Event 13

In the fall of 2007, Mr. Monegan received a telephone call from Attorney General Talis Colberg about Mr. Wooten. Walt Monegan testified:

Mr. Monegan: I did. It began pretty much like the contracts that I had with Mike Tibbles, as well as Annette Kreitzer.

He started the conversation, hi, Walt. Tell me about this Mike Wooten.

And so what I did is I addressed the issue like I had with Annette, like I had with Mike, basically saying this was an issue, that there was a complaint, it was investigated, it was — it’s done, it’s complete. There is other complaints that come in, but you know, we address them as they come in. But more importantly, the conversations — and I said, you’re the civil attorney. You understand all this, and you can correct me if I’m wrong. But this conversation that’s taking place at this moment is discoverable should he ever litigate against the state. Beccause it seems like you’re asking about him.

And in that case, if he does bring a lawsuit against the State, not only does he affect our — us as employees, but us as individuals, as well. So we’re all on the hook for it. He goes, that’s correct.

Well, then would you tell the boss — it’s only going to spill out. The more people get involved in this, the more people are going to — the more the chance this is going to come on out in public.

And he said, okay, I’ll talk to them.

Mr. Branchflower: I’ll talk to “them,” plural?

Mr. Monegan: Yeah.

(My Bold)

however, that does not absolve his possession of state personnel records. any mention of that?

Event 8

Monegan testified that a few days later, on February 13, 2007, he was in Juneau during the first legislative session greeting various legislators because he was up for confirmation as Commissioner of Public Safety. He stopped at Govenor Palin’s office to suggest she accompany him to wish Senator Lyman Hoffman birthday greetings. He explained what happend on the way to Senator Hoffman’s office:

Mr. Monegan: …So as we were walking down the stairs, the govenor mentioned to me, she says, I’d like to talk to you about Wooten.

And I said, ma’am, I need you to keep an arm’s length at this — on this issue. And if you have further complaints on him, I can deal with Todd on it.

And she goes, that’s a better idea.

(My Bold)

For the reasons explained below, I find that Governor Sarah Palin abused her power by violating Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) of the Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act. Alaska Statute 39.52.110(a) provides

“The legislature reaffirms that each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust.”

An investigation has concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power, according to a report just now unanimously released by the legislative council.