"Alaska Governor Sarah Palin met [May 7, 2009] with the mayor and deputy mayor of Fort Yukon, as well as the local police, and discussed how the village was preparing for the impending flood waters of the Yukon River. While in town, the governor visited the school and the medical clinic" (Flood Zone, 2009, ¶1).

“The village of Fort Yukon’s leadership has worked with our state emergency managers to plan for the worst and keep residents safe,” Governor Palin said. “I’m proud of their actions taken, and we will provide additional recovery support as the flood water subsides” (Flood Zone, 2009, ¶2). "Governor Palin and John Madden, the director of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, visited the critical areas of Fort Yukon and saw the predicted flood plain and the buildings and homes that could be affected by the spring flood" (Flood Zone, 2009, ¶3) .

According to Madden, the local levee was in good condition, but it was insufficient to stop the large flood. Further, he said the state has extensive planning to cope with these routine spring floods which result from break-up ice jams (Flood Zone, 2009, ¶4).

View of flood plain from the air

View of flood plain from the ground

Commentary

Some of Governor Palin's left-wing critics have been posting this story and referring to the flood as being a "global warming" event. Alaska's Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management director made clear that these break-up ice jams are a normal, spring-time occurrence. As the old saw goes, "you can have your opinion, but you can't have your facts." The last two pictures clearly show what a break-up ice jam flood looks like and the large areas affected by it. The state of Montana has a brochure which explains the mechanics of ice jams, which was referenced in the prior blog entry about the Governor's site surveys in the flood zone. That brochure is listed here in the references once more.

As delineated in other postings, Governor Palin is a hands-on executive, which is a rarity. Most top executives content themselves to sit in an ivory tower far removed from the reality of that which they manage. By doing so, they lose essential operational knowledge, which greatly impairs their decision-making process. This Governor is not afraid to put on a pair of jeans and get dirty -- and her doing these trips helps her determine with precision exactly where, when, and how resources should be allocated to deal with the flood.

The site survey or field visit is one of the most important tools a seasoned executive has in attaining and maintaining operational knowledge of subject matter -- and Governor Palin to her credit uses it often.

References

Governor views flood zone as emergency teams respond. (2009, May 8). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1824

Ice jams. (n.d.). Montana Department of Military Affairs Disaster and Emergency Services Division. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://dma.mt.gov/des/Library/Ice%20Jam.pdf

For the first time since 1983, an oil well was drilled in Point Thompson on May 8, 2009. ExxonMobil informed Governor Palin's administration at 2:30 AM Alaska Daylight Time that drilling began (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶1). The administration and the state enforced contracts that ExxonMobil had entered into to drill on this land. The company originally was going to default on that contract, which would have resulted in no drilling at the site.

"Today's action shows that our perseverance is paying off. We congratulate ExxonMobil on their successful efforts, and commend them for fulfilling their recent commitments to the state," Governor Palin said (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶1).

"ExxonMobil spudded the well on one of the two leases they were allowed to continue to hold under a conditional decision in January by Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Irwin. Development of the state’s resources at Point Thomson has long been a goal for the state" (Point Thomson, 2009, ¶2).

Commentary

Governor Palin is one of the precious few in elected office who understand the importance of domestic energy production. It would have been all too easy for the state to ignore these contracts (inertia) or to engage in some corrupt activity with ExxonMobil -- as many other governors or state officials would have done. Instead, Governor Palin ensured that ExxonMobil fullfilled its contractual requirements to the state of Alaska. Point Thomson is now being drilled for the first time in nearly 26 years.

Governor Palin is a subject matter expert on energy production, generation, transmission and distribution. She chaired both the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Alaska Conservation Commission -- positions where she used and further developed this expertise.

References

Governor hails drilling at Point Thomson. (2009, May 8). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1825

"Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has been cleared of accusations that she violated the state ethics act in forming a political action committee and in traveling to Indiana near the end of the legislative session to make a speech to a right-to-life group" (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶1)

"The investigator for the State Personnel Board dismissed the ethics complaint filed by Sondra Tompkins on the basis of the law only, requiring no need for further evidence or a hearing" (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶2).

The second complaint to be dismissed was filed a year ago. The complainant "Brian Kraft, alleged comments made by the governor at a press conference against Ballot Measure 4 violated AS 15.13.145, which restricts the use of state money to influence the outcome of an election on a ballot proposition" (APOC, 2009, ¶1). That complaint which had been filed with the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) was dismissed, because the state spent no money pertaining to the Governor's spontaneous comment (APOC, 2009, ¶2).

The investigator for the state reached the following conclusions pertinent to the Tompkins complaint:

• According to investigator Thomas Daniel, SarahPAC "was lawfully set up under federal campaign regulations"; (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶6)
• “'It would be ironic to rule that a political figure who plays by the very rules that have been established by Congress to regulate political contributions can, by doing so, be guilty of violating the state ethics act,' Daniel wrote in the report dismissing Tompkins’ complaint." (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶7)
• Daniel rejected the charge that Governor Palin's involvement with SarahPAC constitutes outside employment (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶8).
• Governor Palin's trip to Indiana arose from "her national standing, her outspoken opposition to abortion, and her recent personal decision to forego an abortion," not an abuse of gubernatorial position for personal gain, Daniel said (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶9).
• "Daniel also said that there was nothing incompatible between the speech and her official duties and no reason to believe that her brief absence from the state prevented her or staff from communicating with legislators. He pointed out that top executives both in government and industry regularly use electronic communication devices to keep abreast of developments at their home base while traveling" (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶10).

Thus far, nine out of the 14 complaints filed against Governor Palin were adjudicated in her favor, according to her attorney Thomas Van Flein. The remaining five are still pending (Tompkins Complaint, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary

The state Personnel Board investigator saw the Tompkins complaint for what it was and summarily dismissed it. The older complaint was likewise dismissed. As noted above 100% of the resolved complaints have been adjudicated in Governor Palin's favor.

As noted on these pages and by this author's colleagues, these complaints are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to engage in character assassination, using Saul Alinksy's Rules for Radicals, specifically, "Make opponents live up to their own book of rules. 'You can kill them with this, for they can no more obey their own rules than the Christian church can live up to Christianity.'" The complainants have routinely violated confidentiality laws pertaining to ethics complaints and brazenly blogged about it on numerous left-wing blogs.

Governor Palin can and should bask in her victories of yesterday -- but not for too long -- she won these two battles, but the war remains to be fought....

References

Another ethics complaint against governor dismissed. (2009, May 8). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1828

APOC dismisses complaint filed against Governor. (2009, May 8). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 9, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1827

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on May 7, 2009 traveled to the state’s Interior “to survey areas ravaged by the worst ice jam flooding in decades” (Flood, 2009, ¶1). Ice jam is the restriction of water behind an accumulation of ice (Ice Jams, n.d. p. 1). The type of jam affecting Alaska’s Interior is a “break-up” jam, which occurs “during periods of thaw and are made up of broken pieces of ice from the breaking up of solid, surface ice“ (Ice Jams, n.d. p. 1). When water is forced out from under the ice and reaches the top, it can re-freeze resulting in more ice (Ice Jams, n.d. p. 1). Ice jams form in “flat stream slopes,” “narrowed channels,” “downstream of open water,” and “flood plains” (Ice Jams, n.d. p. 4).

”The governor was joined by Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director John Madden. Weather permitting, the governor will meet with village leaders at Fort Yukon, and fly over Eagle and Circle” (Flood, 2009, ¶2).

.

”On [May 6, 2009], Governor Palin declared a disaster for the flooding event in the Interior of Alaska, including the drainages of the Yukon, Kuskokwim and Kobuk rivers” (Flood, 2009, ¶3). As with any state disaster declaration, the move permits “greater coordination among state agencies and [provides] easier access to state disaster relief funds.” State declaration is a prerequisite for federal funds generated by a federal disaster declaration (Flood, 2009, ¶3).

Because of the severe flooding which is threatening lives and property, Governor Palin cancelled her attendance “at several events scheduled on the East Coast” (Flood, 2009, ¶5).

“Alaska is experiencing the worst ice jam flooding in recent history,” Governor Palin said. “I am committed to do everything I can to help this region recover quickly. I appreciate the efforts of the Division of Homeland Security getting the necessary supplies to those in need” (Flood, 2009, ¶6).

Governor Palin was to “promote Alaska’s Global Food Aid Program” in New York City. “The event promotes the use of Alaska seafood products to help feed millions of hungry people around the world. First Gentleman Todd Palin will attend in the governor’s place” (Flood, 2009, ¶7).

”Governor Palin was also invited to attend the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The First Gentleman will attend that event as well. Governor Palin also postponed numerous state meetings planned in Washington, D.C., including a scheduled [gas line] meeting” (Flood, 2009, ¶8).

Commentary

One of the true tests of leadership is crisis management. For instance, former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was widely lauded for his leadership skills in the aftermath of September 11, 2001 and former President Bush was widely criticized for his handling of Hurricane Katrina.

Governor Palin’s actions pertaining to these floods were appropriate, professional and the hallmark of a skilled executive. She properly declared a disaster for the affected region and in so doing is marshalling the resources required to deal with it.

Just like at the end of February 2009, Governor Palin cancelled events that would have been politically beneficial to her – particularly the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, and other meetings in Washington, D.C. She canceled these events to focus on serving her state’s people.

Of course, in the eyes of her critics, Governor Palin can never do anything right. If she leaves the state, it’s an ethics violation. If she stays in the state, she should have left and was “stupid” for staying home. The critics are howling about Todd Palin being sent to attend the Global Food Aid program and the Correspondent’s meeting. They’re railing about his travel expenses.

In case the critics forgot, Todd Palin is a commercial fisherman. Governor Palin was an employee on his boat. In fact, she still works for him occasionally. The Palins have over 20 years experience with commercial fishing. If not Governor Palin, who is more qualified than Todd Palin to discuss Alaskan seafood?

Now…Lt. Governor Sean Parnell might have been a better substitute for the Correspondent’s Dinner under ordinary circumstances, but why have two people travel to the same region to give speeches and presentations? Have any of the critics considered that maybe the state’s official resources need to stay where they are to address this flooding? Does anyone consider that Governor Palin does not have a particularly large staff? Indeed no Alaska governor has. Her husband is more than qualified to speak about a subject that has been his profession for over 20 years. Governor Palin’s husband has delivered speeches in her stead before and has been well-received.

Governor Palin as an executive is wisely allocating her resources. She and her staff cannot be in two places at once. While those of us who love and support Governor Palin regard her as a super hero of sorts, even super heroes cannot perform that feat reserved for a deity -- which Governor Palin most decidedly is not. Since the Governor cannot split herself into two or more people, has not been cloned, teleportation has yet to be perfected, and has a small staff, she must prioritize and allocate resources. There is no heavy analysis to this conclusion. It is simple common sense.

Governor Palin wisely kept her staff where they are needed the most. She sent someone who is qualified to speak on subject matter to one event and who has delivered speeches before to another. She did this so that she would not snub the events’ sponsors or wreck what probably was months of planning. Anyone who coordinates even minor events knows that they require significant planning. Governor Palin’s critics have it wrong – like they usually do. Her actions are the work of a skilled executive with 17 years experience.

References

Alaska Interior Flooding Declaration of Disaster. (2009, May 6). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/pdf/FloodingDisasterDec_May7-2009.pdf

Governor Palin Surveys Flood Damage in Interior. (2009, May 7). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1821

.

Ice jams. (n.d.). Montana Department of Military Affairs Disaster and Emergency Services Division. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://dma.mt.gov/des/Library/Ice%20Jam.pdf

AK Governor Sarah Palin on May 7, 2009 expressed her outrage over Obama's proposed budget cuts for FY 2010, which would cut millions from missile defense and reduce spending for both the Denali Commission and the Village Safe Water Program (Cuts, 2009, ¶1-2).

“These budget cuts add up to about half of 1 percent,” Governor Palin said. “But while they do little to put brakes on the exploding federal deficit, they hit Alaska hard" (Cuts, 2009, ¶3).

Specifically, the budget cancels a second missile defense field at Fort Greely and freezes the number of interceptors being deployed there (Cuts, 2009, ¶4).

“This is an outrageous move at a time when North Korea has shown its willingness to flout international sentiments and conduct missile tests,” Governor Palin said. “America needs a strong missile defense, and Alaska’s strategic location is invaluable in protecting the nation” (Cuts, 2009, ¶5).

The Village Safe Water program works to ensure proper water sanitation for some of Alaska's poorest villages. Among other things, the Denali Commission provides job training "in some of the most impoverished areas in the United States," health clinics in Alaska's villages, and works to clean up waste which threatens water supplies. Both programs would suffer under Obama's cuts (Cuts, 2009, ¶6).

The Obama administration proposes to reduce oil and gas exploration, a move which Lt. Governor Sean Parnell said "...would have the effect of maintaining our dependence on foreign sources of energy, which is contrary to the president’s stated objective. The higher energy costs for every citizen amounts to a tax on everyone" (Cuts, 2009, ¶7).

Commentary

Governor Palin's critics take special delight in impugning her foreign policy experience and knowledge, but no matter how you slice it and dice it, Governor Palin has much more knowledge and experience in this area than Obama can even dream of having. His decision to cut missile defense there -- which cancels that second field and freezes the number of interceptors -- is pure tomfoolery at its worst. Just over a month ago, both Russia and North Korea conducted ICBM missile tests. Alaska is at the front line of defending our nation against ICBM attacks that could originate from North Korea, Russia, or China. Governor Palin knows and understands this. Obama with his Neville Chamberlain-esque approach to foreign policy does not.

When Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867, our nation understood the strategic significance of having what was then a territory. Forget the Tina Fey joke about "I can see Russia from my house" (It was Saturday Night Live comedienne Tina Fey who said it, NOT Governor Palin). Not only can you see Russia from many parts of Alaska, but when the Bering Straits freeze over you can walk there! North Korea is not too far away either. Alaska is the US crossroads to the Far East. If you're taking a flight to Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Taipei and there's a stopover, more than likely you'll be stopping in either Anchorage or Fairbanks.

Governor Palin with her shared strategic command over the 49th Missile Defense Battalion -- the only National Guard unit on permanent full-time active status -- complete command over the Alaska State Defense Force -- and her top level security clearances is in a position to speak knowledgeably about missile defense -- indeed any matter pertaining to national defense.

Moving on to the Village Safe Water Program and the Denali Commission, Obama talks a big game about being "for the poor." He stipulated "empathy for the poor" as a requirement for whoever will replace US Supreme Court Justice Souter when he retires. If Obama is so empathetic to the poor, his decision to cut federal funding for programs which provide clean water to some of the nations poorest communities is incomprehensible. Similarly mystifying is his decision to cut funds to an organization which provides job training and health clinics to the poor. With friends like this for the poor, who needs enemies?

Governor Palin is a true friend to the poor. While elites partied in DC, she personally handed out food and supplies to every household in several Alaska Villages. When the federal government would no longer fund retirement benefits for Alaska Territorial Guard members, it was Governor Palin who signed the bill for Alaska to take over the funding.

Governor Palin has the command and foreign policy experience to keep her state -- and our country safe. She is a true friend and advocate for the poor and vulnerable among us. Her actions speak louder than Obama's meaningless words.

References

Governor calls Obama’s cuts 'outrageous.' (2009, May 7). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1822

Governor Palin has a student 30 years her junior -- only she does not know it -- yet. As such, you won't find this information in a gubernatorial press release or a news story. Governor Palin's student is Emma Macpherson, 15, who attends the Regina Dominican High School, a Catholic school in Wilmette, IL. Emma's mother, Joan a Team Sarah member related how she became the Governor's student and granted permission to publish it:

"I really wish that Sarah could see this. My daughter is at that age where she is trying to find her niche, she is at an age where her mother wants her to do things that help her self-esteem. She had decided to run for school representative when the board said that they needed executive members, they hoped that she would step up and at that moment give a small speech to the freshman student body. She hadn't prepared anything but she did it anyway, she said to her fellow students, 'I don't want to talk about what I want to do, I want to hear from you, what do you want and then help you make that happen.' She came home and told me about this and then said, 'I felt like Sarah Palin!'"

A few hours later, Mrs. Macpherson reported that Emma won the election to the executive board of her school's student council.

Commentary

Anyone who has followed the Governor's life story and who has read Kaylene Johnson's Sarah Palin: How a Hockey Mom Turned the Political Establishment Upside Down and Joe Hilley's Sarah Palin a New Kind of Leader knows that the type of speech Emma Macpherson gave to win her position on her school's student council executive board is the same type of speech Governor Palin gave when campaigning.

One of the reasons those of us who love and support Governor Palin do so is because she listens -- even when we might disagree. This author has encountered numerous people who consider themselves center-left. Many are pro-choice. Yet, they support Governor Palin despite their disagreement with her on those issues! They support her, because she is real -- because she is one of us.

The message of listening obviously resonated with Emma Macpherson's fellow students and led her to win this election.

When this author attended Governor Palin's rally in Bethlehem, PA on October 8, 2008, the side of his his rally sign that she autographed read, "SuperSonic Sarah: Smashing Glass Ceilings from Above"...The metaphor is apropos.

Now...using Governor Palin's techniques, her student in IL hit Mach 2 and broke some glass of her own....this first sonic boom for her is a defining moment, for whatever road young Emma takes.

This is not the first time, Governor Palin has inspired someone. Quite the contrary, she has been inspiring a nation. Check out this article by Myrna Blyth, in National Review: Palin Power. Incidentally, this author's first ever blog posts bore that name.

Following is letter to the editor by Wev Shea, former US Attorney for Alaska. It is re-printed here in its entirety:

All of the "alleged/frivolous" ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin were brought relating to her actions while in office as our governor. She should not be required to hire private counsel to defend any of these frivolous ethics complaints or her actions as our governor. Alaska's chief executive must never be publicly humiliated by incompetents who like to attack success (Shea, 2009, ¶1).

The Department of Law is obligated to defend her, each of her adviser state employees and her husband. It is unconscionable to allow politically motivated, incompetent ethics complaints to be publicly aired by the complainant. The Department of Law is in a much better position than private counsel to address these compounding frivolous complaints (Shea, 2009, ¶2).

Alaska's governor should not be required to personally pay any legal fees or costs related to her role and/or conduct in her role as our governor. Nor should Todd or any advisers who were acting to protect Gov. Palin. This entire litigation situation is intended to compromise Sarah Palin's duties as our governor -- it is meant to destroy her politically (Shea, 2009, ¶3).

Commentary

Shea is spot-on with this letter with every point made. As Shea delineated, these complaints constitute a pattern of harassment intended to destroy Governor Palin politically. The purpose of the ethics complaint process is to adjudicate actual ethics violations. The purpose is not to target the executive with every move she makes -- but that is exactly how this process is being abused. Readily available public Internet postings point to a coordinated effort among hate bloggers who revel in the filing of these complaints, and who break confidentiality laws by so doing. Every single ethics complaint filed against Governor Palin came after August 29, 2008. This timing alone should be enough reason to regard these complaints as frivolous and as harassment tools.

References

Shea, W. (2009, May 2). Letters to the editor. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved May 1, 2009 from: http://www.adn.com/opinion/letters/story/780757.html

"Alaska Governor Sarah Palin on May 1, 2009 announced appointments to the Aviation Advisory Board, Alaska Council on Emergency Medical Services, and two Subsistence Resource Commissions" (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶1).

Aviation Advisory Board

The 11-member board advises the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities on aviation issues, and consults with him on the selection of chief administrative officers of Anchorage and Fairbanks international airports, which comprise the Alaska International Airport System (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶3).

Biographies of the Aviation Advisory Board Appointees

Governor Palin appointed Judy A. McKenzie and Frank A. Neitz, and reappointed Kenneth J. Lythgoe and Lee M. Ryan, to the Aviation Advisory Board (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶2).

Neitz, of Bethel, is a utility management specialist for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and an experienced commercial pilot and longtime air taxi operator in Southwest Alaska. Neitz also works occasionally as a hovercraft pilot, delivering cargo and passengers along the Kuskokwim River. He serves on Bethel’s Public Works Committee, is chairman of the Bethel Community Services Foundation, and is a captain in the Civil Air Patrol. Neitz holds a U.S. Coast Guard master mariner’s license, and earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and business from Montana State University. He was appointed to a seat reserved for a representative of the state’s unorganized borough (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶4)

Lythgoe, of Anchorage, is general manager of the Alaska CargoPort, a hangar and warehouse facilities business at Anchorage International Airport. He has also been a rental property manager, commercial pilot, construction contract administrator, and a municipal facility director, capital projects director, and airport division manager for the Municipality of Anchorage. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage in 1973. Lythgoe has served on the board since 2003, and was reappointed to a seat representing non-airline tenants of the Alaska International Airport System (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶5)

Ryan, of Anchorage, is an airline captain from a family with long experience in Alaska aviation. He is chief pilot, safety director and Kotzebue station manager for Arctic Transportation Services, Inc., which was founded by his grandfather in 1953 and later run by his father. Ryan has logged more than 3,500 hours flight time. He was a delegate to the Conference of Young Alaskans in 2006, and serves on the Inuit Circumpolar Youth Conference’s executive council. Ryan earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Alaska in 2004. He has served on the board since 2006, and was reappointed to a seat representing Northwest and Arctic Alaska (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶6)

McKenzie, of Anchorage, is president of Lynden Air Cargo, and has also served as vice president and controller since starting with the Alaska cargo airline in 1999. She previously worked as accounting manager for Alaska West Express, Inc. from 1994-99, and as accounting administrator for Frontier Transportation Co. from 1989-94. McKenzie was appointed to a seat representing a cargo-only airline (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶7).

Alaska Council on Emergency Medical Services

The 11-member council advises the commissioner of the state Department of Health and Social Services and the governor on planning and implementation of an emergency medical services system in Alaska (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶9).

Biographies of the Alaska Council on Emergency Medical Services Appointees

Governor Palin appointed Mary Leemhuis to the Alaska Council on Emergency Medical Services (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶8).

Leemhuis, of Eagle River, is a registered nurse who has been manager of the Alaska Native Medical Center’s trauma program since 1994. She has held various positions in her 33-year nursing career, including critical and emergency care nurse, operating room supervisor, assistant chief nurse and nurse educator, cardiovascular surgery team member, and house supervisor. Early in her career, she established a nursing assistant course for Native Americans and was an adjunct university nursing instructor in Oklahoma. Leemhuis was appointed to a seat reserved for an emergency room nurse (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶10).

Subsistence Resource Commissions

Subsistence Resource Commissions were established for the seven national parks or monuments created by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 where subsistence harvest of resources is allowed. The commissions prepare local subsistence hunting programs for consideration by the secretary of the U.S. Interior Department and the governor, addressing such issues as eligibility, customary and traditional use, access, impacts of development projects, and regulation of subsistence seasons, bag limits and methods and means. Each nine-member commission includes three governor’s appointments (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶12).

Biographies of the Subsistence Resource Commissions Appointees

Governor Palin reappointed Miki Collins to the Subsistence Resource Commission for the Denali National Park and Preserve, and Chris Zwolinski to the Subsistence Resource Commission for the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶11).

Collins, of Lake Minchumina, uses dog sleds, pack horses and canoes and other traditional methods to make a living as a subsistence trapper, hunter and fisher. She is also a freelance writer, producing books and articles often relating to the subsistence life she shares at a homestead with her twin sister. Collins earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1981. She has served on the Denali Council since 2005, and was reappointed to a public seat (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶13).

Zwolinski, of Fairbanks, has owned and operated a wilderness guiding business in Bettles offering hunting, rafting, and other services in the Brooks Range for more than 20 years. He has served on the Gates of the Arctic council since 2005, and was reappointed to a public seat (Board Appointments, 2009, ¶14).

Commentary

Governor Palin has now appointed 46 people to boards and commissions this year, not counting two judicial and one State Senate appointment. In the four months and two days that have passed this year, this is an average of one hiring decision every three days. Governor Palin nominated 99 people to boards and commissions in 2008. Her current run puts her well on the way to exceeding that number for 2009.

Hiring decisions are a staple of executive experience, and Governor Palin's 17 years in positions of increasing responsibility make these appointments look rather routine and easy, though they in fact require a fair amount of work.

References

Governor Palin announces appointments. (2009, May 1). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1800

Following is Governor Palin's press release in its entirety regarding birth certificates for stillborn babies:

Governor Sarah Palin today signed legislation authorizing birth certificates for stillbirths. House Bill 2, sponsored by Representative Carl Gatto, allows the Bureau of Vital Statistics to issue certificates for stillborn babies at the request of the parents. HB 2 passed the House 29-1, Senate 18-1 (Stillbirths, 2009, ¶1).

"This is beautiful because this can surely help a grieving family after losing a child,” Governor Palin said. “I'm thankful that Alaska's legislature recognizes how important a step like this is as Alaska embraces a culture of life and respects precious babies, including babies stillborn, but still loved by their families. Alaskans respect this sanctity of life and I appreciate Representative Gatto's efforts" (Stillbirths, 2009, ¶2).

“HB 2 gives recognition that the mom of a stillborn child indeed had a birth and now will be able to request and receive a birth certificate stating that ‘yes, you delivered a precious child,’” Representative Gatto said. “Unbelievably, there are mothers who have been waiting 20 years to receive recognition that their child was born. Those moms who delivered a stillborn child left the hospital with nothing more than a death certificate and no acknowledgment that a birth actually took place. At the time of delivery, their child was no less loved” (Stillbirths, 2009, ¶3).

Approximately 50 stillbirths occur each year in Alaska (Stillbirths, 2009, ¶4).

 

Commentary

Kudos to Governor Palin and the Alaska legislature for standing up and doing the right thing -- and passing this bill. It's only logical that if a stillborn child receives a death certificate, that child should have a corresponding birth certificate. If a mother carried a child to term and gave birth, even if that child is DOA, the child was nonetheless born and delivered.

As anyone who knows even very little about Governor Palin knows -- she does not merely preach pro-life -- she lives it, and in 2008 "walked the walk" by being one of very few women who carry a Down Syndrome child to term. Her daughter Bristol, likewise could have taken the easy way out and aborted her pregnancy. So, Governor Palin is absolutely in a position to talk about and advocate for anything related to the subject of pro-life.

One of the matters a birth certificate for stillbirth cuts to is when life begins. That point is generally accepted to be once a sperm cell fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall and meiosis begins. The birth certificate is recognition that this child once lived in its mother's womb.

References

Governor signs House bill: Certificates for stillborn babies. (2009, May 1). State of Alaska, Governor. Retrieved May 2, 2009 from: http://www.gov.state.ak.us/news.php?id=1801