Dear Rep. Doogan,Although I wasn't one of the many concerned Alaskans who have written to you about possible executive ethics actions being addressed by the upcoming session of the Alaska Legislature, I've had an opportunity to read a response you sent out to a number of people who had sent similar mailings to you. One part of this communication from you interested me:
Third, I intend to move forward with legislation to prevent a re-occurrence of some of the problematic behavior that has arisen from the mess commonly called Troopergate. That legislation will define more closely what is a public document and seek to prevent public officials from shielding their communications by using private email accounts, and the state from stifling public access by charging an arm and a leg.
This is an excellent idea, Rep. Doogan!
I would like to recommend that you consider also looking at tightening travel regulations for the members of the chief executive's family. Gov. Palin's trip to New York City in 2008 with one of her daughters, to speak very briefly on one day, then spend the work week in a pricey hotel with her child, at taxpayers' expense, shouldn't merely be unauthorized, I feel it should be criminal activity entered into the "fraud" statutes of Title 11.
I am also disturbed to read of Todd Palin's access to confidential personnel files and other sensitive materials, as described by ex-commissioner Walt Monegan, in his statements to investigator Steven Branchflower.
Although I am not a constituent, as an officer of the Alaska Democratic Party, I eagerly await your reply to my earnest query.
Sincerely,
Philip Munger
Update - Monday at 4:45 p.m: I emailed back & forth with Rep. Doogan most of the early afternoon. I don't consider it to have been a very productive exchange. I tried to be respectful and open. He was quite minimal, offering nothing of substance.
I lost him when he seemed to be to the point where if I would reveal the identity of a certain blogger, he would continue to play.
End of playing kids' games, Mike.
