So…was this letter distributed to media outlets…or just to bloggers? It will be interesting to see if the ADN or any other paper carries it.
It was. AKM
I have lost several friends to drunk driving.
I have lost two friends to alcohol POISONING.
Banning alcohol is impossible, and for some, so is self-control.
I have one very old dear friend who is still drinking himself to death even though he is losing his pancreas and liver to his disease. It is slow and painful and heartbreaking.
Even so, I still enjoy my own beverages at the right time, right place, and right amount. I am thankful I have the ability to enjoy a drink when appropriate, and the sense to do so responsibly.
I educate my children to know all they possibly can about alcohol and its effects before they come of drinking age.
I will be observant and willing to intervene if they or any one near and dear were to develop substance dependencies or addictions — even after they have passed legal age and are well into adulthood.
Unfortunately for my dear friend, he has not been drinking from the bottle — it is the bottle that has tragically been drinking from his soul instead.
First off, I”m voting for Eric Croft.
Having said that, I’ll just say that this seems to be an unfair attack on McGinley’s pub. McGinley’s is far from the only bar in Anchorage that allows their employees 1 shift beverage of their choice. If they are of drinking age, then legally they have the choice of whether or not they want to take that drink (and who turns down free beer)?
Yes drunk driving is a horrible problem, but Mr. Tesche seems to be want to demonize all of us who do enjoy the occasional drink, bar employee or not, based upon the actions of one irresponsible employee.
Now, if she was clearly over the limit and she was still served, then that is a problem of course. In any case, she was an adult and she made her own choice and thus she, not Mr. Sullivan, should be ultimately responsible, as long as he was not the bartender.
I sometimes agree with and sometimes disagree with Mr. Tesche. He tried to have a strip club (not that I am a fan of them) shut down on moral grounds. I disagreed with that too. I do respect him though as I think he is a good guy, but this attack seems purely politically motivated.
This one was questionable, AKM.
I think the point of this post is that Sullivan is well-known for arguing for less control of alcohol and bar owners. The letter points to the possible consequences of lax standards. It could do a better job of tying in that point, frankly. But I think it probably makes its point to Anchorage residents.
Well, either way even if it does it is too little too late as Mr. Sullivan is going to win pretty easily.
It’s sad because I do want Mr. Croft as mayor, but no one who knows Anchorage politics would put their money down on Croft at this point.
oregonbird Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 3:08 PM
We really do need more… at this point, we’ve got one guy with a possible bone to pick (and an agenda in hand) making unsubstantiated accusations. What I do know is, if the arrested woman was old enough to work in a bar, I’m not going to hold someone else responsible for her decisions, no matter how seductively the wrong choice was presented.
===================================
Where I live all staff the serve alcohol are required to take and pass a “Serve it Right” course, it is the law. If a liquor inspector finds anyone working without their “ticket” the premise is shut down immediately AND fined. Too many infractions and they lose their liquor license.
Any restaurant or pub, any place that serves alcohol, even a local event with a one permit, are held accountable for their patrons state of drunkenness.
If a patron leaves the premise and gets into an accident like the one described here, the server AND the license holder are charged.
If a patron were to kill someone in the process, the server AND the license holder will be charged with manslaughter.
I worked many years in the hospitality industry, belonged to local 140 and was employed at “A” class hotels. It is common to have A as in 1 staff drink at the end of your shift, not buckets of beer, or multitudes of drinks. Most employees only have their staff drink at the end of a night shift, and not every night.
Obviously this person had multiple drinks with her employer. I have seen this happen over the years and usually the employer, or manager, want something in return. They don’t sit you down and feed your liquor like that for no reason.
I’d like to call on the woman for an explanation of HER behavior…who 1) was seemingly was old enough to WORK in a bar and 2) who as an ADULT seemingly does not have any self-restraint and finds it acceptable to drink herself silly and then decide to drive home from work.
I can see that this might be an opinion that is unfavorable on this forum however I am the type of person who believes in personal responsibility before blame.
K.
Sorry, people, but it is NOT Drunk Driving in Alaska – it is Driving Under the Influence – DUI – big difference.
One can be Under the Influence and still blow under the PRESUMPTIVE legal limit of .080.
I’m a one beer gal myself – no driving if any alcohol passes my lips.
I agree with womanwithsardinecan – waaaayyy to much boozing up here.
Hello – could that be one of the reasons for the high assault and rape rates?
Fine example for a boss to set, too.
Thanks for responding AKM…much appreciated. Glad to see this posted in as many places as possible.
@blooper….the hard work of alaska progressives just might see croft through this fight. I wouldnt count him out just yet.
@miss d….I believe it is dui everywhere. Drunk driving is just a slang term.
Laurie: I sincerely hope you’re right!
oops…meant to add. Under the influence here is not just alcohol. Could be anything, including sedative use.
@blooper…me too.
Good discussion! As I am for Croft, at first I thought “Aha!”. But then, as others have pointed out, Alaska is more tolerant of alcohol than most states, and, having been in Anchorage bars, this does seem a fuzzy area. If Sullivan was really there, and really realized that her condition was bad, and allowed her to drive, that’s bad. But, late at night, at the end of an evening, who can tell. Would this have been an issue if he hadn’t been running for a politcal office? (I’m not a troll!)
OT-Just saw Gino on american chopper, didn’t get a chance to watch the blip posted earlier. Also @ tigerwine, how long ago were you in Bethel? My dad worked for the FAA but was never stationed in Bethel.
OT, but if you all want a laugh click here:
http://www.2012draftsarahcommittee.com/ and then scroll down to ‘resume.”
If the ‘content’ doesn’t make you laugh, the punctuation will…
I usually lurk, but have to jump in here. I like my beer or a glass of wine, occasionally more than one. I do not drink and drive. Period. I’ve lost two friends to drunk drivers, both talented, wonderful individuals with a lot more to offer the world. My younger brother is slowly killing himself with booze, but he is adamant about not drinking and driving.
@Blooper – if she was in an accident, she overindulged enough to have her judgment impaired
@oregonbird – comments based on public records are not “unsubstantiated’.
in several states, including where I live now, not only the bar owner, but the server, can directly and personally be held responsible if a customer leaves the bar and gets into an accident if alcohol is in any way involved.
I’ve worked as a bartender in a couple of different states. We were never allowed to drink at our establishment on any day we worked. Period.
We are trained and licensed to serve. The rule of thumb we were taught is “if there is any doubt, do not serve.” It had nothing to do with a numerical ‘limit’. Also, while a patron is allowed to fall asleep at/on the bar, the bartender better remove the drink from in front of him/her or be personally fined. Future violations will lead to the bar being shut down. Bars are regularly patrolled and have been shut down on the spot.
Also, while I don’t live in AK, and the timing seems suspect i.e., politically motivated (if this was an issue, why not get the word out earlier), I would rather know this before I voted. It definitely speaks to personal judgment and responsibility.
And hey, if it takes political motivation to get folks to speak up, I’m all for it…in any state.
Apologies for the novel….hit my hot button. Slinks back to lurker’s cave.
redwoodmuse
You’d think a bar owner would know when someone had too much to drink. And Sullivan gives it to his employee and then sends her out the door? I’ve known a few bar owners, and I don’t want any of them being my mayor thankyouverymuch.
@Blooper Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 4:30 PM
AKM’s view is decidedly not “questionable”.
Any business graduate knows that an employer has a broad duty of care towards employees. To feed them alcohol at work before driving breaches health and safety laws, insurance policies, and duty of care.
Karin in CT
Uuurrgh! Especially like the ‘bipartisan/maverickness – married to non republican’.
Yeah! that’ll go down well with the voters, a good old fashioned AIP man.
@Tigerwine
You’re asking good on-topic questions, you’re no troll!
Sullivan is a candidate and absolutely, he the spotlight swings more quickly to those who step up on the stage. But what’s really made him a lightning rod is his vocal support of loosening the controls on bar hours and supervision of these establishments.
He’s brought the attention onto himself. Let’s see how he deals with it.
here_in_PA: In BET mid-late ’70′s and in HOM until ’81. Where was your Dad?
Anyone want to bet that the neocons and Sullivan supporters are whining that Allan Tesche should have waited until after the election to write this letter — “playing dirty libtard pool”?
——————————-
Steve D Says April 30th, 2009 at 3:43 PM “The first thing that jumped out to me is the statement that L St. runs north. The last time I checked, I St. runs north and L St. runs south – as “anyone who lives downtown” would know. It doesn’t diminish Sullivan’s culpability, but it tarnishes Tesche’s credibility.”
Unless up is down and north is south on Google Maps, Steve D., you’re wrong.
Oh, dang! Shut my mouf! I misread both your comment and the letter!!
Sorry, Steve (Ignore me! Mea culpa)…
redwoodmuse
Good de-lurking, de-lurk more.
Tesche’s statement about which direction the street goes seems to come from erroneous testimony by an Anchorage police officer, who was under oath. I’m sure it is an innocent mistake.
I’ve just posted an update on this at PA, with some details I’ve gotten, reading transcripts of the trial.
redwoodmuse said: “if she was in an accident, she overindulged enough to have her judgment impaired”
Not necessarily, people get into accidents all the time without having had a drop to drink. And just because her judgment was impaired does not free her from responsibility.
Just sayin’
At my favorite watering hole (open only part of the year – the Howling Dog Saloon) a pregnant woman cannot get alcohol; keys are taken if there’s even a question, calls for cabs are free using the barkeep’s cell phone (preprogrammed to #9); reminds me a lot of Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon, but we get a few less time travelers there.
I got a DUI about 15 years ago; had a glass of wine that conflicted with an allergy pill. Paid my time and fine and community service and have never had a single drink and driven again. But, thank you Higher Power, whoever ya are, my sweetie is a non-drinker and automatic designated driver.
On Google earth’s “street view,” it shows L St as one way, southbound.
Aussie said:
“To feed them alcohol at work before driving breaches health and safety laws, insurance policies, and duty of care.”
Aussie, it is NOT a breach of Alaska health, safety or state laws to serve your employees ONE alcoholic beverage after they get off of work. Maybe it is where you live, but I wouldn’t know that.
And it’s my opinion that as to whether this one was questionable or not, I did not mean to state it as fact.
northofdenali – You know Callahan’s? Awesome!
Sorry, OT, but very much worth it.
Nan
Alaska Report has the pdf’s of the court documents if anyone wants to see them.
http://alaskareport.com/news39/x71222_dan_sullivan.htm
@ Big Slick: You quote, and I think everyone should know:
“Sullivan is a candidate and absolutely, he the spotlight swings more quickly to those who step up on the stage. But what’s really made him a lightning rod is his vocal support of loosening the controls on bar hours and supervision of these establishments.
He’s brought the attention onto himself. Let’s see how he deals with it.”
This makes a difference to me – didn’t know this. THANKS!
Karin in CT,
that did make me laugh and also too, made me wonder if Gino is “authorizing” the 2012 Draft Sarah Palin Committee by granting permission to use her OFFICIAL Gov photo or if the committee is using it without (oh no!) her permission.
Blooper Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 5:40 PM
redwoodmuse said: “if she was in an accident, she overindulged enough to have her judgment impaired”
Not necessarily, people get into accidents all the time without having had a drop to drink. And just because her judgment was impaired does not free her from responsibility.
Just sayin’
-I in no way meant to intimate that she was free from responsibility. On the contrary…BUT, I have to add here that the difference between a 23 year old and a, what 40 something bar owner who is ‘topping off’ her drinks is a different kettle of fish… And here, if there is an accident and someone was drinking, it ups the ante dramatically. Sooooo, even if the accident wasn’t her fault, the fact that she had been drinking automatically counts against her…. a good ‘defensive driving’ reason for not drinking before getting behind the wheel.
redwoodmuse
He’s 59… AKM
redwoodmuse: Thanks for clarifying, I am in 100% agreement with you there.
A gentle reminder to all –
Regardless of what the opinion of anyone in the comments section here might be, attacking each other over it is *not* something we do here on the flats.
We keep it civil. We discuss with respect. We agree to disagree.
We do not flame people in this comments section for expressing their opinion, no matter how much we might disagree with it.
If you find a hot button of yours has been pressed, please take some time before you comment and when you do comment, keep it polite and respectful.
The mudflats is our civil space, our place to speak our opinions and feel safe about it even when we disagree with each other.
@77 EyeOnYou Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 5:49 PM
Alaska Report has the pdf’s of the court documents if anyone wants to see them.
http://alaskareport.com/news39/x71222_dan_sullivan.htm
________________________________________________________________
If you go to the home page and scroll down, there is an article on the request for the emails, something like “eight months” LOL, already forgot the title. That palins office asked for another delay to May 29. Interesting.
OT!!!!!!!!!!! SCOTUS Souter to Retire!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/30/justice-souter-to-retire_n_194243.html
“Supreme Court Justice David Souter is set to retire from the Supreme Court when the current term ends, NPR is reporting:
– Souter is expected to remain on the bench until a successor has been chosen and confirmed, which may or may not be accomplished before the court reconvenes in October. -
Earlier in the day, the Associated Press had the legal word buzzing with a story that hinted at Souter’s retirement due to the fact that he has yet to hire any law clerks compared to the other eight justices who have each hired their four clerks.”
http://alaskareport.com/news39/x71171_public_records.htm
About the request for emails the dems requested.
http://www.alaskareport.com/
Rumor Central: Whopper story heading towards the S.S. Palin
An iceberg is heading toward the Palins. Can it be stopped? I don’t think so. Will it sink the ship, all signs say yes. Stay tuned…
What is the blood alcohol level in Alaska for DUI ? Or DWI? Colorado has a very low level, and rightfully so.
During my high school teaching career, too many times friends, families, staff, and community were devastated by teenagers drinking and driving–wasted lives, students killed, disabled forever. Liquor stores and bars are constantly monitored; if violations occur, the fines are hefty and licenses can be suspended or revoked.
If strict laws save just one life, it’s worth it.
Wait, what? Sullivan is a shoe-in (or heavily favored) for mayor? Guess I missed something along the way…
Please oh please someone spill the beans on this rumor! Inquiring flatters want to know!
I hope it truly is a whopper, I really really do. Nothing like an overinflated rumor to dampen the ol’ spirits.
wired differently: According to the results of the first election and polls, yes.
Croft could still win, but we will need a miracle.
C’mon folks, let’s give this Sullivan guy a break. He’s Irish. He can’t help it. By the way, in Massachusetts it’s OUI (operating under the influence). I should know.
lynnrockets Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 6:41 PM
C’mon folks, let’s give this Sullivan guy a break. He’s Irish. He can’t help it. By the way, in Massachusetts it’s OUI (operating under the influence). I should know.
—as in “I got an owie?”
redwood muse
@ redwoodmuse:
You must have misunderstood. When I said, “I should know”, I meant that I should know because I’m a lawyer. Or did I?
@79 Dr. Patois Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 5:54 PM
Karin in CT,
that did make me laugh and also too, made me wonder if Gino is “authorizing” the 2012 Draft Sarah Palin Committee by granting permission to use her OFFICIAL Gov photo or if the committee is using it without (oh no!) her permission.
I’m pretty sure Gino didn’t “authorize” the OFFICIAL photo to the rinky-dink site. Although, for sure, she will have a fit about the punctuation errors! That is our Sarah, brain trust that she is…
Blooper: Thanks for the info. I guess I do remember the first election numbers, but I was kind of hoping they were due to toooooo many (whaddaya call ‘em up there? oh, right) Progressives on the ballot.
I’m thinking the issue of what Danny was doing with the young waitress topping off her drinks at 4 am is being neglected…
here_in_PA Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 6:23 PM
The title is 8 months and counting. In reality that would be 9 months because that article was written April 3 and we are nearly at May 3rd. In addition to that it states:
**The Public Records Act provides that public records must be be provided within 10 working days of being requested, or as soon as practicable.**
10 days or as soon as practicable. Is 9 or 10 months practicable?? I wouldn’t think so. It really does make you wonder. What the devil are they hiding? Is it just taking that long to redact all the worrisome information from them prior to releasing them? It is patently ridiculous and you know darn well that if the shoe was on the other foot she would be screaming to high heaven about this behavior.
Open and transparent my foot!
redwood muse: Hi. Whether or not the actual “Dan” was in the bar sousing up the woman — THAT is unsubstantiated. I know six guys called Dan, two live in the same house.
lynnrockets Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
@ redwoodmuse:
You must have misunderstood. When I said, “I should know”, I meant that I should know because I’m a lawyer. Or did I?
Hey, you didn’t say, and I didn’t mean to suggest any aspersions (or cast any either). I just saw “OUI” and the first thing I thought was —looks like ‘owie’ (pictures big bad biker guy bragging to his buddies, yeah man, I got an owie Friday night’. ) okay, my brain runs on weird circuits – what can I say. Now, I look at it again and I see the French word for ‘yes’. Popcorn brain, there’s no stopping it.
But, never oh never would in insult one of my favoritest (SP?) songwriters. ; 0
redwoodmuse
allow me to re-state that Your Honor…
…never oh never, would I insult one of my favoritest (SP?) songwriters.
After giving it some thought, perhaps this should be a relevant consideration for any who are about to pull the lever for Sullivan. I retract my earlier statement that I thought this was a ‘questionable’ issue to be posted on the flats. Sorry for my earlier judgement call, AKM. I got to thinking about that whole ‘judge not lest ye be…’ well, you get the point.
About McGinley’s, the sad thing is that I have been to this place several times and it is actually a pretty cool little Irish pub. And then I learned Dan was part owner. Let’s just say I haven’t been back since.
Karin in CT Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 5:07 PM
OT, but if you all want a laugh click here:
http://www.2012draftsarahcommittee.com/ and then scroll down to ‘resume.”
If the ‘content’ doesn’t make you laugh, the punctuation will…
______________________________________
“A New Energy For America”?! Her Ineptness can’t get any energy developed in Alaska, so- unless they are referring to Her own, personal gas…I don’t think this would qualify for alternative energy development credits.
They need a new slogan- and an editor
CO almost native: Well, she is full of hot air.
I remember a while back I read an article in the paper about a bar in down town anchorage. It had to do with barfing and urinating in the street after the bars were shut down for the night. They even had videos on youtube showing this. Was Dans’ bar in this article? That his patrons went across the street to some other establishment to do their business? And he fought back by recording them and putting them on youtube cause he was sick of cleaning up the mess.
@ redwoodmuse:
I was only joking. In no way was I offended. I too happen to be as Irish as they come so I know the territory when it comes to imbibing. And I must admit, It’s a territory I’ve been known to visit often.
Jeeze i really feel stoopid..Not being from AKnot sure what is going on…The letter was tooooo small to read, Is this about a guy running for some political office…he has a bar?? Did he give a drink to an employee and let her drive home??? Am i on the right track???? Orrrr did i mss it all together???? Sorry mudpups been a long day…
here_in_PA: Ah, that would be the avenue bar. You can reference the full story here:
http://www.adn.com/news/alaska/anchorage/story/635538.html
Looks like Anchorage’s official slogan “Big Wild Life” lives up to it’s name, indeed!
oregonbird Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 6:53 PM
redwood muse: Hi. Whether or not the actual “Dan” was in the bar sousing up the woman — THAT is unsubstantiated. I know six guys called Dan, two live in the same house. ”
I will concede one phone call. I went to
http://alaskareport.com/news39/x71222_dan_sullivan.htm
and read all the PDFs there. PDF three – pages 5-7. Plaintiff calls him Dan and ‘the boss’ both. One phone call would clear up whether any other Dan’s were there. Tesche’s letter says ‘supervisor’ and ‘probably’. No problem there.
As a former investigative reporter, I would make that one phone call. I would also comb the public records for any other reports of police action, DUI’s or other disturbances related to excess alcohol on the McGinley premises or relating back to the bar. Might not be a story if alcohol is as prevalent a part of life as some of the AK Mudpuppies say it is. However, if Sullivan is pushing to relax “controls and supervision” on bars etc….he’s made himself fair game and handed out a hell of a story .
…and I’m with Blooper “I’m thinking the issue of what Danny was doing with the young waitress topping off her drinks at 4 am is being neglected…” especially if he’s also passing himself off as a proponent of ‘family values’.
hard to get the ink out of my blood….
redwood muse
Star, you pretty much have the gist of it. You can also try that letter again – click on it and you get a nice large picture of it. Easy to read then.
Nan
Thx Nan…Will try that…:))
OT
On that Alaska Report page there’s a little paragraph that starts out “The potential threat posed by the stored oil at the Drift River Oil Terminal has been reduced approximately 93 percent.”
Hot diggety!
thanx blooper, couldn’t remember what bar it was.
Looks like he’s got some splainen to do…Hope it costs him all his votes!!! You guys in AK just keep getting better .Have to keep coming back to see what’s the latest scoop…My little town is soooo quiet..:))
My 22-year-old daughter’s wonderful boyfriend has been in a coma in the hospital since February 7th thanks to an unlicensed DUI driver. I’m rather rabid on the topic. Can’t really tell you the rage I still feel. The DUI driver, of course, is fine.
OT-Sorry if this is a repeat but it is funny, someone made a false account on twitter for Don Young.
http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/apr/30/real-palin-begins-tweeting-so-does-fake-young/
On Progressive Alaska, someone makes the point of what was Mr Family Values doing with a 23 year old at 4 am. I take it from that comment that Sullivan is married. Is that correct?
If they take away shift beers, I’ll have no reason to work
Just looked at the AND article about the guy who is pissed at the neighboring bar’s patrons peeing on his doorstep and saw an aricle about Kris Perry reporting the so called travel expenses for the campaign. She didn’t take the per diem of 2100? What? Plus, she didn’t have actual expenses so the numbers are sorta made up. What? Trying to comply with the ethics laws but what’s up with the numbers?
Blackberry typing is hard for my thumbs.
Well, consider me pummelled. I said I thought that we needed more information before jumping to conclusions, and there has been more information provided. Not enough, however, to count out a political reason for that email (from a frenemy) that goes far beyond the actual event. Residents acknowledge that alcohol is a state-wide problem that possibly is not entirely due to Dan Sullivan; meanwhile, his wife will be surprised to discover that her husband is apparently so inept at cheating, he got a woman deliberately drunk and didn’t manage to get her clothes off before she staggered out to her car.
Speculation isn’t information.
Is a bar owner responsible for the amount of alcohol and employee drinks? Of course, if he is the one with his hand on the bottle. Is he responsible for setting a business policy that falls within legal perameters? Yes. Also for making sure that policy is followed by employees. What’s the whole story? It hasn’t yet been disclosed.
I’ll wait for a thorough investigation to turn up on this or one of the other wonderful AK blogs. While I’m being polite and ladylike. Blech.
DUI in Alaska is .08, but you can be arrested regardless of BAC. My DUI was in Florida and I never got a BAC test – the machine was broken! So they really were in the wrong, but I didn’t push it, I should not have been driving.
Croft will be a great mayor. Sullivan is an AIP-supporting gun nut who needs to go back to the lower 48 whut sprung him!
WakeUpAmerica,
I’m so sorry. It doesn’t change a thing, but you and yours will be in my thoughts.
hang in there,
Nan
According to Liquor Control Laws it is against the law to give away free alcohol in a bar. I have Dan’s email address. Let’s just copy the letter and send it to him and see if he replys.
Daniel Sullivan
E-mail Address(es):
sullivanforanchorage@gmail.com
that draft palin site is a total hoot.
can you believe that under “foreign relations experience” they actually put “Governor of state that borders two foreign countries (Canada and Russia)”?
omg! it is too hilarious!
is it for real? it’s not a joke?
because under “speaking ability” (huh?) they put “Beautifully executed initial stump speech in Dayton, OH hockey arena without a teleprompter.”
it just gets funnier and funnier. i think it has to be a joke.
“In Current Office Because…” (drumroll!) “Upset sitting Governor in GOP primary due to public support for her efforts to clean up corrupt government establishment.”
it sounds like she either knocked him out of his chair or annoyed him. either way, they’re both odd reasons to be governor.
“Bipartisan/”maverick” credentials” (are you sitting down? all beverages away from computer?) “Married to a non-Republican;Exposed corruption within own party.”
and proof that palin’s adherents really are totally clueless …
“Legislative Record” … yes, they did indeed: “Passed a landmark ethics reform bill;Used veto to cut budgetary spending;Prevented “bridge to nowhere” that would have cost taxpayers $400 million dollars.”
whoever wrote the resume was in a coma from august 29, 2008 until some time this past week.
and they continue digging the hole …
“How she dealt with corrupt individuals in home city/state” — you’re going to love this one: “Exposed legal violations and conflicts of interest of Alaska Republican leaders;Campaigned against corrupt GOP Representative;Ran against and defeated corrupt incumbent governor in GOP primary.”
they actually didn’t write this stuff themselves but borrowed it from another moron who wrote it before the november election as part of a side by side comparison of palin and obama. the link is at the bottom of the resume if you want some further moments of hilarity, although i wouldn’t encourage giving the guy the hits. it’s pretty standard stuff that you heard ad nauseam since the beginning of the 2008 campaign.
you all have a pleasant evening or morning or whatever time it is wherever you are.
I am allergic to alcohol. If I drink, I have one glass over a two to three hour period. I am rather hard-lined about this issue. I don’t think most people should have one or two drinks and then immediately drive. Most people can’t drive well when they are sober, let alone when they are under the influence. If the bar is in a habit of serving their workers even one drink and then immediately sending them home, I think that’s irresponsible.
If the boss knows about it and doesn’t do anything about it, that’s wrong as well. Is the young woman personally responsible? Sure she is. However, so is her employer.
When I checked the ‘draft Sarah’ site, the resume link was not available. Hmmm…
The wording on Sarah’s twitter account (@#109, Newsminer link) includes the phrase ‘creating new energy’…very similar to the draft Sarah site.
Maybe Sarah is drafting herself. Why was Abraham Lincoln (Pres. Obama’s inspiration) included with the statue of Liberty on the masthead? Remember that her executive experience trumped (grassroots) community organizing AND that if she’d have been a democrat, the media would have been kinder to her. Should we (y’all) expect tweets distancing herself from this unauthorized ‘fake’ draft site.
@asiangrrl — I had no idea there were allergies that allowed you to “go slow” with your particular poison, if you wanted. One bee sting used to mean hives; unfortunately, like most people I became more reactive, and now I can either carry meds or die. What I wouldn’t give to be able to just… nibble on a lobster and avoid the strangulation by spreading it out over the course of an evening. Yours sounds so much more convenient!
I have a relative who is a bartender in a small town. The staff are allowed to drink at the end of their shift. However, there is a hard rule. EVERYONE takes taxis if they have a drink.
redwood at 102… celtic diva did a little sluething, it sounds like it was him alright.
http://divasblueoasis.com/diary/576/oh-danny-boythe-beers-the-hugs-are-calling
“However, the big question: Was the ‘Dan’ mentioned in these legal documents managing part-owner Dan Sullivan?
“For the answer, I decided to first try and call McGinleys Pub, where I talked to someone named ‘Jen’ — I made her repeat her name twice so I was sure. When I asked if there had been any other ‘Dans’ who had been supervisors to her knowledge other than Dan Sullivan, she stated ‘No.’ I asked if she was sure and she said ‘Yes.’
“It wasn’t until much, much later that I realized the other person who had been drinking with the defendent, Jacqueline LaFrance and ‘Dan’ the boss was another employee named ‘Jennifer’.
“So, I called the campaign office and asked a very nice lady if I could speak to Dan or his campaign manager. I explained that I’d already called the Pub and was told that Dan Sullivan was the only manager named ‘Dan’ now or in the past, but that I had a couple of questions for them. She, being a very good screener for her boss, asked me a number of questions including the name of my blog, etc… She came back to the phone after I’d been on hold for awhile and spoke very hesitantly when she said, ‘Tim’s on the cell phone, can he call you back?’ (Tim Sullivan–Dan’s brother and campaign manager.)
“I told her ‘Sure, anytime!’ I also realized fully that I’d get a call back when pigs flew.
“I got a phone call later from a media friend who was also on the case. When he tried to call Tim Sullivan, the nice lady told him that everyone was in a closed-door meeting that had been going on for awhile.
“HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE…I’ll bet!”
comment #56…on Palin’ so called resume it states that she replaced the entore Board of Agriculture due to “conflicts of interest!” Now that is an out and out lie! The only conflict is that they were telling the truth and Palin wanted money funneled to her 4 dairy farmer friends. The real conlict of interest is the NEW Board of Agriculture which is headed by her best friend, Kristan Cole (and the trustee of her legal defense fund) and all her childhood friends who continue to funnel good money after bad to keep 4 private farmers afloat in addition to the New Matanuska Creamery who has not abided by any of the loan qualifications and has not been making any payments. Palin’s resume is pure fabrication. It will all come out….there is a Legislative Audit investigating the shenanighans of Kristan Cole and Gang. Stay tuned…………………….you cannot operate illegally forever.
clark Says:
April 30th, 2009 at 11:41 PM
redwood at 102… celtic diva did a little sluething, it sounds like it was him alright.
http://divasblueoasis.com/diary/576/oh-danny-boythe-beers-the-hugs-are-calling
Thanks Clark…I kinda figured since my ‘spidey senses’ were going all haywire.
Went and read Celtic Diva’s article. Great job. Boy, do I miss doing this stuff.
If it is true that he has campaigned for laxer standards for bars, then his feet should be held to a very hot fire as often and publicly as possible before the election.
IMHO the ONLY reason to campaign for such is if you have policed and managed your own bar into a fine law-abiding place that meets or exceeds legal standards and the expectations of the public. Doesn’t sound like it.
It’s one thing if an employee acts stupid…but if you, the boss, (the older, married, supposed to know better boss) are ‘topping off the beers’ then you’ve just painted a great big old target on your back and are screaming for media attention.
Ah, I envy all you investigative folks up there.
redwoodmuse
@ #117 asiangrrlMN:
I think I know what you mean by “allergic to alcohol.” And I understand your ability to nurse a drink over a couple of hours.
This particular gene runs in my husband’s family, and I’ve had many talks with my mother-in-law, who rarely drinks anymore but says when she does, she makes sure she paces herself. It isn’t a “normal” kind of inebriation. There is a real tipping point, a dramatically sudden one, and sometimes even after one strong drink. Not what would usually happen to someone.
So I understand. Perhaps “allergic” really isn’t the word. But there is a distinction there.
And to tie it to the topic, any employer running a bar needs to realize that there are people out there — possibly their own employees — whose physical constitution cannot tolerate alcohol like others can. No employer should take chances on that, and if they do they risk consequences.
@ redwoodmuse:
I’m an old journalie too … know what you say when you write “I miss it.” But think back to all of those 18-hour days and sleepless nights. I like blogs much, much better the older I get!
Oh, and who was it who mentioned that Dan Sullivan held a fundraiser supported by all the alcohol-friendly folks in Anchorage?
My memory fails me know … was it you, AKM? or Diva? Phil?
Anyway, someone ran a great article on that — showing us who Mr. Sullivan’s friends are.
Perhaps now we see his true colors.
@ TulipPower:
Sounds like you’ve been following Kristan Cole quite closely. I hope you will keep us updated — even if just via a private email to AKM or another favorite blogger.
It appears to me Ms. Cole is in a tenuous position — in more than one way!
I definitely feel Mr. Sullivan’s decisions as mayor cannot be truly divorced from his interests as the owner of a bar/restaurant. Therefore this issue truly does have merit in considering whether or not he should be mayor.
Having said that, Mark Begich also had business interests in Anchorage that could have interfered with what should have been completely objective decision making when it came to the interest of the city of Anchorage. I’m not saying he didn’t act in good faith when it came to these decisions, I’m just saying he had outside interest that could have swayed him as well.
So, moral of the story is that you will have to search long and far to find a candidate who does not have a preexisting conflict of interest when it comes to their job as a politician.
Either way, I’m voting for Croft, as we really need this guy as mayor of our city. (Er, us Anchorageite’s city).
Blooper, you make a very good point.
Our elected officials are not gods. They are real people, who have probably done well for themselves and have business interests. The people recognized them, and decided they might be someone they could elect.
We elect our mayors, representatives and senators for what they can contribute to our cities and our state. They are not perfect, and neither are we. All of them need OUR INPUT as citizens to tell them what the citizens are thinking. If we don’t do that, we aren’t doing our job!
I work for a nonprofit, and we talk quite a bit about conflict of interest. Most of us have them! The important thing is how we deal with them!
So what does his wife think of him liqourin’ up the young , female help in the wee hours ?? Besides the obvious bad judgement call……….hello , he was up to something that ain’t “family values”.
Thank you, Nan. Sometimes it is hard to know what to pray for. If Jon lives, he will most likely be severly disabled. It is a sad state of affairs when a person is more interested in a drink of alcohol than in preserving human lives.
WakeUpAmerica -
Sometimes the best anyone can do is to pray for the “highest good.” I think the hardest thing is trusting that it will. (that one is the hardest of all for me).
Nan
Why didn’t ABC take the liquor license at minimum? Oh I forgot. Which class of 82 Wasilla high member chairs the ABC? I was going to say class graduate but that is presuming a bit much.
austintx…
There is enough there to hang DannyBoy out to dry WITHOUT any unsubstantiated cries of infidelity. We can only imagine his REASONING, but we can fully see the RESULTS of his actions the night in question. Imagine, if you will, dropping a stone into a clear bucket of water. The stone is easy to see. It stands out well defined. Now add a cup of loose dirt and swirl vigorously… the stone gets lost in the mire. Stay focused on the stone! Had this been an isolated incident from a while past, it would be tough enough to reconcile during an election run. Now add the fact that he is a champion of relaxing the regulations and laws concerning drinking in bars and restaurants, and it all points to the $$$. His business will increase, and so will his profit margin. It’s all about the Benjamins. And therein lies the crux of his problem. Not only does his past indicate his indifference and poor judgement, his future seeks to profit from it. Tie THOSE two facts together and initiate a relentless full court press locally. AK did so well with the WAR issue, this should be a piece of pie! It’s no wonder his camp is in meetings and conferences all day!
Just sayin’
@WakeUpAmerica: you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Warm hugs to all of you-
@asiangrrlMN: I also have a sensitivity to alcohol, primarily wine and beer. I think it has something to do with yeast (fermentation), sugar, and wheat (beer). One drink and I have a raging headache– not very pleasant. I know this is more common that you’d think. So, I’m always the designated driver
While I have to agree with the Mudflats whole heartedly that this issue is an issue of judgment, I think it is nonsequiter to the mayoral race and I think it exhibits poor judgment on the part of Allan Tesche as well. I am quite sickened that he is using this issue, that may be an important one, in a classic drive by attack in the last leg of a campaign. I am certain Eric doesn’t appreciate this kind of attack. It looks desperate and hurts Eric.
I am really glad the weasely Tesche no longer represents me on the assembly. He was the worst. I am sad for Eric that he is trying to help so negatively.
if nothing else, it is an eye opener. we really need to revise the rules around here. it has bugged me for a long time that the servers and bartenders can be prosecuted for over-serving but the bar owners are insulated from any repercussions. sacrifice the little guy and continue on as if nothing is wrong. continue to loosen the rules and protect the major stakeholders.
it’s not that way in other places. if the owners of mc ginley’s had lost their liquor license over this [and in several other cities and states they certainly would have], sully might not even be in the race now, let alone the front runner.
too bad you see this just as mudslinging, constant.
I just thought I would add some input into my views on this issue.
I am good friends with a server at one of the local establishments here in Anchorage.
At the end of her workday she is entitled to what they refer to as a ‘shiftie’ (free alcoholic beverage on the house). They offer free non-alcoholic alternatives as well if she does not want to drink alcohol. Unlike that night at McGinley’s, this employer is actually responsible and conservatively limits the amount of alcohol their employees can consume, irregardless of whether or not they are just coming in to eat or have worked that day.
Even though she is ‘just’ a server, her job is very demanding and that drink is often a welcome treat at days end. Now please don’t take this to mean that she is dependent on alcohol or feels that she needs it as a crutch to survive her day. There are many days when she does not take the free drink and chooses bottled water instead. When she drinks she uses good judgment, exercises healthy moderation and never drives when she shouldn’t.
So while currently it is legal for Anchorage Bar/Restaurant owners to ‘gift’ their employees a free drink after they have clocked out at the end of their shift. Mr. Tesche seems to think it is ok to take away this priviledge in his support for Mr. Sullivan’s rival.
Yes, alcohol abuse is a huge problem in Alaska, but good bartenders/servers are not the ones who should have this privilege rescinded for the actions of their irresponsible peers.
If an employer chooses to abuse this allowance and irresponsibly intoxicate their employees then of course they should face the appropriate consequences. But to me the legislation that Mr. Tesche is proposing would just be another regulation that does nothing to address the real problem of alcohol abuse here in Anchorage and would unfairly punish those who are innocent.
Even though I am a fairly liberal democrat, I tend to have a bit of Alaskan libertarianism that runs in my blood. The kind that advocates personal responsibility over (what I think) are sometimes undue regulations.
So yeah, I am glad this issue came out about Dan Sullivan, but I hope others are not taken out as ‘collateral damage’ along the way.
@Chris Constant
My experience as a reporter tells me that when someone blows the whistle, leaks a memo, or spills the beans, there is nearly always a personal motivation and only rarely (very rarely) is it wholly ‘for the good of the people’. Regardless of the source, the information is out and should be pursued with vigor and tenacity. It is one thing for a public figure to hide illegal, dishonorable or distasteful actions because the citizenry doesn’t know about it; it is quite another when the word is out and the citizenry ignores the message because they find the messenger “sickening”. The truth is that often it is those who have been somehow marginalized who finally spill the beans because he or she feels they have nothing left to lose.
I know I’m an outsider, but if AK folks ignore this, they will deserve what they get. I only wish I could be on the case. I’m gonna hafta start writing again. I can feel serious pangs of withdrawal.
redwoodmuse
Just thought of something else. With the possible (and I hope and pray not) exception of the folks in the remote villages, SP will probably not be directly responsible for anyone’s death.
If Sullivan is elected and is able to follow through on his push to relax standards and controls on drinking establishments, it is only a matter of time before someone dies. Now, that is sickening.
redwoodmuse
Redwoodmouse,
I agree with part of your statement, the motivation. There is no way to get to the “truth” in the 100 hours before the election. This is a blatant smear. What happens in the month afterward is on its own course. No self respecting reporter is going to touch this in the next four days.
@Constant
Sorry, I disagree. It is in the public i.e court records. A reporter who didn’t go after this isn’t worth his or her salt. And they certainly would not be serving the community by ignoring this story. This is *not* mudslinging…this is holding someone accountable vs. giving them a free pass to a bigger arena, more money, and more people to impact.
redwoodmuse
Woodhouse,
Why wasn’t this an issue a month ago then? It wasn’t just discovered.
Just a note of clarification on the ‘extended bar hours’ issue.
I believe the intent of the ordinance is to allow bar patrons more time to find alternate means of transportation if they are too intoxicated to drive. Any bars that take advantage of this extended time would still not be able to sell drinks after the usual cut off hour. True, this still could benefit some bar owners financially, but I think all in all it is not a bad idea.
Just some food for thought.
AKM, another great bit of sleuthing and bringing attention to the topic on many levels.
Sullivan’s actions and attitude remind me of captain highliner of the Exon Valdez. Ah, he had a little drink and there’s all that open water…who cares eh?
I’m bloody suspicious of ‘a family man’ bar owner drinking jugs of beer with young adults, female staff member in particular. NomeI’msayin’?
It smells.
The ‘kind family man’, hugs [yuck] and all, should not only know better, but is a dick and a fool. There is no excuse not calling her a cab. Sullivan shows he isn’t responsible.
She can sue this ‘family man’s’ arse. It’s irresponsible and a breach of trust.
Tougher Ontario drunk-driving laws kick off today
Drivers found with blood alcohol level in the ‘warn range’ will get three-day licence suspension
That’s blood alcohol levels of .05—.08.
This past summer, Bar Owners, 16 Employees Charged After Cottage Country Accident That Claimed 3 Young Lives. Now charging 2 executives of ClubLink that had left the company 6 months before the accident shows poor due diligence by OPP, however, the bar owner certainly could be found guilty, fined and possibly lose the business.
In Toronto, bars close at 2am, then there are clubs going till 5am, although liquor is stopped being served at 2am. Then there are the [illegal] booze cans open till the wee hours of the morning…these folks aren’t driving home.
The fact Sullivan is trying to increase his business with his stance on longer hours shows clearly how he’s always and still thinking of himself. F^ck his mayoral candidacy.
As for Allan T., who lives 200 yards from the bar. He’s had it with the pissing and vomiting on his property, not to mention the racket. Good for him outing the dick, Sullivan.
Blooper Says:
First off, I”m voting for Eric Croft.
Having said that, I’ll just say that this seems to be an unfair attack on McGinley’s pub. McGinley’s is far from the only bar in Anchorage that allows their employees 1 shift beverage of their choice.
Sharing a pitcher of beer between three people is hardly a “1 shift beverage”.
Katiebegood: Agreed.