Palin Says Alaska Needs New Ethics Policy (FoxNews.com)

FoxNews.com ^ | 7/10/2009

[SonOfDarkSkies]

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she hopes the latest ethics complaint filed against her is a "wake-up call" that a new ethics policy is needed in the state.

"The only saving grace in this recent episode is that it proves beyond any doubt the significance of the problem Alaska faces in the 'new normal' of political discourse," Palin said in a release that was posted online through her Twitter account.

"I hope this will be a wake-up call -- to legislators, to commentators and to citizens generally -- that we need a much more civil and respectful dialogue that focuses on the best interests of the state, rather than the petty resentments of a few," Palin said.

The ethics complaint, filed Friday with the state personnel board, alleges that Palin has been paid for media interviews. Palin's chief of staff, Mike Nizich, called the allegation absurd.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

The Dems are using Alinsky's rules on Sarah. And Obama says "Thank you, Satan"!

[jessduntno]

The ethics complaint, filed Friday with the state personnel board, alleges that Palin has been paid for media interviews. Palin's chief of staff, Mike Nizich, called the allegation absurd.

[ExTexasRedhead]

The Fuhrer, his Gestapo and the US Congress desperately need Ethics Rules. These henchmen, however, obey no rules even God’s.

[restornu]

When their are too many sewer rats on board things like this happens!

Over board

[Sarah Barracuda]

Looks like Alinsky’s rules are gonna be used here on FreeRepublic as well starting Monday with David Shuster, we all gotta be prepared. These far left whack jobs will stop at no end to destroy this country

[deport]

I thought Palin was proud of the new ‘ethics reform’ that was passed and she praised... It must not have been all it was cracked up to be.

[SonOfDarkSkies]

We needs some "in the light" rules of our own to fight "Alinsky's "Rules for Radical" ("Thank you Lucifer" says Saul).

Alinsky's rules are rules of the Chicago style thugs and cheaters.

Surely God has rules that can defeat those of Alinsky!

Let's think this through!

[Vanders9]

Thats cos she didnt think they would be abused

[redhead]

Just keep in mind one fact: Alinsky knew how to fight, granted. But something he never had an opportunity to learn was how to WIN. They think they are winning, but all they are doing is strengthening our resolve. To the ramparts!

[SonOfDarkSkies]

Hoo-aaah!

Let's kick some lib fanny!;-)

[Swampmarine]

The biggest problem with Alaska's executive ethics law just left town. Watch how quick the Legislature can fix the frivolous problem when a new Governor gets on board.

[deport]

Thats cos she didnt think they would be abused

---

Yep, I agree she didn’t think.

[ASOC]

Sara was very proud of the new ethics law - look at google entries about it.

That was the theme right up to the point her political enemies - and she has many inside and outside of the state found out the new ethic law could be used to club her senseless.

Or, out of office....

[deport]

Yep those ethic laws can be used by anyone taking the time to file the papers. Just look at Tom DeLay and his run in with Ronnie Earle regarding ethic complaints.

My point is Palin was bragging about what an improvement they had. Apparently the improvements were minimual at best and sounds like they left the barn door open.

[SoConPubbie]

So, what would you two astute gentlemen do to make the ethics laws better and correct this problem?

[Swampmarine]

Place both Legislative Ethics and Executive Ethics under the Judicial Branch appointed by the Chief Justice. Most Chief Justice's have out served the Governor that appointed them. A complaint must be filed in person and require a small deposit for a complaint that is returned if it advances to the hearing stage. In Alaska, complaints against judges are referred to the Judicial Conduct Commission appointed by the executive brance (Governor)

[Swampmarine]

Correction: In Alaska we have the Alaska Judicial Council of 7 with 3 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. Another three appointed by the AK Bar Association and the last the Chief Justice. They recommend new judges to the Governor for appointment. All judges in Alaska are Governor appointed. The Commission on Judicial Conduct is made up of judges and practicing attorneys. They handle complaints against judges and appear to be making it very hard on their website to find out how they get appointed to their positions. If I can't find it, I'm now thinking it is not the Governor.
Too much information but one last thing, when a comlaintant says they can't afford a small filing fee, tell them to come back when they have enough of a life to get the money.

[ASOC]

The first step should be a citizens panel to do the first thru - sort of like a grand jusy. They could meet via teleconference of on a moderated web site.

The panel would exam the ‘proof’ of the complaint. Likwe an obudsman, they would have priority access to state records and employees.

Once ‘vetted’ a formal investigation can proceed.

This simple process could have screened the BS complaints vs one more serious one (IE Troopergate)

The panel would be seated for a year, the members paid a stipend based on hours in actuall attendance. Think part -time job.

Panelist would be chosen by the same means as a grand jury.

Will work - dunno - nobody has tried it yet. BUt for a small state like Alaska, that has good connectivity, it could work.

You asked - here is my take.

Have fun

[deport]

What to do I don't know. But there must be more to it than doing a few things and then claiming a great improvement which obviously wasn't the case.

One thing maybe to use a process whereby complaints have to be vetted by some group before getting it to the full investigative stage. This group would have to be independent and non partisan if that is possible at all. This maybe a group of citizens or possible a mix of legislators/citizens.

I know that it is claimed a prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich via the grand jury route so I really don't have a good answer. Politics is a just what it is, politics. Often vengeful, partisan and with disregard for what is the best for the state and citizenry.