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Monegan speaks

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: July 21, 2008 - 6:05 pm

Here's former Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan on KUDO-AM 1080 earlier this afternoon. Sen. Hollis French also made an appearance.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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15 July 24, 2008 - 10:07am | akgen

Do not

taser the kid
or drive drunk.

If you do and get caught, expect some grief in your life.

- Fire the stupid trooper, (who is now giving a bad name to all troopers).

- Investigate the Palin family, and see if any abuse of power occured.

But at the day, no one should be putting a taser to a kid or driving drunk.

Trooper Wooten's shoes will not be stepping on my porch and that's because he drove drunk.

July 24, 2008 - 12:48pm | AK_Lady

Wooten did not drive drunk.

He drove after having a drink.

July 24, 2008 - 12:58pm | rfn

Apparently having first-hand knowledge,

perhaps you can resolve some of the questions raised by rumors circulating here.

Was the alleged drink taken in a bar?

There have been allegations that there was an open container in the car. Might you know for certain whether this is true or false?

I would doubt that a single drink....unless some especially massive one...would cause a blood alcohol level that even approached illegal in an adult male. But, to your personal knowledge, were any breath or blood tests done (not asking for results, even if known)?

14 July 23, 2008 - 4:14pm | choomama

Monegan's credibility

While I don't believe in politicians abusing their power, Monegan's accusations have a smell to them.

Why didn't he immediately bring these charges forth when they allegedly occured? Either he's lying, or he's willing to overlook wrongdoing when it's convenient to him or he thinks he can use it later. In either case, that makes him unfit to be the highest lawman in the State in my mind and he should be gone. Good riddance.

If there is proof to the charges that the Governor abused her position, then she deserves the consequences. But unless there is more proof out there than accusations by a guy suffering from sour grapes, I'm not ready to sell her down the river.

In any case, Monegan has shown he isn't the man for the job he was removed from.

July 23, 2008 - 9:15pm | black33

And why did the Palin/Heath clan wait 2 years

to talk about the moose and the taser?

Why didn't they bring those forth when they occurred?

July 23, 2008 - 9:24pm | rfn

Did they?

Did anyone pay attention?

Part of what needs to be investigated and if that stuff was ignored, somebody needs to be reprimanded with extreme prejudice.

13 July 22, 2008 - 11:15am | sskgknorman

Great!!

Thanks for the down load.

CC is one person I would like to have in my corner. She cuts through the junk and gets to the point. I'd love to hear her interview the Governess regarding this whole situation. Right to the point from valid perspective. Thanks again.

P.S. Monegan is a class act!!

July 22, 2008 - 12:03pm | Emperor

Monegan...

...is not only a class act, but compared to Palin he is far more believable.

July 22, 2008 - 10:55pm | Cartman3_15

Yeah, real classy

the way he coddled a loose cannon.

Would you say that qualifies as looking out for the safety of the public?

July 23, 2008 - 6:11am | Darkstar

Yea, and smart too

for keeping the State out of a lawsuit. Wooten had already been disaplined for the two (out of 36) complaints filed only by the Palin/Heaths--before Palin became Governor and before Monegan was appointed commissioner. If Monegan fired Wooten over the same charges, Wooten would have grounds to sue. Saying Monegan "coddled a loose cannon" is clearly spin; what you really mean is Monegan wouldn't do the Palin's dirty work.

July 23, 2008 - 9:09am | aktraveller

Specifically, since you asked for it

11 incidents over a two year period were found to be substantiated, 3 violations which included the tasering, the illegal moose kill and the drinking and driving, not to mention the 7 previous actions before the March '06 letter of reprimand that showed a "significant pattern of judgement failures" and which indicated a "serious and concentrated pattern of unacceptable and at times, illegal activity occuring over a lengthy period, which establishes a course of conduct totally at odds with the ethics of our profession." This was his last chance. The alleged death threats among other things all came after this letter, thus the suggestion that Monegan should have gotten rid of this guy. So no, not exactly spin. Nice try though.

July 23, 2008 - 9:18pm | black33

Exactly when did the "death threats" occur?

And how were they transmitted? And did Chuckie Heath call the Wasilla police, and did they send in Todd to do the dirty work after the election?

July 23, 2008 - 5:31pm | Darkstar

Actually, I didn't ask for

more spin, but its fairly obvious you're following the administrations strategy to keep the focus on Wooten's behavior--even though it was reported BEFORE Palin took office and before Monegan was commissioner--in an effort to divert attention away from the bigger question. Did Palin and her husband try to use the office of the Gov to exact revenge against their former brother-in-law then fire Monegan for not going along?

According to the paper 2 charges out of 36 were substantiated against Wooten and he was discipline for them. Despite the fact this happened over two years ago you keep bringing it up to avoid addressing Palin's recent inappropriate conduct. Maybe you're right. What you've been doing isn't exactly spin--its more like deflection. Nice try.

July 23, 2008 - 6:07pm | aktraveller

The phrase "asked for it" is kind of loosely defined.

By posting incorrect information you are asking for someone to correct it. Just because some reporter at the paper can't report the facts correctly doesn't mean what they publish is correct. In fact, I quoted from Col. Grimes' letter of March 1, 06 and it specifically mentions 11 charges involving 3 separate charges that were substantiated. I have no interest in spinning something or deflecting it, I just want to have the correct info out there, and am more than happy to wait until the results of an independent investigation are released. You on the other hand are read to convict her now, without waiting. That's the difference. You are spinning to bias against the governor. Because I have read the letter suspending Wooten I don't see it as revenge as you put it. I see it as public servants doing there duty to get rid of a bad cop, something Monegan was unwilling or unable to do. I guess that means I'm glad he's gone even though I like him personally.

July 23, 2008 - 9:56pm | Darkstar

Take your problem with

my facts with the ADN--it where I got the information that of the 36 complaints filed by the Palins/Heaths only 2 were substantiated against Wooten. I'll be waiting on pins and needles for the retraction.

Rather than focus on what Monegan said in the interview with CC, such as why he couldn't simply fire Wooten--like he was pressured to do--you keep trying to direct attention to Wooten and his past behavior. Yeah, I agree he sounds like a jerk who deserved to be reprimanded for what he did. However, you're being disingenuous when you try to portray the Palins as "public servants doing their duty to get rid of a bad cop." It is impossible to look past the fact that 1) all the complaints against Wooten came from the Palins; 2)Wooten is the ex-husband of the Governor's sister and 3)they are in the middle of a nasty child custody battle.

Its not bias to take in the facts and form an opinion. You keep trying to change the subject to Wooten instead of on the possiblity that the Palin's abused the power of Executive office.

July 24, 2008 - 1:44am | Sheridan_Sheraton

When you have no other

When you have no other solid sound defense to your opponents claims , Attack!

Welcome to CBC Alaska.

July 23, 2008 - 8:43am | Cartman3_15

His supervisor noted

11 indiscretions over a two-year period and concluded that Wooten reflected poorly on the AST.

Did you not read all the reports? Who's spinning now?

July 23, 2008 - 10:45am | AK_Lady

I cannot wait

for the independent investigation.

July 23, 2008 - 11:04am | rfn

Obviously.

July 23, 2008 - 12:56pm | AK_Lady

Don't you want to remove

the cloud of doubt?

Possible ethical wrong doing is divisive.

July 23, 2008 - 1:01pm | rfn

Obvious

that in the minds (?) of the Constantly Complaining Coven there is no need for an investigation. Decisions were made years ago and may not be challenged. Except sometimes in elections but only if all the candidates have the strength of character to refrain from tucking tail and fleeing.

Of course in the World-Outside-Wasilla a genuine independent investigation of the whole matter and all the little side shows would be a very nice thing. Especially the things that would emerge from the side shows. It's that "independent" that becomes problematic. Some of the ongoing FBI enquiries may shed some light, though. Those overdressed men in dark sedans are still prowling The Valley.

July 23, 2008 - 1:02pm | AK_Lady

What?

July 23, 2008 - 1:04pm | rfn

Shhhh!

July 24, 2008 - 9:59am | akgen

lol

July 23, 2008 - 1:27pm | AK_Lady

The more you write

the more I think you're writing from API.

July 23, 2008 - 1:41pm | rfn

How do you like

the new mechanism ADN has thoughtfully provided for flagging unprincipled personal attacks?

July 23, 2008 - 1:52pm | AK_Lady

What's that?

I don't know about it.

July 24, 2008 - 11:25am | rfn

Denial!

It's not just a pipeline anymore!

12 July 22, 2008 - 10:37am | skinny_gal

Just the start, people.

I can imagine that Palin, Kreitzer and Bailey are hunkered down in some secure windowless room discussing their respective 'stories.' And down a few offices you've got Hollis and Lyda drinking champagne, talking about the easiest and most painful way to bring down the Queen. This is going to be good.

11 July 22, 2008 - 9:01am | Stags_Leap

proof is in the pudding

http://www.ktva.com/ci_9951348

10 July 22, 2008 - 8:43am | black33

Palin speaks: "I need a lawyer"

If Palin can hire a private eye to chase her ex-brother in- law, surely she can afford to hire a lawyer to keep her from saying dumb things, like:

"'I've said all along, hold me accountable," Palin told reporters in Juneau. "And I'm telling the truth when I say that there was never pressure put on Commissioner Monegan."

The governor said she didn't think any conversations she, her husband, Todd, or members of her administration had with the commissioner about Mike Wooten should have been taken as pressure to get rid of the trooper.

'The proof is in the pudding,' Palin said. 'He didn't fire anybody. The trooper is still a trooper.'"

A good lawyer can inform her about employment law, the application of the State Personnel Act, and so on. A good lawyer can even tell her to say nothing, or at least tell the same story.

A few days ago members of the administration were denying, or failing to recall, conversations they had with Monegan about Wooten. Palin's statement above makes it clear that they did.

9 July 21, 2008 - 10:24pm | black33

Mike Wooten's character- during the courtship phase

"I wish America had more people with the grace and sincerity that mirrors the character of Mike Wooten."

Sarah Palin, in a reference letter written in 2000

"From the beginning, Governor Sarah Palin has maintained Trooper Wooten has nothing to do with the firing of Commissioner Walt Monegan. In fact, she says she has kept the relationship between Wooten and her sister separate from any official duties as both mayor and as governor. But a letter that has surfaced seems to suggest otherwise."

see KTVA for full story

July 21, 2008 - 10:34pm | leowassilie

have you ever written a reference letter?

and actually wrote something that would negatively impact the person requesting it?

Cause if you have, that person would have thrown it away or not used it.

Have you ever met someone you liked at first, but to find out later on they aren't who you thought they were?

Sarah's sister obviously fell in love with the guy.

Just what more to suggest is there?

8 July 21, 2008 - 9:58pm | black33

Better get your stories straight

The Palins, Kreitzer, and Bailey better start getting their stories straight. And probably not over the phone or by e-mail!

If you listen to Sen. French, he says the investigator will have subpoena power, and the witnesses will be under oath. They either tell the truth, or they perjure themselves. The investigator will have complete access to phone and e-mail records.

I guess they can always plead the 5th, although I assume an "open and transparent" governor will announce in advance that she expects her staff to fully cooperate and, if not, they will be former staff.

And Tibbles and Col. Holloway- the two honest characters involved so far, in addition to Monegan- will have to answer questions, instead of saying they "can't."

Oh, and Commissioner Coppafeel apparently can expect a thorough confirmation hearing.

July 22, 2008 - 1:27pm | heman

I meet Monegan “M O N E G

I meet Monegan “M O N E G O N “ ( Yes he spelled it so I would not forget) years ago. I have remembered that name. I was down to for the Air Force Band Concert on 4th Ave. I had just retired from the Air Force and was wearing my fatigue pants and field jacket. Office Monegon was on dress code detail. I was not properly dress to be on the ave. we discussed many things. One was what about the soda can I had in my pocket. He explained that it was a violation of city code to drink on a public sidewalk. I informed him that the venders were selling drinks on the sidewalk. He said he was talking about adult drinks. I’m not familiar with the different kinds of drinks but I guess that adult drinks are not diet coke. Then I pointed out that I was not able to walk down the other side of the street because the Downtown Deli had the side walk roped of and were selling beer on the city side walk. Our tourist friends were drinking on the sidewalk and one was over quota. He had just told that drinking on the sidewalk and being drunk was a code violation. He told me to go make and arrest. I thought that was his job. Then we discussed the vender removing his pictures from his car with “Washington” tags on it. If he was selling products in Alaska maybe he should purchase Alaska tags for his pickup. He said I should hake an arrest there also. He was to busy with the dress code detail.

July 21, 2008 - 10:33pm | Cartman3_15

Just like Watergate.

N'est-ce pas?

July 21, 2008 - 10:38pm | black33

C'est la vie

Getting closer by the day.

ps Wait for more to come to a theater near you- very soon!

7 July 21, 2008 - 9:28pm | JULY

Back to missing the point....

Todd Palin: Exact to revenge others?

Yup! There is more and I suspect it will come out in the weeks and months to follow. To the Palin's credit, they are VERY LOYAL to their friends and family, however, to a fault I'm afraid. Unfortunately, this loyalty has lead to abuse of power by: Utilizing our troopers as a private police force to advance personally (vindictiveness) and professionally (PR). As well, unqualified government appointments have been made in order to steer money and assets to loved ones. And finally, to involve ALASKANS in their MESS is a REAL TRAVISTY. This bad press, in addition to the guilty legislators already prosecuted over the past year and a half, is disheartening to say the least. We Alaskans DESERVE BETTER!

Ask for new laws. For starters, the Attorney General, the L.Governor, and the Commissioner of Public Safety should be elected positions. This revision in law could stop this corruption and abuse of power by our leaders. The velvet hammer is too powerful!

Also, please ask for an independent investigation into this matter. This individual should be someone with subpoena power and should not be affiliated with a particular party. This person, then, would not have undue pressure and could supply a competent review of the facts in this case without bias.

July 21, 2008 - 10:04pm | leowassilie

so you support

fascism and communism.

That's what people do when they are in authoritative positions and are above the law and get away with it because their superiors allow them to.

Just how far do they let their own get away with the law?

July 21, 2008 - 11:12pm | wasillagirlz

you know

you just described Palin. using her position to further her family's agenda because she can. what makes that okay?

July 22, 2008 - 1:46pm | lecjb

I thought Leo

was referring to Palin too, at first. Sounds like a good idea to me to have an independent Atty general and independently elected lt. gov.

July 22, 2008 - 11:59am | leowassilie

she is a mother and citizen of the US.

Resident and Governess of the state.
Sister.
etc.

Regardless of being the governor, if she has a family problems, she should be able to do what she can to address those problems, including governing our state.

She is not making any profit off the issue. It's a family problem, where she is in a position where she is privy to information regarding a personal family matter. Then, she is also the governor, and been enlightened to the issues regarding authority in our state.

If a person puts favoritism above the law which applies to everyone else, then someone should do something about it. That is ok with me.

She was privy to the information regarding a family matter which she is involved in. Trooper Wooten is a family member, and she obviously has more information because she is family. Any family member involved in the matter and is involved will be privy to the same information.

Now, I will never contest the fact that digging into confidential personnel files on record in Human Resources would be overstepping her authority. However, if those same personnel files were privy in her private family matter made public, then there is nothing wrong with acting on that information.

July 21, 2008 - 9:41pm | aktraveller

Not to put too fine a point on it

But the Lt. Gov is an elected position.

July 21, 2008 - 9:51pm | JULY

You are correct

My point is that the Governor and the Lt. Gov should be elected via separate races.

July 21, 2008 - 10:00pm | TheSdog

That makes it difficult to run an "administration."

Besides, in this state the Lt Gov is really a nothing position.

Now, the AG and some other posts perhaps DPS seem like they could be elected independently and still lead to an effective government.

July 22, 2008 - 12:06am | seewhy

loren leman

did his best to bollocks things up, despite his limited role and powers.

July 21, 2008 - 10:29pm | Cartman3_15

How would this make it

any less difficult to run an "administration"?

July 21, 2008 - 10:38pm | TheSdog

The Lt. Gov

needs to be in the loop and aware of the game plan if the governor goes away. The position is intricate to the management of the administration because it is really the only true surrogate available if you cut the head off the beast.

In general, it is also better to have them from the same party because if the head is cut off the beast you will likely see a mass turnover of personnel at the top spots. This is potentially less of an issue in a small ingrown place like Alaska but that is another can of worms.

This argument is exactly why the way this country elected its VPs changed.

July 21, 2008 - 10:51pm | Cartman3_15

Did you not read my post

carefully, or do you just not have an answer for my question?

I'm not disagreeing with you about the lt. gov. I'm asking why the rationale is any different for an AG or commissioner. Other than the surrogate role, the need to be on the same page is a common factor with all of these positions in the "administration".

July 21, 2008 - 10:46pm | rfn

Further,

an "other party' VP or Lt. Gov. is hardly likely to be informed of much other than perhaps the day of the week and that reluctantly. In time of emergency you might as well recruit a new chief executive from the "Will Work For Food" line on the street corner.

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