Following is the entire release from Governor Palin regarding her signing Senate Bill 89, which temporarily restores retirement benefits to members of the Alaska Territorial Guard:

[Alaska] Governor Sarah Palin today signed legislation that continues retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG). The ATG was a military reserve force component of the U.S. Army, organized in 1942 in response to attacks on American soil in Hawaii and Alaska by Japan during World War II (ATG, 2009, ¶1).

Senate Bill 89, sponsored by the Senate Finance Committee, provides temporary retirement benefits to 26 surviving veterans for their service in the ATG. The Department of Defense decided in January to discontinue retirement benefits to ATG members, but temporarily suspended its decision at the urging of Governor Palin and Alaska’s congressional delegation. The Department of Defense agreed to extend payments until April to give Congress time to devise a permanent solution through amendments to the law. Congress has not yet acted, so until it does the state will fund the payments, which total about $10,000 per month (ATG, 2009, ¶2).

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin signed Senate Bill 89 which continues retirement benefits for members of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) while visiting Haines, Alaska on April 29, 2009.

“It is a great honor to sign this bill into law today,” Governor Palin said. “These Territorial Guard veterans are bona fide Alaskan heroes, cut from the same cloth as the Minutemen who answered the call to defend Lexington and Concord. They have earned every cent of their retirement benefits, as well as our enduring gratitude for their service” (ATG, 2009, ¶3).

The [G]overnor was joined by members of the American Legion as she signed SB 89 at Lookout Park in Haines (ATG, 2009, ¶4).

The bill signing was part of a road trip Governor Palin took to Haines and her childhood home of Skagway. “It was a true pleasure to visit some of the most beautiful communities in Alaska,” Governor Palin said. “I appreciate the warm welcome and hospitality that I received from the local residents” (Visit, 2009, ¶2).

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin signs the arm of one student at the John C. Haines Elementary School during a visit on April 29, 2009.

"Haines Mayor Jan Hill and Southeast Conference Energy Coordinator Robert Venables escorted the governor on a city tour and discussed community projects" (Visit, 2009, ¶3). She toured the town's new school and met with students (Visit, 2009, ¶5).

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin takes a tour of the John C. Haines Elementary School with Haines Borough School Superintendent Michael Byer on April 29, 2009.

Thence, Governor Palin went to Skagway, where she "met with Mayor Tom Cochran and council member Mike Korsmo to discuss local community issues including several infrastructure projects" (Visit, 2009, ¶6).

Commentary

Complete background on the ATG retirement benefits story can be found in the March 25, 2009 entry and the February 2, 2009 entry.

This is one of the few bills that the Alaska State Legislature worked on this session and in fairness to them, they introduced it; however, Governor Palin had been fighting and advocating for these veterans' retirement benefits for the past four months. Further, because she is the executive who signed (executed) the bill, it's her accomplishment.

The federal government let the benefits lapse starting in April 2009. The State of Alaska is funding the benefits which proves that "if you want to do something right, you do it yourself."

The number of retirees affected by this is but 26. It would have been all too easy to cast them aside. But Governor Palin would never turn her back on even one person who served our country. She -- and the legislature -- to use a NYC Fire Department term: stood up and did the right thing

.

Notice the model Hummer on the desk where she is executing the retirement benefits bill. That's a replica of the real vehicle, which is a rolling war memorial which visited Juneau on April 27, 2009 (Fallen Marines, 2009, ¶1).

(from left) Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, John Orr and Haines Mayor Janice Hill stand before a special presentation in front of the Capitol Building in Juneau of a Hummer detailed to honor our fallen Marines.

The custom-painted H3 Hummer was commissioned by the mother of Marine Lance Corporal John Martin Holmanson, who was killed in action in Iraq, along with nine others, in December 2005. The artwork on the vehicle features images of the Marines, the Marine seal and an American flag (Hummer, 2009, ¶2).

“What a privilege to be able to honor fallen American heroes in this manner,” Governor Palin said. “The rolling memorial is a humbling reminder – to us all – of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom” (Hummer, 2009, ¶3).

Governor Palin ia a most honorable Commander in Chief for her state and our service people will be hard-pressed to find a better friend or advocate for them. Her command experience has been documented on this blog numerous times. This YouTube video below, provides a sound refresher on Governor Palin's command experience and why she is ready to exercise her knowledge at the largest scale of all....

References

Governor pays tribute to fallen Marines. (2009, April 27). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 30, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1789.

Governor Palin signs ATG benefits bill. (2009, April 29). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 30, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1797.

Governor visits Haines and Skagway. (2009, April 29). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 30, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1798.

This is a brief combined announcement. First, Governor Palin now has an Official Twitter Page:

http://twitter.com/akgovsarahpalin

Please note: "Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's Accomplishments" (this blog) is fed to Twitter, thence to TCOT (Top Conservatives on Twitter).

---

Governor Palin appeared on TLC's American Chopper. The episode will air on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 9 PM EDT. In the episode, Paul Teutul Sr. meets the Governor while the Orange County Choppers gang is in Alaska.

This is in response to questions and comments I have received pertaining to this announcement: Just like at the federal level, a state legislature can override a governor's veto. So, if Governor Palin had vetoed, yes it would have been overridden -- the legislature overwhelmingly wanted that money. Of course, since she is the one signing the bill, those who hate Governor Palin are accusing her of being a hypocrite -- this is why we need to be well-informed about this matter. It's complex, and quite frankly -- dry subject matter -- and easy to just "sloganeer". Had the legislature not accepted her compromise -- had they just blindly ramrodded it through -- veto would have been the right thing for Governor Palin, and that's what I had been advocating -- even with an override. This would be to put her on the record as having rejected this money. Once Governor Palin's compromise was accepted and her criteria complied with re: the 33% of the stimulus money she questioned -- she could not now turn around and veto what was agreed to -- when it was her criteria that was agreed to! Doing so would have been a double-cross and a back-stab. The Governor offered a compromise that she would accept much of the that portion of the money so long as it replaced state funds and the state does not end up funding this stuff two years later when the federal money dries out. The legislators originally were not interested. That was a circumstance for which veto was indicated. That circumstance changed 180 degrees. The legislators accepted the Governor's compromise. They complied with her criteria. They wrote it into the house bill. So long as this is how the bills are when they reach her desk, then passage is now the right thing. You can't turn around and back-stab people who after a long negotiation complied with most of what you wanted. If she were to do that, Governor Palin would have a hellish remainder of term awaiting her (and with people abusing the ethics complaint system as a political tool, her work life is already not exactly pleasant right now). Remember too she has 20 days to pass or line item veto once it reaches her desk. If the legislators sneakily remove that which they agreed upon, we'll be back to square one. Hopefully, that does not happen. Finally, the stimulus package was different for different states. Governor Palin accepted 67% of the money without issue, because it was for capital projects and automatically met the criteria she set forth: no unfunded state mandates and no federal encroachment into state affairs. What was in question was 33% of it and that is now resolved. Different states had a different mix and different amounts. Each state is unique in how the stimulus was handled. For instance, my home state of NY has a Democrat governor who I refer to as "Obama II" When he's proposing much higher taxes on annual income over $250K -- just like Obama is doing at the federal level -- and supports Obama in every way shape and form, I think the the term is apt. NY accepted its package, lock, stock and barrel with nary a thought as to whether any of this money is poisoned. But, NY is also mainly a Democrat state and the few Republicans we have here are RINOs. For instance, pro-choice Democrat Senator Gillibrand was regarded as a "right-winger" and she is now "evolving" her views. Lovely. NY got much more money than AK, but since this is a liberal state with a governor and legislature on the same page, we took the money without even a thought.

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin "acknowledged the state legislature’s action to accept economic stimulus funds" (Stimulus, 2009, ¶1) on April 28, 2009, following the legislature's acceptance of much of her compromise offer and their acceptance of her requirement that no state money be committed following the expiration of federal monies. The legislature agreed to use $130 million in stimulus money to replace state general funds for Medicaid and child support enforcement in FY 2009 and 2010 (Stimulus, 2009, ¶6).

The Governor accepted $171 million in education funding, because those monies will go to technology upgrades and teacher training -- items that will not result in an un-funded state mandate (Stimulus, 2009, ¶9).

Governor Palin accepted $15.6 million for unemployment and to finance conversion of medical records to electronic format, which will be federally mandated for all health care providers in 2015 anyway (Stimulus, 2009, ¶14).

These breakthroughs paved the way for the Governor to accept $901 million out of the $930 million offered. Some $28.6 million was rejected, because that money would have required adopting a state-wide energy code (Stimulus, 2009, ¶12), which would be unrealistic for Alaska, and constitute greater federal control over state affairs, or encroachment on the Tenth Amendment.

Also approved were: $20.7 million for community revenue sharing (Stimulus, 2009, ¶10), $28 million for home weatherization and energy efficiency, (Stimulus, 2009, ¶12), and the $461 million previously approved for capital projects.

Alaska's state legislature acted on the stimulus "with passage of House Bill 199, Senate Bill 75, HB81, HB113, and two legislative resolutions supporting receipt of the funds, House Joint Resolution 11 and House Concurrent Resolution 13" (Stimulus, 2009, ¶1). Once she receives all appropriations bills from the legislature, Governor Palin will act upon them within 20 days (Stimulus, 2009, ¶16).

Governor Palin's Concerns About the Stimulus

“I have been clear and consistent about my concerns with accepting economic stimulus funds as our nation incurs tremendous debt,” said Governor Palin. “As I am required to certify that stimulus dollars will create new jobs and stimulate the economy, I acknowledge the legislature’s action. And now I must make sure that, by applying for funds that they’ve resolved to accept, we do not grow government but instead put people to work and grow Alaska’s private-sector economy (Stimulus, 2009, ¶2).”

“We provided the public with the opportunity to weigh in and for them to understand the complicated and evolving federal requirements in this package,” Governor Palin said. “My concern remains that we must acknowledge these are one-time, temporary funds, that the federal government is deeply in debt, and that we must borrow money from other countries to fund much of government (Stimulus, 2009, ¶4).”

The legislature has accepted these stimulus dollars, and my agencies will make appropriate applications for funding. As we move forward, we must continue to exercise fiscal responsibility and prudent planning to develop our resources and build a stronger Alaska, and not assume federal dollars will continue to pay so many of Alaska’s bills (Stimulus, 2009, ¶16).

“Alaskans are strong and innovative as a people and we have great potential because of our vast natural resource wealth. It is my hope that Alaskans recognize this potential and will support efforts to responsibly develop our great state so our families and the private sector can thrive and prosper. Growing government stymies this, so it is with great caution, I am sure, that our legislature resolved to accept federal economic stimulus funds, and it is with great responsibility to future generations that I prudently and conservatively administer the funds (Stimulus, 2009, ¶17)”

Commentary

When it appeared that the legislature was going to blindly ramrod the stimulus package through without regard to the potential consequences of accepting the funds, this author had advocated that Governor Palin veto anything she had not already accepted. But, something happened since the session ended. Much of Governor Palin's compromise offer was accepted! Further, through problem-solving and negotiation, the Governor and the legislature were able to turn lemons into lemonade -- as with the education money going to finance technology upgrades and training, rather than creating an additional burden for Alaska two years down the road.

"The House and Senate finance committees held nearly 20 public hearings and worked closely with the administration to research aspects of the stimulus bill" (Stimulus, 2009, ¶3). Unlike those who passed and signed the stimulus, Governor Palin -- and the finance committees of both houses of Alaska's state legislature read the package and researched it.

Governor Palin's conservatism regarding the relationship of the state to the federal government extends to the relationship between the state and municipalities. This is encapsulated in her thoughts regarding community revenue sharing, to wit: "As a former city councilman and mayor, I support local decision-making instead of growing state government,” Palin said. “Local governments can best meet a community’s priorities and are held accountable for every public dollar spent for local projects and services” (Stimulus, 2009, ¶11). She clearly prefers that as much as possible be done at the local level and with small government.

If Governor Palin was inexperienced as her detractors claim, she would have been soundly defeated on this package. She secured most of what she wanted, including agreement on items that would not be entertained even a week ago. This does not happen because of dumb luck. It is the result of 17 years of executive seasoning and experience -- and something else -- the way Governor Palin made this work is reminiscent of a forebear whose torch she carries -- someone who beckoned us to follow him to a shining city on a hill.

References

Governor acknowledges legislature’s action to accept stimulus funds: $929 million slated for state projects and services. State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 28, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1792

The actual complaint is here: http://media.newsminer.com/docs/palin_pdfs/chatmancomplaint.pdf and also listed in the references. The complainant makes a specious charge that Governor Palin, her family and select state employees associated with her can personally benefit from this fund. The Fund's FAQ page makes crystal clear, how this money is to be used:

9. Can the funds be used for personal purposes? (FAQ, 2009, ¶14)

No. Donations can only be used for legal expenses incurred by counsel on behalf of the Governor, her family, and staff as approved by the Trustee (FAQ, 2009, ¶15).

10. Where does the unspent money go?

Once the purposes of the Trust no longer exist, the Trustee, in her sole discretion, will donate unspent funds to qualified 501 (c)(3) organizations (FAQ, 2009, ¶16).

...

13. Why is this fund being created?

The Trust Fund is being created to assist the Governor, her family, and staff in paying legal expenses and costs incurred from previous investigations as well as future complaints filed. Her staff is similarly being targeted by these complaints and has also incurred and is incurring significant costs (FAQ, 2009, ¶19).

Commentary

The complainant has taken the asinine and indefensible position that Governor Palin should just accept these complaints and defend them with her own funds, even if it means going bankrupt.

Most if not all these complaints have roots to Governor Palin's political rivals -- usually but not always within the Democratic Party. The "TrooperGate" imbroglio resulted in a patronage job in the Obama administration for former State Senator Kim Elton. Linda Kellen Biegel, who goes by the moniker "Celtic Diva," who filed the Arctic Cat jacket complaint is a well-known Democrat operative.

Further, colleague and fellow supporter "Conservatives4Palin" published an entry by Videmus Omnia, which noted that Chapman violated the law by going public with this complaint (Omnia, 2009, ¶4). Chapman joined a frivolous lawsuit with Gregory Charles Royal, whose advances towards Sarah Palin in 1990 were spurned (Omnia, 2009, ¶5).

The ethics complaint process was not intended to be used as a political tool for destroying and bankrupting opponents -- but that is precisely how it is being used. The method comes straight out of "Rules for Radicals," this particular rule being to negate that which your opponent is known for. The ethics complaint process is being used to portray Governor Palin as being corrupt, despite the fact that she is clean. The intention is to raise doubts in voters' minds, because even if the complaint is ultimately dismissed, her being party to them gives the air of something amiss. And that is the goal behind it.

Governor Palin in this author's opinion needs to go far beyond this fund and sue every last one of these people for harassment. Further, she needs to consider doing some of what her colleagues in other states would do to people such as this. Using an ethics complaint process to try to destroy a governor would not fly in NY, or NJ -- it would lead to some very ugly consequences for the complainants in question.

"A [woman] who wishes to make a profession of goodness in everything must necessarily come to grief among so many who are not good. Therefore, it is necessary...to learn how not to be good, and to use this knowledge and not use it, according to the necessity of the case.” – Niccolò Machiavelli.

References

Chatman complaint. (2009, April 27). Fairbanks News Miner. Retrieved April 28, 2009 from: http://media.newsminer.com/docs/palin_pdfs/chatmancomplaint.pdf

Frequently asked questions. (2009, April). Alaska Fund Trust. Retrieved April 28, 2009 from: http://www.thealaskafundtrust.com/faq/

Omnia, V. (2009, April 27). "UPDATED: Game on: Anklebiters file frivolous ethics complaint against Governor for having a legal fund to defend against frivolous ethics complaints" Conservatives4Palin. Retrieved April 28, 2009 from: http://www.conservatives4palin.com/2009/04/game-on-anklebiters-file-frivolous.html

In Her Honor....

NRA Member Bob Reynolds, owner of Templar Consulting, LLC. www.templarconsultingllc.com custom-built two AR-15s in honor of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin for her staunch support of our Second Amendment rights (Tribute, 2009, p. 61).

Dubbed "Alaskan Hunter" the all-white rifle is made entirely out of custom components. It chambers the .50 Beowulf and accepts 4, 7, and 10-round magazines. Custom engraving includes the big dipper on the magazine well, and an outline of the state of Alaska on the stock. The upper receiver features inscriptions which read "In Honor of Governor Sarah Palin," a moose, and "NRA Foundation, May 14, 2009" along with the NRA logo (Tribute, 2009, p. 61).

The rifle will include 50 rounds, "a custom sling and a Starlight case." It has an Eotech holographic sight mounted atop the upper receiver.

"I feel like the NRA has done a lot for my rights. And I feel the [G]overnor has too. I just wanted to do something to give back. And since the [G]overnor lives in Alaska, I thought .50 Beowulf was appropriate" (Tribute, 2009, p. 61).

One Alaskan Hunter will be presented to Governor Palin. The second one will be auctioned at the NRA Foundation Banquet on May 14, 2009.

.50 Beowulf Ballistics and Characteristics

The .50 Beowulf is made by Alexander Arms and is designed to deliver devastating power within a range of 200 yards. It is a close-quarters combat round, not a long-range round. It is similar to the .450 Marlin and a "heavily loaded" .45-70 (Anderson, 2004, p. 1). It has roughly the same dimensions as the .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum and is designed so that it can fit within the confines of a standard AR-15 magazine in terms of length and width. Obviously the magazine that holds this round has different feed lips and curvature to accommodate the round. Ten rounds take up as much space as 30 of .223 (or 5.56 x 45 mm if using the NATO designation). The round is used in the Middle East and has been used "with superb results" on wild pig, moose, elk, bear, and buffalo (50 Beowulf, 2009, ¶3).

The .50 Beowulf comes in 300, 325, 334, and 400 grain sizes. Contrast that with the 55-grain .223. The round drops, then rises true at 100 yards, drops a foot to 15 inches 200 yards, then precipitously drops. At 500 yards, the round has already dropped 17.5 feet when shot out of a 24 inch barrel (Ballistics, 2009, p. 1-3).

Because the magazine dimensions are the same as for a standard AR-15/M-4/M-16, one could simply remove the standard .223 upper receiver and replace it with the .50 Beowulf upper and the .50 Beowulf magazines.

Recoil is similar to a 12-gauge shotgun, which Governor Palin routinely handles (Anderson, 2004, p. 2), and she can handle even stronger recoil than that. The holographic sight allows her to shoot with both eyes open, rapidly locking in and eliminating targets. Because Governor Palin has handled the M-4 previously (this bloggers' standard avatar is of Governor Palin with an M-4), the Alaskan Hunter will be very familiar and comfortable for her.

Double-Checking Everything

Aside from following the myriad federal, state and city laws pertaining to firearms, Bob Reynolds, which he obviously is doing -- he also needs to ensure that he will not cause Governor Palin to run afoul of any of Alaska's ethics laws pertaining to receiving this beautiful and fitting gift for her. This obviously should be a source of joy for both giver and receiver. This author trusts that he has made this check and has made the proper arrangements, so no ethics violations will result.

A heavily customized rifle such as this is not typically a shooter, but usually is a wall hanger. Whatever arrangements are ultimately made (i.e. the rifle becomes the property of the state of Alaska, or Mr. Reynolds holds on to it until Governor Palin is out of office, or other options), it is a nonetheless a beautiful and fitting tribute to Governor Palin and her defense of the Second Amendment.

A Long Range Complement...

Since she will be presented with a a devastating short-range rifle, the next person to do something similar for Governor Palin might consider complementing Alaskan Hunter with a custom engraved Barrett 98 Bravo in .338 Lapua Magnum. With a little training and that rifle, Governor Palin can own anything within a mile of her that she locks in on. ;-)

References

.50 Beowulf Ballistics. (2009). 50beowulf.com. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://www.50beowulf.com/PDF/beowulf_ballistics.pdf

.50 Beowulf: Legendary power. (2009). 50beowulf.com. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://www.50beowulf.com/

98 Bravo. (n.d.). Barrett Rifles Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://www.98bravo.com/

Anderson, D. (2004, November). Fat man and little boy: a .50 caliber kick with .22 fun. Guns Magazine. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://www.50beowulf.com/PDF/ai_n62.pdf

A tribute to the Governor. (2009, May). American Rifleman, p. 61. (Fairfax, VA: National Rifle Association). Retrieved April 24, 2009.

Governor Sarah Palin visited the Kodiak Launch Complex Thursday April 23, 2009 located at Narrow Cape, AK on Kodiak Island. The Governor got an up close and personal tour of the facility by CEO Dale Nash and President and COO Tom Case. The State of Alaska has made a significant financial contribution to the construction of this facility. The KLC success rate has brought a growing number of new customers and diverse business opportunities to Alaska Aerospace Development Corporation and the Kodiak Launch Complex. KLC is poised for significant growth as the vital role of the space-based systems becomes increasingly important to our nation. The launch facility is the newest and best equipped anywhere. AADC will provide support for future MDA target missions as well as two missions with the United States Air Force in 2009.

Commentary

The Kodiak Launch Complex is a very important installation for the State of Alaska. Governor Palin referenced this facility on April 9, 2009, when she expressed concern about the Obama administration's intent to cut the missile defense budget by $1.4 billion. Earlier that week, both North Korea and Russia tested ICBMs.

Site visits and field walks are considered staple activities of project managers. Higher-level executives typically forgo them -- usually at their own peril. Governor Palin is a hands-on executive. She likes to know the inner workings of that which she manages and administers. Operational knowledge always helps an executive make better and more informed decisions.

References

Photo gallery. (2009, April 23). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://gov.state.ak.us/photos.php

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on April 23, 2009 that TransCanada Alaska pre-filed for a pipeline license with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to build a large-diameter gas pipeline from the North Slope to Alberta, Canada (DNR, 2009, ¶1). The pipeline will transport up to 4.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day from Alaska to the continental United States, and was spearheaded under Governor Palin's Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA). The pre-filing was done two years early. (Delridge, 2009, ¶2).

Governor Palin said, "The pre-filing process is a significant milestone in obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the FERC and I am pleased that TransCanada has taken this step to move the project forward." Obtaining the certificate is a key step in the regulatory process which must occur prior to construction and operation of the pipeline. Formal filing of the FERC certificate is scheduled for October 2012 with the issuance of a certificate planned for June 2014 (DNR, 2009, ¶2).

Pre-filing expedites the environmental review process, according to Dr. Mark Myers, AGIA Coordinator (DNR, 2009, ¶3). Drue Pearce, the federal coordinator for the Alaska pipeline concurred (Delridge, 2009, ¶4).

Other specific benefits of pre-filing include:

• "Enables FERC to begin the environmental review process at an early stage, facilitating timely and efficient authorization of the project as provided by the expedited review and approval time lines in the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline Act;" (DNR, 2009, ¶5).
• "Permits FERC, as the lead agency for preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement for the project, to work with other relevant federal agencies that will participate in the project's environmental review;" (DNR, 2009, ¶6).
• "Allows the Office of Federal Coordinator to coordinate a federal implementation plan for the project that will detail each relevant federal agency's plans and processes for carrying out appropriate agency actions;" (DNR, 2009, ¶7).
• "Provides for FERC and TC Alaska to work together to engage relevant stakeholders, including landowners, Alaska Natives, environmental groups, and other interested Alaskans, through a process that will include site visits, participating agency consultations and public open house meetings that all relevant federal agencies and TC Alaska will follow; and (DNR, 2009, ¶8)."
• "Enables FERC to work with TC Alaska to ensure that substantial field work is done in a manner consistent with FERC's environmental requirements, thus avoiding any unnecessary delays" (DNR, 2009, ¶9).

According to Tony Palmer, Vice President, TransCanada, the pre-filing enhances the information exchange between that company and FERC, and other government agencies (Delridge, 2009, ¶3).

Under the AGIA, the State of Alaska will provide $500 million for costs related to securing the FERC license, which includes up to half of the costs related to an "open season." In pipeline parlance, "open season" means "a pipeline company lays out its plans for gas producers and takes commitments for space in the line." Thence, financing is secured, followed by the FERC license (Delridge, 2009, ¶6-8).

"FERC officials will review the filing and grant or disapprove it, commission spokeswoman Tamara Young-Allen said" (Delridge, 2009, ¶13).

The docket number is: PF 09-11 and is available at www.ferc.gov (Delridge, 2009, ¶15).

Commentary

The AGIA is Governor Palin's brainchild and her accomplishment. The pre-filing expedites her project by two years. This pipeline will be the largest infrastructure project in North American history. It will bring American natural gas to American markets. Governor Palin is essentially a project manager on this job -- among everything else she must do daily.

Only a seasoned executive could manage a project of this size and scope, and perform all the other aspects of governing her state besides.

References

Delridge, R. (2009, April 24). TransCanada marks milestone in gas line plan. Fairbanks Daily News Miner.. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://www.newsminer.com/news/2009/apr/24/transcanada-marks-pipeline-milestone/

TransCanada initiates pre-filing with FERC. (2009, April 23). State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved April 26, 2009 from: http://dnr.alaska.gov/shared/mediareleases/dsp_media_release.cfm?id=1151&title=TransCanada%20Initiates%20Pre-Filing%20with%20FERC

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The two linked articles are must-reads for anyone who wants to get a nice glimpse at the actual family life of the Palins. Both articles are very well done. The Esquire piece is a more general "day in the life" type article, but it gives a very detailed glimpse as to a typical day in the Palin house. It's almost as if you're there. The Mens World article focuses mostly on snow machine racing and Todd's preparation for the Iron Dog. You feel like you're with Todd on his Arctic Cat....

The Esquire article discusses how Todd had to handle a false complaint against his wife's sister by Trooper Wooten. It discusses his snow machine racing, his life as a commercial fisherman when he did that work full-time -- and how he nearly lost his life just prior to getting married.

Both articles provide a non-political look at this family. Unfortunately, the comments on them immediately went political and started trashing the family -- and trashing Todd who isn't even holding or running for public office.

http://www.esquire.com/features/todd-palin-bio-0509

http://www.mensjournal.com/iron-todd

Following is a press release pertaining to an ethics violation filed by Sondra Tompkins alleging that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's trip to Indiana violated state ethics codes. Commentary follows

The Office of the Governor today expressed outrage that yet another baseless ethics complaint has been filed as part of an alarming new development in Alaska politics (Ethics, 2009, ¶1).

“In the past several months, we have seen an orchestrated effort by the governor’s opponents to make differences of opinion and ideology almost criminal,” said Mike Nizich, the governor’s chief of staff. “Governor Palin has spent a considerable amount of time and money fighting ethics complaints – and no charge has been substantiated. I hope that the publicity-seekers will face a backlash from Alaskans who have a sense of fair play and proportion. I served six previous governors, and I’ve never seen anything like the attacks against Governor Palin” (Ethics, 2009, ¶2).

The latest ethics complaint against the governor alleges that she entered into a “contract” outside of her official duties in regard to a political action committee and that her recent trip to Indiana also conflicted with those duties (Ethics, 2009, ¶3).

“These allegations are categorically false and ridiculous, and are an abuse of the Executive Ethics Act,” Nizich said (Ethics, 2009, ¶4).

“We are blessed to live in a democracy in which everyone has the right to free speech, to petition their lawmakers, to vote, to run for office and, yes, to allege misconduct by public officials,” said Bill McAllister, the governor’s communications director. “But obviously the purpose of this complaint and the previous ones is to distract the administration and the public, and to paralyze the Department of Law and the executive branch (Ethics, 2009, ¶5).

“There’s a core hypocrisy in nearly all of the ethics complaints brought against the governor, including this one. The ethics act clearly states that complaints, when filed, are to be confidential. Ms. Tompkins publicized her filing on several blogs, breaking the letter and the spirit of the law. While there are no penalties in the statute for this illegal behavior, Alaskans of all political persuasions should be appalled that the people who are alleging unethical behavior by the governor are repeatedly doing so unethically” (Ethics, 2009, ¶6)

The relevant section of the ethics act follows: (Ethics, 2009, ¶7)

“Sec. 39.52.340. Confidentiality (Ethics, 2009, ¶8).

(a) Except as provided in AS 39.52.335, before the initiation of formal proceedings under AS 39.52.350, the complaint and all other documents and information regarding an investigation conducted under this chapter or obtained by the attorney general during the investigation are confidential and not subject to inspection by the public. In the case of a complaint concerning the governor, lieutenant governor, or attorney general, all meetings of the personnel board concerning the complaint and investigation before the determination of probable cause are closed to the public. … The attorney general and all persons contacted during the course of an investigation shall maintain confidentiality regarding the existence of the investigation” (Ethics, 2009, ¶9)

Under the Legislative Ethics Act, publicizing an ethics complaint against a lawmaker would result in the automatic dismissal of that complaint. The Executive Ethics Act does not contain that provision (Ethics, 2009, ¶10)

While the latest complaint concerns 36 hours that the governor spent out of state this month, her opponents have spent months filing ethics complaints and records requests in a volume that constitutes a pattern of harassment and that has negatively impacted the Department of Law, McAllister said (Ethics, 2009, ¶11).

He noted that the governor left Alaska only twice during the recently completed legislative session -- for a total of just four days, including travel time -- and that during both trips she conducted state government business (Ethics, 2009, ¶12).

“Governor Palin hasn’t done anything that any other governor in the nation hasn’t done,” McAllister said. “I hope Alaskans can see through this stunt” (Ethics, 2009, ¶13)

Commentary

The patent absurdity of this ethics complaint speaks for itself, so that point does not require belaboring. Every other governor from the remaining states travels this nation doing precisely what Governor Palin did in Indiana. Some even travel to foreign countries for this purpose. Ditto for mayors of large cities. Enough said.

Also interesting to note: every single ethics complaint against Governor Palin was filed after August 29, 2008 -- the day she was announced as a VP candidate.

What is particularly galling is that Tompkins is the mother of a special needs child and has chosen to spit in the face of and lash out at her only friend and advocate in elected office by this latest filing. Governor Palin attended two events in Indiana. One was for special needs children. Some of the bills she introduced that were not passed, because the legislators were too busy with their spite campaign involved special needs children. No elected official at the federal, state, or city levels anywhere in this country has been a better friend to special needs children than Governor Sarah Palin.

These filings absolutely form a pattern of harassment -- harassment that Governor Palin has the right to and should sue for -- every last one of these filings should be counter-sued. Until these people experience real consequences beyond the drive to the AK Department of Law office to do these filings, this will never stop. The ethics code was not designed to keep governors chained to their desks. Further, in the discovery phase of a lawsuit, as the filers' motives become clear, their connections would begin to unravel -- that's about the point at which these charges would likely be withdrawn.

These filings are part of a coordinated effort to smear Governor Palin. There was much chatter on left-wing and hate blogs against the Governor prior to this filing that it was going to be done. Those who partook in these discussions reveled and took delight in what they were about to do.

This press release which appeared prior to the filing was in the blog, "I eat gravel" operated by Ryan Marquis, who is a Kenai Borough Employees Association Union alternate negotiator. He also ran for the Kenai district school board garnering no votes. On his MySpace page, he lists Obama and Che Guevara as his heroes, among others.

These filings constitute a pattern of abusing an ethics code to achieve a desired political end -- in this case the destruction of her political career.

The best defense is a good offense and Governor Palin needs to go on the offensive -- post haste. She cannot continue to permit other people to dictate and determine her image. The game in which people file frivolous complaints that she has to defend at her own expense, but in which the filers experience no consequences needs to end. It needs to end TODAY. If she has to pay to defend herself, they should have to pay to prove it's not harassment and not driven by ulterior motives. It's that easy.

Governor Palin today is standing at a crossroads and she has two choices. If she has aspirations for higher office -- or even running for re-election, she needs to fight this and start wresting control of her image. This is a responsibility that she has to herself -- the efforts of those of us who love and support her and who have established blogs for the purpose of expressing such -- will only go so far. People are far more likely to listen to Governor Palin fighting for herself, than Ron Devito (or any of the other excellent Sarah Palin support blogs out there) fighting for her.

If Governor Palin is to be a credible candidate for POTUS, and to survive and thrive as her state's governor, she must demonstrate that she can shut this type of thing down. Governor Palin should see herself as being in her dojo (Japanese for "training place") in the midst of a shugyo (Japanese for "severe training") session. Issuing press releases against these filings is necessary, but grossly insufficient. Her next issuance needs to be a summons to every filer of these complaints to meet her in court to answer harassment changes.

It's time for Governor Palin to start treating these Chicago thugs like the sub-human trash that they are. Being "nice" and turning the other cheek is not going to get her in the White House and it is certainly not helping her in the state house. This is no different than dealing with a schoolyard bully. Running and telling the teacher is the "right thing" and the "ethical thing" to do, but it never solves the problem. Jabs, a right cross and a left hook are what ultimately shut that problem down in the schoolyard. Governor Palin needs to start her legal offensive -- NOW!

I for one will be donating to her legal defense fund and advertising it on this blog when it's announced. But, I would be more delighted if it were used as a legal offense fund. I and thousands of other supporters would be more than happy to contribute towards counter-suits, and private investigators to uncover the underlying motives behind these ethics filings and the other unknown parties involved.

References

Latest ethics complaint deemed outrageous. (2009, April 22). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 23, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1787

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was able to secure $7.1 million out of the $9 million she had requested for preparatory work on an in-state gas pipeline. This amount represents 78% of the money requested (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶9).

Governor Palin had submitted bills to consolidate six electric utilities in the Railbelt region. The utilities generally agree, but could not finalize anything in time for this year's legislative session. The Railbelt bills will be on the table for the 2010 session (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶8).

Additionally, "[t]he legislature approved $100 million in FY2009 grant awards from the Renewable Energy Fund. The grants will allow utilities across the state to advance more than 80 generation projects utilizing wind, solar, hydroelectric, hydrokinetic, and bio fuels. Another $25 million in grants are included in the FY2010 capital budget appropriation bill (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶10).

Governor Palin secured $1.2 billion for 140 highway, aviation, and transit infrastructure projects (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶16).

The Governor's education budget initiatives were approved. These include a $23 million increase in "base allocation" for the general student population, and $22 million for intensive needs students. An additional $600,000 was approved for school districts needing improvement in reading and math (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶11-14).

Governor Palin made significant reductions in the proposed spending plan for the next fiscal year, given the decline in general fund revenues projected for Fiscal Year 2010 -- from $5.3 billion estimated in the fall of 2008, to $3.2 billion in the spring of 2009. The leaner proposal reflected the governor’s fiscal philosophy of slowing government growth, keeping expenditures within the state’s means, meeting core spending obligations and saving as much as possible for potentially leaner times (Legislative Accomplishments, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary

From all appearances, both houses of the Alaska Legislature has was going to toss all of Governor Palin's key pieces of legislation in favor of bills on things like marmots, malamutes, and bestiality. Fortunately, in the end some common sense prevailed. As noted in a prior entry, the Railbelt delay is not the legislature's fault -- it's the utilities involved that need more time. Governor Palin secured 78% of the money she requested this year for the in-state pipeline. This is a major win for her. Governor Palin is an expert financial administrator -- knowing her, she'll find a way to stretch that $7.1 million to give her the $9 million in results she is seeking.

Not mentioned in her release, but forthcoming -- the Alaska legislature voted for taking 100% of the stimulus bill. Governor Palin rejected roughly 33 1/3% of that money as being poisoned -- resulting in un-funded state mandates, greater federal control over state affairs, or both. It is critical that Governor Palin use her veto powers against the poisoned funds, even if her vetoes are overridden. A veto formalizes for the record that she absolutely was against taking these poisoned funds.

References

Governor highlights accomplishments of legislative session. (2009, April 20). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 20, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1779

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 19, 2009 appointed Dennis Egan, former mayor of Juneau, and son of the state's first Governor to fill the State Senate Seat vacated by Kim Elton who took a patronage job with the Obama administration (Egan, 2009, ¶1). Senate Democrats confirmed the Governor's appointment, ending a bitter fight that dragged on for weeks. Egan was neither one of the four choices the Democrats wanted, nor was he one of the three nominees Governor Palin submitted.

Lt. Governor Sean Parnell (right of lectern) Leads Swearing-In Ceremony for Dennis Egan (left).

“Mayor Egan is a good choice for Juneau,” Governor Palin said. “He’s pro-business and understands the need for responsible development in order to create jobs in Southeast. I thank Mayor Egan for his willingness to step forward and represent Juneau in the Senate” (Egan, 2009, ¶4)

Egan was mayor of Juneau from 1995 to 2000, after serving 11 years on the assembly. He has had leading roles in the Alaska Conference of Mayors, the Alaska Municipal League, the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, the Alascom Inc. board of directors and Alaska Airlines advisory board, among many entities (Egan, 2009, ¶5).

"The disagreement over the need for the Democratic caucus to vote in public continues. The Alaska Department of Law maintains that, regardless of legislative tradition, the law requires confirmation of vacancy appointments by vote in open session" (Egan, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary

A seasoned executive has the ability to negotiate under tough circumstances and arrive at an outcome that all parties involved can agree to. Without rehashing and belaboring the entire battle -- prior blog entries document it more than adequately -- up until the April 19th, the Senate Democrats were fixated on their goal of having Beth Kertualla replace Elton. Though they had three other names in mind, Kertulla was the goal. Governor Palin had her heart set on either Tim Grussendorf or Joe Nelson, but the Senate Democrats had no interest in either one. The result was a stalemate -- or what might be called a Mexican stand-off (no insult to Mexicans intended -- my wife happens to be Mexican) -- only with an Alaskan twist. All metaphors aside, Juneau was fast hurtling towards having its State Senate Seat left vacant, and if both sides remained dug in, that's precisely what would have happened.

Governor Palin ultimately picked a candidate that was neither on her preferred list nor on the Senate Democrats' list -- but a candidate that both sides could agree upon and live with. Whether State Senator Egan will be "just a place holder" till the next election remains to be seen. That's a detail that will manifest itself over the next several months, and his performance in his job will be a determinant. What is important today is that both sides reached an amicable agreement and can put the matter behind them.

Though it was a hard-fought battle, Governor Palin used her 17 years of executive experience to achieve this outcome. She did not let anyone foist a candidate upon her or force her hand. This is a win for her, even if she did not get either of her preferred candidates (for the Senate Democrats did not get their preferred candidate either).

These words were spoken at the Republican Convention on September 3, 2008:

"Politics isn’t just a game of clashing parties and competing interests. The right reason is to challenge the status quo, to serve the common good, and to leave this nation better than we found it. No one expects us all to agree on everything, but we are expected to govern with integrity, and good will, and clear convictions, and a servant’s heart.” -- Sarah Louise Heath Palin

By her actions with this appointment, she put these words into practice -- as she does every day. Governor Palin has every reason to hold her head high and proud today.

References

Governor, Senate Democrats agree on Dennis Egan for District B. (2009, April 19). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 20, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1775

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on April 17, 2009 urged lawmakers to approve "$9 million in preparatory funding for pipeline work in this year’s public works budget" (Gasline, 2009, ¶1). Interestingly, some House Finance Committee members were concerned that Governor Palin's administration did not "adequately communicate its position on an in-state gasline" (Gas line, 2009, ¶2).

Members of the administration have testified before committees. In addition, Project Manager Harry Noah has conducted open working groups with legislators. Governor Palin has met regularly with House and Senate leadership this session to discuss plans to jump-start development of an in-state line (Gas line, 2009, ¶3).

The governor introduced two bills (HB 163/SB 135 and HB 164/SB 136) for in-state gas development that have been heard in the House and Senate energy committees. The House and Senate have passed several in-state gas resolutions, and the House on April 14 amended HB 44 to include language from the governor’s bill, HB 163, expanding authority for the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority (Gas line, 2009, ¶4).

A four-phase plan for the development of an in-state pipeline was presented by the administration on March 3. The $9 million in funding will advance the project through phase two (Gas line, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary:

This is yet more moose manure from a group of legislators who wants to obstruct anything with Governor Palin's name on it. Governor Palin only supports the gas line, has made numerous communiques to that effect and introduced two bills to get it going. What else do these people need to know about her position on the subject? What part of "I want to develop an in-state gas pipeline -- it's a top priority for my administration" do these legislators not understand? And...honestly, what else is she supposed to do to "adequately communicate her position on a project she so obviously wants done?"

The childish spite on the part of these people could not be more blatant and more painfully obvious. In trying to deny Governor Palin her pieces of legislation and engaging in these power plays, it is the people of Alaska who will suffer the consequences. The legislative session closes today. Perhaps Governor Palin can expect four pieces of legislation on her desk soon: marmots, malamutes, bestiality, and a stimulus bill full of poison. It's time for the Governor to lock and load her veto pen and veto every last one of these dogs.

---

Three days after Governor Palin testified before Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar on developing energy resources on Alaska's outer continental shelf, a federal court ruling in favor of environmentalists "undermines the federal leasing program for oil and gas reserves in the Beaufort, Bering and Chukchi seas (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶1-2).

“We are adamant in our support for responsible off-shore development,” Governor Palin said. “As I told Secretary Salazar on Tuesday, even a stepped-up effort toward energy conservation will not avert the need for increased production of conventional fuel sources as our population grows. The resources in the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea, especially, are critical for what should be a dramatic increase in domestic natural gas and a modest increase in domestic oil production" (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶3)....

“Ironically, putting the brakes on domestic energy production does not prevent global warming or threats to species, but actually increases the problem by shifting resource extraction to less environmentally preferred fuels and locations” (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶5).

Commentary

Let's start with a salient point from Governor Palin: “Unfortunately, while we have been struggling to persuade the Obama administration not to undo the opportunities for off-shore drilling, an appeals court has stepped in at the bidding of short-sighted environmentalists and pre-empted the federal-state dialogue” (Court Ruling, 2009, ¶4).

Unfortunately, the Obama administration is owned by environmentalists who not only want to stop domestic energy production; they want to dictate every facet of how we live our lives -- what we drive; whether we drive; what light bulbs we use, the settings on our thermostats, and so forth. The Obama administration has about as much interest in domestic energy production as a jihadist does in supporting Israel and the United States.

The bottom line is: Governor Palin is right on energy; the Obama administration is wrong -- dangerously wrong. Obama's energy policy will expose our country even more to enemies, if it doesn't bankrupt us first. His policies will lead us straight down the road to misery -- things like rolling blackouts that occurred in CA under Gov. Gray Davis, $4/gallon and higher gasoline, and rationing of energy -- and more, not less environmental damage. Communist China is a allowed to develop on our outer continental shelf, but we can't! How ridiculous is that? Adding insult to injury, the Chi-Coms are not known for using environmentally friendly techniques.

Though this court ruling is discussed in context of Governor Palin and one of her releases, this is ultimately NOT about her. It's about all of us and the disastrous consequences that will befall us thanks to an administration whose energy policy is an epic failure.

References

Governor dismayed by court ruling on off-shore drilling. (2009, April 17). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1772

In-state gas line remains top priority. (2009, April 17). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved April 19, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1769

Michael Steele's Introduction

Part I

Part II

Part III

Part IV

Part V

Part VI

Part VII

Commentary

We started with a beautiful and supportive introduction by Michael Steele. "On that Saturday (author's note: it was actually Friday), when she was announced as the vice presidential nominee for the Republican Party, I was one proud Republican. I was one very happy Republican. I watched this party light up. I watched activists, Democrat, Republican, Independent tune in, and pay attention, and listen. And I watched her take the world stage by storm. She has just begun to write the chapters for this country, its history book and its future."

This was one of the Governor's most beautiful speeches. She enunciated her pro-life position from the perspective of a person who had to live through and make the hard decisions. She also briefly discussed energy independence and her concerns about the stimulus bill. In these seven segments, we see a portrait of Governor Palin's conservatism, and a portrait of her as a human being. She took us on a personal journey through her decision-making process, including the very fleeting temptation to stray from her core values -- after all no one would know the difference. But, she would know. No one on either side of the abortion issue can argue that she made her choice and made it consistent with her beliefs.

Not mentioned by the Governor, but worthy of mention -- many of the people who call themselves "pro-choice" are "pro-choice" if that choice is to have an abortion. Choose life and suddenly, you're "anti-choice." Many of those who call themselves "pro-choice" are in fact pro-abortion. Governor Palin had the legal right to have an abortion. She could have aborted Trig with no one being the wiser. She made a conscious decision to keep her baby. She made her choice. That's true "pro-choice." And it's pro-life.

Many of Governor Palin's detractors take issue with the cult-like following she has amassed. Supporters like me are called "Palin-bots" (I'm proud to be one). One of her detractors with whom this author had a discussion in one venue where this blog is posted rightfully said that conservative principles are about issues, not about personality. But it is also true that much of politics is show business. Give the same conservative message to Governor Palin and to one of many dour individuals, and people are going to follow one of the two. It will not be the dour individual. Michael Steele echoed what so many of her supporters felt the day of her announcement. Someone has to take that message, communicate it, and convince people to vote for that platform -- and convince people that they're the ones best suited to make that platform happen.

Most conservatives know how to get to that shining city on a hill, but in our federated republic, we entrust a leader to take us there. The Republican Party had lost its way -- gotten detoured on its journey to that shining city -- and many of us have yearned and longed for a leader we could rally behind. Those of us who love and support Governor Palin see her as the female version of someone who once led us there. Whether she ultimately will, of course remains to be seen. There are still 1,373 days till January 20, 2013. Anything can happen between now and then. There are more battles to be fought and more tests to be passed.