"[On March 17, 2009, Alaska] Governor Sarah Palin...reiterated her support for the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act, saying AGIA remains the best way to get a natural gas pipeline. The governor’s comments follow the introduction of a resolution that calls on the governor and the attorney general to review the license issued to TransCanada. Representatives Jay Ramras and Craig Johnson introduced the resolution."

“I believe they want us to double check, triple check, make quite sure all decisions we've made thus far with the gasline are truly in Alaska's best interest, and I am confident they are,” Governor Palin said. “My decisions, with the support of 59 out of 60 legislators, protect Alaska's sovereignty and progress a gasline project that will finally allow Alaskans to responsibly and ethically tap into their rich natural gas resources on the North Slope, and flow those resources into hungry markets.

“I believe Rep. Ramras and Rep. Johnson are instructing us to be vigilant in pursuit of this gasline. I agree with the premise, but I don't believe this resolution is necessary, and I certainly don't agree that there should be an AGIA ‘re-do.’

“Finally, we expect the oil and gas industry to abide by contracts and agreements they sign with us as they develop our resources, just as they have a right to expect us to abide by our agreements. AGIA is a contract. Why would we take it off the table, especially in this economy and at a time of great need for energy independence?”

Commentary The attempts to stop AGIA, the in-state gas pipeline and the Railbelt utility consolidation are nothing more than political malice on the part of those who have a grudge against Governor Palin. Even State Representative Les Gara -- a DEMOCRAT who has opposed the Governor on many occasions supports AGIA and wants to see it move forward (Gara, 2009, ¶3).

There's a disturbing thing going on in Alaska politics, and it threatens to kill our chances to build an Alaska gas pipeline. Any casual observer of Alaska politics has seen that Gov. Palin's created a growing list of detractors across the political spectrum. A growing number of people are starting to take the opposite position from the governor on nearly everything. If she's for it, they're against it. Alaska's politics now float in treacherous waters (Gara, 2009, ¶1).

Some of Gov. Palin's detractors see things the way the major oil companies see them. They've willingly joined the oil company cause to stop the TransCanada pipeline - Alaska's best chance at a gas pipeline project - in its tracks. Others have joined their cause unwittingly. There are growing numbers of Republicans and Democrats who are predisposed to agree with anyone on the other side of the governor. Gov. Palin's become a lightning rod, and many Alaskans have chosen to be "with her" or "against her" - all the time, no matter what. That's unhealthy. If we keep playing this sport, we won't have a gas line at all. Or we'll get one built only on Exxon, Conoco and British Petroleum's very unfavorable terms (Gara, 2009, ¶2).

I can't play this game. The stakes are too high. When I disagree with the governor, I'll say so. But when I see a chance for common ground, and a path to the most important development project on Alaska's horizon, I'll work to find it. Some of my supporters are rigging up the guillotine right now (Gara, 2009, ¶3).

The truth is the governor and I have some great disagreements, and some substantial areas of common ground. In both cases, I've said so. No one's ever accused me of being shy about my opinions. Finding common ground may not be exciting politics. But I have an obligation to get things done when I can, and to call things honestly instead of politically. Throwing bombs for the sake of it doesn't lead to a very long or happy career (Gara, 2009, ¶4).

These four preceding paragraphs sum up exactly how Governor Palin's enemies are operating. Out nothing more than pure spite, they're willing to short-circuit this much-needed project that is good for Alaska and for the entire nation. Representative Gara -- again a Democrat -- sees right through this nonsense and stands behind the Governor. Even as someone who has butted heads with her in the past, he sees the worthiness of this project, understands the scope of this accomplishment and respects her for it. He is putting his own admittedly embattled past with Governor Palin aside to back this project.

References

Gara, L. (2009, March 17). Opposing Palin on gasline is a mistake. Alaska Dispatch. Retrieved March 18, 2009 from: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/tundra-talk/9-talk-of-the-tundra/1016-dangerous-politics-with-the-gasline

Governor expresses confidence in AGIA (2009, March 17). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 18, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1716

On March 16, 2009, National Republican Senatorial Committee announced that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will be the keynote speaker at annual Senate-House Dinner on June 8, 2009 at the Washington DC, Convention Center (Keynote, 2009, ¶1).

“Governor Palin has quickly emerged as one of the most popular and recognizable faces in the Republican Party, and we are honored to have her deliver the keynote address at the Senate-House dinner. As a proven leader in her home-state of Alaska, Governor Palin represents a breath of fresh air from the business-as-usual crowd in Washington, and is one of our Party’s up-and-coming young governors who will play a critical role in our re-building efforts in the years to come. Last fall, she electrified and energized crowds across the country, and we expect she will generate a similar amount of enthusiasm at this spring’s dinner,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman John Cornyn (Keynote, 2009, ¶2).

“On behalf of Congressional Republicans, it is a pleasure to announce one of the brightest rising stars in the Republican Party, Sarah Palin, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Senate-House dinner. Gov. Palin’s conservative values, commendable achievements in Alaska and the sheer energy she personifies make her one of the most compelling visionaries of our Party. With respect, admiration and enthusiasm, I look forward to welcoming her to Washington and await the inspirational address our Party needs, as it rebuilds and prepares for a victorious election cycle,” National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions said (Keynote, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary Governor Palin is most deserving of this high honor. The chairmen of both committees were succinct, and spot on in their commentary about Ronald Reagan's successor. Kudos to them for extending the Governor this honor and recognition.

References

NRSC & NRCC Chairs announce Gov. Palin to keynote Senate-House Dinner. (2009, March 16). National Republican Senatorial Committee. Retrieved March 16, 2009 from: http://www.nrsc.org/news/Read.aspx?ID=1908

On March 13, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced that federal earmark requests have declined by 85% since her administration took office in 2006 (Earmarks, 2009, ¶1). Out of the eight pending requests under the Federal Omnibus Appropriations Bill for 2009, only two are new requests, while the remainder are continuing appropriations requests.

Further, "Our eight requests have broad public support and have been vetted through a transparent public process, and most of the projects are nationally significant," Governor Palin said. "The new requests are for national security, with upgrades at the Kodiak Missile Defense Complex, and for America's energy security, with replacement of a bridge that is critical for a natural gas pipeline" (Earmarks, 2009, ¶1).

"My state can better participate in this reform and we'll be a more self-sufficient state when the federal government finally allows us greater opportunity to safely and responsibly develop our natural resources," Governor Palin added. "I look forward to the realization of the enormous potential Alaska has to contribute more to our national security and energy independence by unlocking our potential" (Earmarks, 2009, ¶1).

Governor Palin noted that less than 1% of Alaska's landmass is under private ownership "excluding land set aside by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act" (Earmarks, 2009, ¶1).

Commentary

Many states and their governors are more than happy to swill at the federal appropriations trough becoming increasingly dependent on federal monies as time marches on. Governor Palin is taking the opposite approach -- pushing her state to be independent of federal funds to the greatest degree possible. The Governor understands that with increased dependence comes decreased state control of its own destiny.

Governor Palin carefully chose earmarks for projects that have both been transparently vetted and are of national significance. Once again her skill as an executive and as a financial administrator are on clear display. The Governor's approach to earmarks is the model to follow.

References

Governor Palin continues earmark reform on Fed Omnibus Appropriations Bill for 2009. (2009, March 13). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 14, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1713

On March 12, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced that she "signed and submitted the certification required under Section 1201 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Ray LaHood" (Transportation, 2009, ¶1).

Governor Palin submitted a FY2009 federal economic stimulus supplemental bill to legislators on February 24 that requests $461.1 million in authorization for aviation, transit, highway, and bridge projects that will provide jobs and infrastructure improvements in Alaska. The first transportation project - a pier and causeway project in Gustavus using roughly $7 million in economic stimulus funds to match approximately $14 million in federal and state funds - has already gone to bid (Transportation, 2009, ¶2).

Alaska's State Department of Transportation and Public Facilities worked with federal agencies to comply with the stimulus package's "accelerated deadlines for use of the funds" (Transportation, 2009, ¶3). "This certification assures the secretary of transportation that Alaska will not supplant state-funded projects with federal economic stimulus funds. Stimulus dollars will generate new private sector jobs in Alaska to work on infrastructure projects” (Transportation, 2009, ¶3).

Further, "[t]he governor also signed a delegation of authority required under Section 1511 of the ARRA to Commissioner Von Scheben of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. The delegation ensures that the full review and vetting required by law through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program is conducted for the infrastructure projects funded by the ARRA and that the investments are appropriate uses of taxpayer dollars” (Transportation, 2009, ¶3).

Finally, "[t]he governor also signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor that will provide Alaska residents receiving unemployment insurance benefits with a temporary $25 hike in their weekly benefit as part of the federal economic stimulus package. The $25 additional benefit continues through the end of 2009 with a phase out for existing claims through July 3, 2010 (Transportation, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

Unlike those who passed the ARRA, Governor Palin and her staff actually read the legislation. As noted prior, this would have been a golden opportunity for the Governor to make a political grandstand and take a poke at Obama. Governor Palin put the people of her state first and recognized her fiduciary responsibility to them. First, she selected $461 million in transportation and infrastructure projects. She also temporarily hiked unemployment benefits as seen in the foregoing. In selecting stimulus bill items, Governor Palin was diligent to ensure that her state would not be left with unfunded state mandates.

"The ARRA requires states to maintain the same level of state funding for transportation projects that was planned prior to the passage of ARRA" (Transportation, 2009, ¶1). Governor Palin saw the good in this, and thus wisely chose to accept stimulus funds for transportation projects. Her original acceptance of these funds was discussed in a General Information Package on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. The publicly accessible version of that blog entry is here: http://sarahs-accomplishments.blogspot.com/2009/02/general-information-package-sarahs_25.html.

Certification places these projects in the budget. Many more steps must be followed till the projects' completion. As discussed in the prior package and reinforced here, Governor Palin took a wise and reasoned approach to the stimulus bill which puts on display her executive and fiscal astuteness.

References

Palin certifies transportation projects for economic stimulus funds. (2009, March 12). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 13, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1703

On March 10, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin "forwarded her nominations of Robert “Ed” Dersham and Dan Hull to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce for appointment to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Dersham currently serves on the council and is being nominated for a second term. Hull has been an active public participant at council meetings and has served on council committees" (Fishery, 2009, ¶1).

What the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Does

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established by the 1976 Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act, later renamed the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, to oversee management of the nation's marine fisheries. The council has jurisdiction over 900,000 square miles of ocean from three to 200 miles off Alaska’s shores, and has primary responsibility for managing pollock, cod, halibut, sole and other groundfish (Fishery, 2009, ¶3).

The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires governors of specific coastal states to provide a preferred candidate for each vacancy as well as two alternate nominees. In addition to Dersham and Hull, Governor Palin named Mike Heimbuch and Gale Vick as alternate nominees (Fishery, 2009, ¶4).

Biographies of the Nominees and Alternates

Dersham, of Anchor Point, is a 23-year charter boat operator in Lower Cook Inlet who has served on the Alaska Board of Fisheries for more than eight years, including three years as chair and two years as vice-chair. He was involved in developing and chairing the joint protocol committee for coordination between the fisheries board and the North Pacific council. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oregon and is retired from a career as a special agent with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (Fishery, 2009, ¶5).

Hull, of Anchorage, has been an active fisherman and vessel owner for more than 25 years, fishing for salmon and halibut out of Cordova. He holds a master’s degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College. Hull is currently a board member of Cordova District Fishermen United and is a member of the Alaska Sea Grant Advisory Committee (Fishery, 2009, ¶6).

Heimbuch, of Homer, is a lifelong Alaskan and commercial fisherman who has fished for halibut, herring, cod, shrimp and salmon around the state since 1963. He has served on a variety of civic and local government commissions, including his local fish and game advisory committee, the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Association, and the Homer City Council. Heimbuch is a political columnist for the Homer Tribune. He majored in music and education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (Fishery, 2009, ¶7).

Vick, of Anchorage, is the executive director of the Gulf of Alaska Coastal Communities Coalition, a non-profit organization that represents the fisheries interests of Gulf of Alaska communities. She is a Prince William Sound drift crewmember and serves on the steering committee for the Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) Program. Vick serves on the board for the Prince William Sound Science Center and is chair of the North Pacific Research Board Advisory Panel (Fishery, 2009, ¶8).

Commentary These nominations bring to 28, the total number of appointments Governor Palin has made this year, not counting judicial appointments. Notice the pattern as with others. The Governor seeks people who have extensive operational knowledge and subject matter expertise for the boards they serve on. Governor Palin has a knack for making these hiring decisions quickly and effectively, choosing the best people for the job -- the mark of a skilled executive.

References

Governor Names Fishery Council Nominees. (2009, March 10). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 11, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1698">

On March 10, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced that is supporting "[Alaska State] Senator Bettye Davis' bill to extend the state's suspension of the motor fuel tax" (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶1). "Senate Bill 14 extends a portion of the governor's multi-phase statewide energy plan she introduced last year to help Alaskans combat the high cost of energy" (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶1). Heating and fuel bills in Alaska can be double or even triple those of the 48 conterminous states (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶2). By not taxing gasoline sold at the pump, the average price in Alaska is $2.51/gallon, which is still 30 cents per gallon more than in California "according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report" In Hawaii, gasoline is $2.44/gallon, 7 cents cheaper than Alaska (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶3).

“The concept is that this bill will help stimulate the economy during the current recession,” Senator Davis said. “It will grant relief to all consumers of motor fuel, including aircraft, watercraft and standard motor vehicles” (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶4).

"I appreciate Senator Davis' efforts on this," Palin said. "So do Alaskan families that are really feeling the pinch. The average commuter driving between Anchorage and the Valley fills up their rig at least twice a week; these costs add up quickly. By extending our gas tax suspension, Alaskans, such as these commuters, will continue to save their hard-earned money, and government will learn to live on a tighter budget" (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

Gasoline taxes are a major factor in elevated fuel costs. Because taxes are usually at a percentage, as the pre-tax price of fuel climbs, the final taxed price climbs very much higher. This author has observed that in New York City, gasoline prices hover around $2.05 to $2.15 for a gallon of regular gasoline. In New Jersey, the price is at least 30 cents cheaper. Sometimes, New Jersey is 60 cents cheaper. Why? New Jersey has some of the cheapest gasoline taxes in the nation -- and interestingly under New Jersey state law, gasoline must be pumped by a station attendant -- there is no self-service in that state. Alaska is a remote state and getting there by land requires entering and leaving a foreign country. This is one reason why when you mail/Internet order goods, they always cost more to ship to Alaska. If Alaskans are paying $2.51/gallon without a state tax, imagine what a gallon would cost with the tax -- it could be well over $3, approaching $4. This author knows of only one state in the union and one governor who lobbied for and successfully got a state gasoline tax suspended. The one state is Alaska and the one governor is Sarah Palin. States make a killing off high gas prices; giving up this cash cow is something most states are loathe to do. The closing sentence of the Governor's press release says it all and bears repeating: "By extending our gas tax suspension, Alaskans, such as these commuters, will continue to save their hard-earned money, and government will learn to live on a tighter budget" (Motor Fuel, 2009, ¶5). This is Reagan conservatism. It is true economic stimulus. It is a very significant executive accomplishment -- one that carries over from long before many of us even knew who Governor Palin is. This governor got a state gasoline tax suspended and is now poised to continue the suspension. Governor Palin is without a doubt quite ready to be President Palin.

References

AAA Fuel Gauge Report. (2009). AAA. Retrieved March 11, 2009 from: http://www.fuelgaugereport.com/

Governor Palin supports extending motor fuel tax suspension. (2009, March 10). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 11, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1700

On March 9, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin dismissed the notion that the Alaska State Legislature would need a special 30-day session in addition to the normal 90 days it has to complete the normal 2009 session (Deadline, 2009, ¶1). The 2009 session ends on April 19 (Deadline, 2009, ¶2). Though the "[G]overnor has called special sessions during her term on landmark oil and gas legislation and emergency relief for high energy costs," she said "the issues now under consideration at the Capitol should not require additional legislative days (Deadline, 2009, ¶4).

“Lawmakers should not delay consideration of the agenda before them on the mistaken belief that I will call a special session to handle whatever is left on the table,” Governor Palin said (Deadline, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

The strong executive ensures that projects are completed on time and on budget -- preferably early and under budget. Governor Palin made clear in no uncertain terms that extending the legislative session is by executive discretion and that lawmakers should not expect that an extension will come automatically. The Governor granted extensions when circumstances warranted her doing so. The current circumstance does not warrant extension; Governor Palin has made clear that it does not; and that she expects the 2009 legislative session to be completed by April 19, 2009.

Governor Palin understands that granting an extension when it is not warranted will lead to all manner of needless delays -- and possibly the introduction of legislation the state of Alaska could do very well without. Governor Palin knows the difference between a project management team and a committee. The former achieves results; the latter is a great way to kill projects. Enforcing this deadline ensures that legislators do the work the people hired them to do without frivolous delay.

References

Governor confident lawmakers can meet voter-mandated deadline. (2009, March 9). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1695

On March 9, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin called on registered Democrats who live in Alaska's Senate District B to send a letter of interest and a resume to her office by close of business Friday, March 13, 2009 (State Senate, 2009, ¶1, ¶4). The seat, which serves the Juneau area was left vacant by Kim Elton who took a patronage job in the Obama administration following his oversight into "the fairness of the Troopergate investigation." Governor Palin "has already received more than two dozen unsolicited recommendations and applications for the seat" (State Senate, 2009, ¶1).

The local Democratic party ordinarily submits three names when a State Senate seat prematurely becomes vacant, but only sent Governor Palin one name. She has until April 1 to make the appointment, which the Alaska Senate Democrats must approve (State Senate, 2009, ¶3).

“We know there are many qualified Alaskans who would fill this post enthusiastically,” Governor Palin said. “I appreciate those who believe in public service and would like to serve in this capacity” (State Senate, 2009, ¶2).

Commentary

At first glance this appears to be more a political move than an executive accomplishment; however, navigating political waters, political cleverness and acumen are a significant component of an effective executive. Politics is much like a chess game. Governor Palin had 16, going on 17 years to develop and hone this skill, which she uses with telling effect. An executive who is unable to maneuver politically is ineffective.

The Governor could have accepted the sole nominee that was foisted upon her by the local Democratic Party. She could have rebelled and hand-selected one of her own choosing from the unsolicited batch and used the appointment to make a political grandstand. Instead, Governor Palin made a Reagan-esque move invited Democrats in the former State Senator's District to apply for the job in addition to the pool of over 24 applicants available to her. The Governor will do what she always does -- she will review the resumes, interview and vet her finalists. She will pick the person she thinks is best for the job and submit the appointment for approval. Whether the Governor's appointment will be ratified is quite early to determine. Additionally, this author does not know what would happen should Governor Palin's appointment be denied, as that is a matter of Alaska state law. But, this author knows that Governor Palin will do exactly as she did with her judicial appointments: put politics aside and appoint someone who she believes will be an effective legislator.

The Governor by doing this has once again put her many years of executive experience on display. Contrast this nomination with the Caroline Kennedy train wreck orchestrated NY State Governor Patterson when former Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton became Obama's Secretary of State. That mess culminated with the pick of Kirsten Gillibrand, a purportedly conservative Democrat whose views more than likely will evolve under the tutelage of Senator Schumer.

Once again, Governor Palin shows us how it is done. Most people do not realize that the Governor has an MBA in addition to her Journalism degree. Governor Palin earned her MBA from the School of Hard Knocks.

References

Governor Palin receives, solicits applications for vacant Senate seat. (2009, March 9). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1696

On March 9, 2009, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced four board appointments. The appointees will serve on the "Alaska Council on the Homeless, Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, Alaska Veterans Advisory Council, and Local Boundary Commission" (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶1).

What the Boards Do

"The [Council on the Homeless] is responsible for preparing an action plan for the governor aimed at addressing homelessness in the state, for monitoring implementation of that plan and for making annual reports to the governor with its findings and recommendations to improve the plan (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶3). "The seven-member [Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority] was created by statewide voter initiative in 2002. Its statutory mission is to develop a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to Prince William Sound or Cook Inlet" (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶6). "The 13-member [Alaska Veterans Advisory Council] advises the governor, the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other state departments on matters concerning veterans, their dependents and their survivors, including identifying veterans’ needs and making recommendations on how to provide for them" (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶9). "The five-member [Local Boundary Commission] serves Alaska communities by acting on petitions for incorporation, dissolution, merger and consolidation of cities and boroughs, detachment from cities and boroughs, and reclassification of cities. The statewide commission also prepares studies of local government boundary problems" (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶12).

Board Appointees' Brief Biographies

Governor Palin appointed Olen Harris to the Alaska Council on the Homeless (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶2).

Harris, of Anchorage, has since 1998 been the executive director of the North Pacific Housing Authority, the regional housing authority for Seward, Valdez, Cordova, Chenega, Tatitlek, Port Graham and Nanwalek. He had previously served as finance director for the Bristol Bay Housing Authority in Dillingham. Harris serves on the board of the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities, and has been treasurer since 2002. He is also on the board of the AMERIND Risk Management, a self-insurance risk pool for Indian housing authorities. Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and in 2002 received a fellowship to attend a program for senior state and local government executives at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He was appointed to a public seat (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶4).

Governor Palin appointed Pat Ryan to the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (ANGDA) (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶5).

Ryan, of Anchorage, is retired after an extensive career in public service in Alaska. He was a top aide and chief of staff to Walter J. Hickel during his two terms as Alaska’s governor – including the time of planning and permitting for the trans-Alaska pipeline – and during Hickel’s two years as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Ryan had previously served as director of the state’s first rural development agency, which later became the Department of Community and Regional Affairs; as deputy commissioner of the Department of Transportation & Public Facilities; and as director of the state Division of Aviation. He was a U.S. Air Force pilot in Alaska. Ryan was appointed to a public seat on the authority (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶7).

Governor Palin appointed Aaron Isaacs Jr. to the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶8).

Isaacs, of Klawock, is coalition coordinator for the Klawock Cooperative Association, and previously owned a construction, lumber and hardware business. He served in the Alaska Army National Guard from 1956-61 before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1961, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division until 1963. He is a life member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association and the American Legion, a 12-year member and now president of Prince of Wales Veterans, and president of Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp #9 in Klawock. He served as director of the state’s Division of Equal Employment Opportunity from 1979-82; as mayor of Klawock from 1989-92; as a member of the State Commission for Human Rights from 1990-2002; and as a member of the Alaska Labor Relations Agency since 1992. He was appointed to a public seat on the council.

Governor Palin reappointed Robert Harcharek to the Local Boundary Commission (Four Appointments, 2009, ¶11).

Harcharek, of Barrow, is currently mayor pro tem of Barrow. He has been a senior planner and social science researcher for the North Slope Borough since 1999. He previously worked as liaison for technical analysis and research for the Barrow mayor’s office from 1996-99; for the North Slope Borough as an economic development planner from 1991-96 and community affairs coordinator from 1988-90; and as director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Northwest Higher Education Center from 1986-88. Harcharek earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Pennsylvania’s Mansfield State University, a master’s of education from Syracuse University, and a doctorate in International and Development Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He has served on the commission since 2002, and was reappointed to a seat reserved for a member of the public from the 2nd Judicial District, encompassing Northwest Alaska and the North Slope.

Commentary

Today's four appointments bring this year's total to 24, representing an average of two appointments per week. This is exclusive of the judicial appointments Governor Palin made last week. The Governor had made 99 board appointments in 2008, some while she was on the campaign trail. Board appointees must have subject matter expertise and experience that will make them an asset to the boards on which they serve. They must have no personal or political baggage that could bring the Governor grief or disgrace later on. Governor Palin has a stellar track record in her hiring decisions. Board appointments seem routine and maybe that's because Governor Palin has made it look so easy. Each board appointment requires a considerable amount of behind the scenes work -- just one aspect in a day in the life of a governor. A leader is only as good as his or her subordinates. Key to executing transformational change is picking subordinates who are aligned to the leader's mission, vision, strategies and tactics. Governor Palin has over the past 16 years done precisely that in every position she has held. Executing an average of two board appointments per week -- along with all the other duties the Governor must perform -- is a task requiring a considerable amount of executive skill and experience. While in some respect, Governor Palin is a born leader, she has had more than three quarters of two decades to hone this skill and instinct. This skill along with her judicial appointments last week are just more pieces of evidence which prove that Governor Palin is ready to become President Palin.

References

Governor Palin announces board appointments. (2009, March 9). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1693

"[Alaska] Governor Sarah Palin today introduced legislation designed to change the way Railbelt electric utilities plan for, pay for, and manage the generation and transmission assets that deliver power to residents from Delta Junction to Homer" (Railbelt, 2009, ¶1). The Railbelt is any land through which the Alaska Railroad runs. Currently, the area is served by numerous utilities, each heading in its own direction in addressing electricity generation, transmission and distribution, resulting in higher energy costs (Railbelt, 2009, ¶2). The legislation Sarah introduced would consolidate the generation and transmission assets of the six utilities serving the region, resulting in a $40 million annual savings to consumers (Railbelt, 2009, ¶3). "The legislation has been developed following the completion of a regional study of options for structuring the utilities. The Railbelt Energy Grid Authority (REGA) study relied on an advisory committee comprised of dozens of Alaskans as well as the input of the utilities themselves" (Railbelt, 2009, ¶3).

The legislation, if adopted by the Legislature, would establish the Greater Railbelt Energy and Transmission Corporation (GRETC) made up of representatives from the member owned and municipal utilities in the Greater Railbelt region. The corporate structure and mission: to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable electric power to the Greater Railbelt electric utilities at the lowest feasible long-term cost. Each of the six utilities will have two seats on the board, with one public member appointed by the Governor (Railbelt, 2009, ¶4).

Ultimately, a single system-wide rate will allow the corporation to focus generation placement at the most efficient locations. Generating power at its most efficient location will require reliable and robust transmission capacity throughout the region. Each of the six utilities will need an individualized transition plan to transfer their assets to the GRETC. They will also need individualized plans to begin purchasing power from the regional organization. Any new infrastructure is expected to be built by the GRETC (Railbelt, 2009, ¶5).

The utilities will have until July of next year to determine whether or not they want to commit to the regional organization. If they choose to opt out, they lose their two seats on the corporation’s board of directors. Utilities that opt in will jointly assume generation and transmission assets currently owned by the Alaska Energy Authority (Railbelt, 2009, ¶7).

Commentary

The introduction of this legislation is a major executive experience accomplishment for Governor Palin. Succinctly, the legislation will consolidate the six utilities that serve a region of land touched by the Alaska Railroad resulting in a single, cheaper electricity rate for consumers. The Governor's energy expertise is on clear display, but also we see her methodology of government and private sector partnerships and joint ventures at work. This methodology recognizes that government cannot be the solution to every problem; simultaneously, it also recognizes that the private sector also does not have all the answers. Her methodology regarding the government and private sector is based neither strictly on conservative nor liberal ideology. Rather, it is rooted in problem-solving. We see that Governor Palin consistently lives the words, "working with a servant's heart." She is working towards real solutions to real problems. Governor Palin is providing the voltage to keep the Railbelt electrified at a fair cost.

References

[Alaska] House GRETC Bill. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/0041_GRETC-Bill-(House).pdf

Legislation for assets of Railbelt utilities to be restructured was introduced today. (2009, March 6). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 5, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1692

[Alaska] Senate GRETC Bill. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved March 7, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/004_GRETC-Bill-(Senate).pdf