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Sean Cockerham

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Kyle Hopkins

Kyle Hopkins covers politics and other stories for the ADN. He covered the 2006 campaign for governor, has blogged extensively about Alaska politics, covered Anchorage city government and was a reporter based in the Mat-Su. He grew up in Southeast Alaska and previously was a reporter at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner and Anchorage Press. E-mail Kyle at khopkins@adn.com

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Palin spokeswoman: Kopp never told governor about reprimand (Updated with comments from lawmakers)

Posted by Alaska_Politics

Posted: July 24, 2008 - 4:03 pm

From Sean Cockerham and Megan Holland in Anchorage --

New state Public Safety Commissioner Chuck Kopp never told Gov. Sarah Palin that he received a letter of reprimand from a sexual harassment complaint when he was chief of the Kenai police, the governor's office said today.

The governor learned of the letter when the public did after Kopp's Tuesday press conference, Palin spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said this afternoon.

"The governor is concerned, and she's disappointed," Leighow said.

Leighow wouldn't comment further -- including on whether Palin plans to dismiss Kopp as the state's top cop. There are a lot of rumors going around and the governor wants to deal in facts, she said.

Kopp, reached this afternoon, said Palin's office learned of the harassment complaint when he was named to her transition team in 2006, but that the case, or the letter, didn't come up when he was interviewed for the job two weeks ago.

He said he doesn't intend to step down. "I've had an enormous outpouring of support," he said.

Palin named Kopp head of the state Department Public Safety on July 11 after her controversial firing of Walt Monegan.

Leighow has said the governor knew about the 2005 sexual harassment complaint against Kopp but understood it was found to be unsubstantiated.

Kopp also told the Daily News last week that the allegation was not substantiated. However, Kopp acknowledged at the Tuesday press conference that the complaint had actually yielded a letter of reprimand from the City of Kenai.

The letter went into his personnel file but was removed a couple years later after no other complaints were made against him, he said. He says his record was cleared.

Kopp, in response today, defended himself.

He said the governor knew of the complaint when he headed her Public Safety transition team after she was elected governor in 2006. He spoke to Monegan about it, he said. He does not recall if he told Monegan that it resulted in a letter of reprimand.

"I hate the fact that it sounds like I got hit so hard," he said.

He does not consider the letter of reprimand a validation of sexual harassment. He considers it a "letter of instruction" for future dealings with employees. "It told me I'm guilty of hugging a friend," he said.

When he was asked on July 11 to become commissioner, he said he was asked a series of problem-solving questions by someone on the governor's staff and the issue of the complaint never came up.

State Sen. Kim Elton said he would have expected a potential commissioner to be asked during the hiring process if there was anything embarrassing in their background.

Elton also said it was "misleading at the least" for Kopp to give Alaskans the impression he was cleared of the sexual harassment complaint. That's not the same as being removed as the woman's boss and given a letter of reprimand, Elton said.

"I think we deserve a commissioner who doesn't use nuance like that," the Juneau Democrat said.

State House Majority Leader Ralph Samuels said it's going to make it tougher for Kopp to run the state troopers.

"Anybody that comes in with any taint is going to have a political problem off the bat because Monegan was so popular with the troops," the Anchorage Republican said.

Samuels said Palin hasn't forwarded Kopp's name to the Legislature for confirmation. He said he thinks legislators would want to quickly hold confirmation hearings once that happens.

"Legislators are upset about Monegan. That has really stoked some fires," he said.

Legislators are talking about hiring an investigator to look into Monegan's firing -- and if the governor tried to pressure Monegan to get rid of a trooper who is her ex-brother-in-law. Palin has said there was no pressure and that she fired Monegan because she wanted the department to go in a new direction.

The question of whether to launch an investigation is expected to come up at Monday's meeting of the legislative council, which Elton chairs.

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74 July 25, 2008 - 11:07am | akmooster

well, it worked....

the 'victim' went public in hopes that what passes for media in this town would whip this up with partial stories of what happened and stick it to Kopp. It worked.
Too bad we don't have a real media in this town that would actually have someone dig into the truth and give us a blow by blow accounting of what happened, how the charge was investigated and decided and when the governor found out about it and how, etc.
Instead we have a plethora of 'this is what happened' posters who are all over the map with it.
If Kopp really did this and really was told to stop and really didn't, how did he get away with it? Story.
If she is lying and that is why the complaint was basically dropped, this hatchet job of reporting is killing the career of a honest man and causing who knows what stress at home. Story.
I'm sure this has a lot to do with a) ADN doesn't really investigate and write stories, they just cut and paste or the reporters are told to go get the story and we will give you have about half the space needed to report it in what used to be a newspaper. Oh, and don't spend any money getting it, we are going broke. And, b) They don't like pailin or any republican's for that matter, and don't mind screwing an honest man just to make the governor squirm.
If begich had done this, you wouldn't have heard a peep about it. The editors would have told the woman to prove it to an undeniable conclusion and then we will consider writing something.

July 25, 2008 - 2:03pm | Stags_Leap

redirect

perhaps the ADN refuses to publish fiction, half-truths, and innuendo's that you would like to see...

Good on them. I appreciate their standards and ethics.

The Halcro allegations took time to appear in the ADN -as they had a responsibility to track down the sources to veirfy the accuracy of the claims.

July 26, 2008 - 11:44am | rfn

And perhaps not.....

as there have been several attempts here at starting new rumors in the last several days. The disappeared once...then was blatantly reposted with a challenge that it be removed. It wasn't.

One other particularly nasty swipe at some teenage children came, went, and returned with a nose-thumbing gesture at anyone who dared complain about it.

I'd guess your theory doesn't hold much water. But that's just a rumor.

As to Halcro....we owe him a debt of gratitude.

There are words whose meanings we understand, in the lexicographical sense, but which we cannot fully appreciate without a demonstration. I offer in evidence the terms "petulant" and "toady".

July 26, 2008 - 8:15pm | pete_moss

Keep the kids out

Rumor or not, rise above and be adults!

July 26, 2008 - 8:22pm | rfn

Amen!

And The ADN blog monitors did remove the offensive posts. One reasonably quickly and the other, a repetition of the first, apparently after much prodding and passage of a lot of time.

July 27, 2008 - 12:29am | Sheridan_Sheraton

I saw it.

The allegedly out- of state-victim may not be a 'kid' any more.

That can happen in an amazingly short amount of time.

But let's see who posts and or brings on the attention again.

July 25, 2008 - 12:29pm | Emperor

Once again...

...The Grand Queen and her henchmen are trying to avoid responsibility and place the blame on some one else, anyone else.

I sure am glad I'm not part of 88% club. Fools.

73 July 25, 2008 - 9:35am | black33

Todd Palin: Kopp to pull name despite our 1000% support

Embargoed for release until 9:52 PM July 25, 2008

Todd Palin Announces Departure of Chuck Kopp

July 25, 2008, Juneau, Alaska – Todd Palin, Office of the Governor, today announced that Chuck Kopp has withdrawn his name for consideration as Commissioner of Public Safety.

The First Dude said: "I know people will find it hard to believe, but co-Governor Sarah and I had no idea that there had ever been any complaint about Chuck Kopp, especially one that resulted in a reprimand. Even though every kindergartener in Alaska may have been aware of this fact, co-Governor Sarah and I only learned about it through a Sheila Toomey e-mail, dated April 1, that was reprinted today on Andrew Halcro's blog. We then removed the Terminator picture that was on the wall in the office, and- lo and behold- when we checked the back we found a copy of the reprimand had been taped. Man, were we surprised!"

The 'dude also said, "Co-Governor Sarah and I are behind Kopp 1000%. We continue to agree with Sharon Leighow that the woman's claims are baseless. They mean nada to us."

"We are," said the 'dude, " in fact disappointed that Chuck has decided to pull the plug, as we had high hopes that he'd get rid of Wooten for us (strike that, I mean set DPS in a new direction). In consideration for this act of selflessness, and for getting us out of a real mess without co-Governor Sarah and I having to accept any responsibility and admit we actually made a mistake- or worse, we will allow him to hug Sharon Leighow, Ivy Frye, and Kris Perry on the way out the door. Frank Bailey will not get a hug due to his crummy vetting job. Problem solving questions?? I mean, really!!"

For more information, contact Todd Palin at 907-465-DUDE

July 25, 2008 - 9:53am | black33

A sign of things to come

The place and names may be different..but you get the idea

Four aides to former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer have been cited by the N.Y. State Commission on Public Integrity, with misusing the New York State Police. The citations stem from a highly contentious relationship between Spitzer and former New York Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and the manipulations of state police records for political gain.

July 25, 2008 - 11:53am | heseesall

NEXT UP...

Sarah and Todd, Kris Perry, Ivey Frye, Frank Bailey, Sharon Leighhow. Your day is coming........... You all know what corruption has gone on in those offices.

72 July 25, 2008 - 7:24am | Stags_Leap

Why did Palin fire Josh Fink?

...Mayor Fink's son -several months ago??? Did the First Gent have issues with Josh?

I'd like to see a FOIA for all emails from Palin and staff re Josh Fink.

July 25, 2008 - 8:54am | akadvocate59

Fink for prosecutor

Josh Fink is an attorney. I suppose it's a conflict, but perhaps he should be the special prosecutor/investigator into this whole evolving Palinista mess. Josh Fink has worked for Senate Presidents, numerous high-ranking legislators and the governor. And unlike some folks, has passed the bar. Maybe the legislature should have him undertake the investigation.

July 25, 2008 - 9:27am | AK_Lady

Josh Fink saved the State big bucks

Yet they got rid of him?

Alaska ear

ON THE MOVE 2 ... Earwigs report Josh Fink, head of the Office of Public Advocacy, was let go last Friday. Ear suspected someone finally noticed he was a Murkowski holdover, but is told it was something else. Fink had little experience when he got the job and people were skeptical. But he surprised everyone by changing the system in a way that almost eliminated the need to hire private lawyers in criminal cases in which his office had a conflict, thus saving the state zillions.

Okay, maybe not zillions.

And yes, since you asked, he is one of Tom's kids.

July 25, 2008 - 9:44am | Stags_Leap

re: Josh Fink

based on the pdf file posted on Halcro's blog, my guess is the First Gent and/or Queen Palin had homophob issues. Either way -not a very christian thing to do.

71 July 25, 2008 - 7:15am | publicfacts

Please legislators!!!!!!!!!!We need an investigation &&&&

A PROSECUTOR!!

Some one, in fact several people are lying about Monegan, Wooten, Kopp and when and what roles they played in this appointment.

I have heard, information of the same security level was released to several bidders in the AGIA process.

A hearing and investigation would determine who spoke to who, when files were accessed, and who accessed files and records. If it was a non employee of the State (Todd) then the State would certainly have a liability for his action. Regardless, I hope Trooper Wooten has an attorney, and files suit in a court who will give him a fair shake.

The liability in this case, or rather the settlement will pay Trooper Wooten's child support obligation. As stupid as the taser incident was, it should also keep him happily into retirement. And it should, I don't know the guy but in all probability his rights were violated many times. Computer records, schedules, cell phones, and office schedules will confirm Trooper Wootens story. Its sad the Governor has chosen to get involved against Trooper Wooten using state resources and her office. The judge in this matter was correct, Trooper Wooten may wish to leave Alaska, but after this he will be able to afford to leave. The State, with what little is known , has a liability for the Governors actions, the action of her administation, and yes even Todd Palin. If memory serves me right, Todd Palin can be named in a suit and his assets are at risk.

Lyda, make sure the truth is told before you leave office. Don't let this one get taken out with the trash. We appreciate your hard work and a proper investigation will support your reputation as a hardworking truthful Legislator, a woman who stands on her own.

70 July 25, 2008 - 1:27am | bubbaboy

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

Heavens to Betsy! The unthinkable actually happened tonight over at KTVA Channel 11 - a reporter - Matthew Simon - asked a question - A QUESTION!!!! - of the Palin Administration. And then, when spoon fed a wag the dog answer, he FOLLOWED IT UP WITH ANOTHER QUESTION!!!!

Wonders, they will never cease. It's two years too late for Alaskans, but better late than never. Kudos to you, Mr. Simon. Please ask on. It would be nice to rely on something other than a businessman's blog for breaking news and investigative journalism.

July 25, 2008 - 1:40am | Sheridan_Sheraton

......

My employment at the Kenai PD ended after my Sexual Harassment Complaint.

Guess what, if a harassed public employee in Alaska wants to end their employment with the agency, contact this agency and make a report.

69 July 25, 2008 - 12:49am | puffintoad

All I can say is...

Good job news media, you've successfully swayed the masses into a frenzied witch hunt. Chuck Kopp will still be my friend when all this blows over, and if his family has to move back to Kenai, I'll be happy to have them closer again, so I can go hiking with Holly and running with Trish. They are a wonderful, close-knit family that has contributed positively to our community in countless ways.

July 25, 2008 - 1:35am | jenn_bennett

...contributed positively to our community...

with some amazing hugs?

67 July 25, 2008 - 12:19am | crosshairs

Let us review ...

Lets review the "unsubstantiated allegations" for both the Commissioner and the pin head Deputy.

I think the Gov will be surprised at who she knows that have fallen victim to Public Safetys' "unsubstantiated allegations" filing system.

It's time for uncle pervy and Kopp-a-Feel to be inserted into the Unsubstantiated Allegation File themselves! Hopefully by someone with a large footprint...

66 July 25, 2008 - 12:16am | Imaghast

Original Short List

It is my understanding that Kopp was on the original short list to head the DPS but was passed over for Monegan when trooper background check turned up the Kenai mess. Also heard that Dyson was crushed but now is happy footing it over the appointing of kopp. The religious Fundamentalists keep rollin along

July 25, 2008 - 12:24am | Sheridan_Sheraton

eek!

64 July 25, 2008 - 12:04am | akallegro

Let us review

Days ago many brain surgeons (or perhaps their patients) here, were up in arms about a secret file that was released by the only person shy of a judge that could release it, being in the hands of the persons it was released to.

These said surgeons (or patients) where aghast that this internal file was supposedly illegally released.

They continually cited the state law requiring these types of files to be held sacrosanct. They were so special that no one, ABSOLUTELY NO ONE! not even the Governor should have access to these files.

Furthermore while ignoring the fact that the fool that released the file couldn’t remember he signed the release, they called for investigations on how this file could be released.

They demanded heads to roll if the law was violated even when faced with prima facie evidence that proper protocol was followed.

They also ignored the fact that the legally released file made it obvious to those with a modicum of intelligence that as a state we have a HUGE problem within the AST.

We have State Troopers covering up crimes committed by other State Troopers.

The department via the union has somehow become Judge and Jury when it comes to their own. They seem to have skipped the execution part.

Fast forward to today.

We have another public servant that was accused of wrong doing. Investigations were held and a letter was put in a secret (maybe even sacrosanct?) file.

As part of the process available to public servants of this type an appeal was filed and it was agreed, no related instances for two years and the secret file will be cleared. The letter will be removed.

That means that information will be removed and management can no longer refer to it in any way as to the employees current and previous performance.

In addition future supervisors will not be allowed to be aware of the expunged letter as it no longer is part of a file so it doesn’t exist.

That doesn’t mean that any supervisors still around (like a Mayor) couldn’t fill in any potential new supervisor (like a Governor) about the letter that no longer exists.

Of course that would be illegal if the employee didn’t release the information, but it now appears that the same folks that wanted the Governor gone for being part of an illegal act now want her gone because she didn’t commit the same illegal act.

That being said, an independent FBI investigation should be held on two issues:

Did the governor violate any rules involving state employees? This is of course a waste of money but what the heck, we have lots of that.

Every AST administrative investigation done in the last 5-10 years needs to be reopened and investigated.

Lastly Kopp needs to resign.

He may be a great guy but in this day and age, when you are a supervisor you don’t rub a subordinate’s shoulders.

When you are offered a statewide position you don’t play coy.

You offer up all information that can’t be obtained legally by those wishing to hire you.

July 25, 2008 - 10:25am | TheSdog

Give it up allegro

she either knew or should have known.

It was a blunder and all the rationalizations you make will not change that. What would be hilarious is if uyou become the sacrificial lamb.

July 25, 2008 - 10:51am | black33

Allegro works for the governor, part of coverup

Allegro: Don't accuse the AST of covering anything up when you and your co-workers in the administration are covering up the governor's (both of them) and each other's misconduct.

July 25, 2008 - 10:53am | rfn

Did you not

also? I mean using the term "The Governor" as a generalization about the office, regardless who held it? Or whether the alleged governor was simply a surrogate for Sir Whazzizname?

July 25, 2008 - 7:02am | black33

Tell your boss: When you offer a statewide position, you vet

Quit making excuses for the Todd and Sarah Palin regime. I realize Todd signs your paycheck.

This isn't about Wooten, and it's not even about Kopp anymore.

It's about abuse of power and misconduct on the 3rd floor. Leighow said Palin knew about the complaint, had investigated it, and found it to be baseless. Then for a week- during which time someone could have thoroughly reviewed the issue (spoken with Kopp, the complainant, Kenai, etc) Palin pretends to have known nothing until Kopp mentioned the reprimand letter. Everyone else did.

Failure to do her job properly doesn't mean Kopp should be blamed.

ps Add to the list of the investigation targets: All Palin staffers, and their e-mail records.

July 25, 2008 - 12:24am | tlamb775

ThanK God

the Governor hired Hogan. With a thank god clause attached: Please let there be no scandal.

There are good ones and bad ones in OCS. But they definately need to hire more of the good ones and get rid of the bad ones. This means supervisors also.

Maybe the new Commish can do it.

63 July 25, 2008 - 12:01am | coccinellii

New Direction for DPS-Hugs not Drugs

Maybe Palin (Todd or Sarah) will offer Kopp to head up the Alcohol Beverage Control Board tomorrow when they meet.

July 25, 2008 - 7:57am | black33

You mean when they meet in the governor's office.....

under the picture of the Terminator?

62 July 24, 2008 - 11:53pm | crosshairs

One interview question omitted...

Sounds like one important question was missed in Kopp-a-Feels interview for the Job... "What the meaning of "IS" is. Or it could be, that Deputy Glass was doing the interview, and he is already "IS" challenged him self!

Time to hit the reset button and purge both of the jokers at the at Public Safety.

61 July 24, 2008 - 11:50pm | nomekid

Pedal, Pedal

What happen to Palin's looking into this claim and finding it "unsubstantiated"? Looks to me like Palin is back pedaling now. When you get right down to it, she basically called the woman a liar. Yet when she does the same thing (accuse when not substanitated) she is telling the truth? If you look at the interview she did with the troopers about her brother-in-law her story doesn't make sense. Read it and see what you think.

July 24, 2008 - 11:57pm | AK_Lady

'...she [Palin] basically called the woman a liar'

Can you imagine of Frank would have done something like that?

July 25, 2008 - 12:01am | Sheridan_Sheraton

Yeah,

But for now, it cost little compared to what Frank did for himself and his cronies.

60 July 24, 2008 - 11:48pm | haroldb_99501

...YOu think Palin- offer Kopp the Alcohol Executive Director?

...ha ha ha... :->

"Bye Chuck"

July 24, 2008 - 11:51pm | akmooster

if there is a need as she said...

and he is a better guy than monegan... then yes, he should get that as an offer before the door.

July 25, 2008 - 1:20am | jenn_bennett

Isn't there an AST Special Victim Unit postion open?

Maybe Kopp can be the one specifying in giving people hugs creepy enough to have letters written about them. Now THAT'S a hug!!!

59 July 24, 2008 - 11:21pm | Humble_Opinion

Ownership

Mr Kopp's failure to take ownership of the seriousness of his actions is a very telling sign of his character. He states "I'm guilty of hugging a friend" and "I considered the reprimand a letter of instruction"

Lets get a few things straight.

1. He did more than just hug a friend, and rubbing a subordinates shoulders in the workplace (no matter what sorry explanation you give) is a gross deviation from acceptability.

2. There is a distinct difference between a letter of reprimand and a letter of instruction. I'm sure Mr Kopp is acutely aware of this. Letters of instruction are considered non-diciplinary in nature and are generated to educate and correct work performance.
Letters of reprimand are very clearly diciplinary in nature designed to address, admonish and immediately correct an employee, for a very poor use of judgement.
Mr. Kopp, rightfully so recieved the latter.

The people of the State of Alaska should have complete confidence and trust in whomever is chosen for this incredibly important position. Mr. Kopp may very well feel he has "overwhelming support", but It appears he lacks the support of the DPS employees, and has mostly divided confidence from the general public.

Mr. Kopp is now saying he will not step down, Why? It would seem under the circumstances that at this point, For the Palin administration, For the Department of Public Safety, For Himself, and most importantly for the people of the State of Alaska.........it would be the only honerable thing to do.

July 24, 2008 - 11:28pm | akmooster

a neck rub....

did that really happen? If it did, argh. I have a couple of people I know that will walk up behind people who are stressed and rub their necks like that. Is it harassment? Is it upbringing? Is it comforting friendship? I don't know. But I DO know, there was nothing intended other than comfort.
As a manager, in the office, to a subordinate, in this day and age.... bad choice.
My prediction. Kopp, although probably a good man and a good cop, is soon to be given the opportunity, just as you say, to do the honorable thing and resign. Or, she will fire him.
I bet she wishes she could rehire Monegan.

July 25, 2008 - 1:27am | Sheridan_Sheraton

Yeah, Mooster,

Yeah, maybe even worse when you could really use a loosening up and the subordinate is the only one around.

It only works when you are the one that pulled strings to hire [her].

That's how the state's corruption works. Who else was better qualified than [ ].

Certainly merit and post secondary education can't get you an interview for that position. Not even a layoff list can get you an interview for the position, and it's not budgeted as backrubs or **** ***s either. Sometimes the position involves other duties that are of a Federal Funded and of Federal Interest can that get neglected with everything else.

Only hypothetical, but what's the worst could happen if you were breaking the rules?

July 24, 2008 - 11:33pm | link82

Well Said Humble_Opinion

58 July 24, 2008 - 11:27pm | sargentpecker

KOPP WAS BEST FOR JOB.

HE HAD SOME DIRT ON HIS RECORD AND SHE KNEW IT RIGHT FROM THE START THATS WHY SHE APPOINTED HIM. IF HE DOESNT DO WHAT SHE SAYS SHE LEVERS HIM WITH IT AND THREATS TO FIRE HIM TOO. SHE DIDNT HAVE THE GOODS ON OLD WALT TO GET HIM TO DANCE THATS WHY HE LOST HIS JOB. SHES LEARNING AS SHE GOES...

July 24, 2008 - 11:54pm | Sheridan_Sheraton

I was thinking how to

I was thinking how to articulate that a day ago. THANKS SARGE.

October 30, 2008 - 1:33am | megal_i

york You can download to

york
You can download to ipod shuffle without itunes(sync to ipod without itunes) or transfer windows to ipod without itunes.

57 July 24, 2008 - 10:41pm | link82

Chuck Kopp is NOT a victim

Chuck Kopp is NOT a victim! Let's not forget that he was accused of, investigated for, and found to be at fault for sexual harassment of an employee. He was able to appeal these findings, behind closed doors I may add, and "bargain" down to a punishment that consisted of a letter of reprimand that would be removed after two years, providing he kept his hands to himself. His victim sadly was not made privy to any of these goings-on because of confidentiality laws. Therefore, was not able to appeal Chuck's lighter punishment. The City of Kenai, including Pat Porter, has done their best to protect Chuck Kopp from getting a bad mark in his file. They knew, by law, they had to address it and punish him because what Chuck had done was illegal. They came up with the smallest slap on the wrist for Chuck, while assuring the victim that he had been punished. But, because of confidentiality laws couldn't tell her what his punishment was. Sarah Palin's office knew about all of this and have been waiting patiently for that letter to disappear out of his file. Let's not lose sight of the fact that Chuck Kopp has stood before the camera's and spewed lie after lie, only to get called on them and then change his story. At the press conference that Chuck Kopp called on Tuesday, he "accidentally" slipped the name of the victim (even though he was reading from a script). Those same confidentiality laws protect the identity of the woman. That is another law that he has broken and that one was caught on camera. All this, and he has only had his job for 9 days!!

July 24, 2008 - 10:55pm | steinfeld

Hmmm.....

Since you seem so well informed what type of punishment did this victim of sexual harassment feel was appropriate for her having received a hug and a touch on the neck?

Apparently a demotion and a letter of reprimand were not harsh enough. Perhaps a lifetime jail sentence?

I'm not supporting nor condemning Kopp but I really am curious what type of punishment is appropriate for the sexual harassment that has been reported. No sexual harassment is acceptable but some forms of it are more serious than others. I've read that this man hugged someone he thought was a friend (bad judgment in the workplace) and touched her neck.

I totally agree he should have been more forthright in his media interviews rather than playing with words but come on now - let's make sure his punishment fits the crime. I think it did. This victim needs to move on already.

July 24, 2008 - 11:18pm | akmooster

a demotion?

i hadn't seen that part. And in response to the other poster, the 'victim' should have been notified and allowed to speak.
However, i still maintain, that it was "innocent enough" that for a real sexual harassment to have taken place, her job should have been in jeopardy and she should have told him she was uncomfortable with the hugs and asked him to stop. If he didn't, then she would have a case.
If someone witnessed the assault (which i think kissing her would be an assault) then she should produce the officer that saw it. If she had, he wouldn't have gotten a slap on the wrist. And if there really is a cop out there that saw the assault take place and won't come forward, he should get fired along with wooten.
Saying all that, i will say it's a sad state of affairs that we Americans have come to the point that giving someone a hug is a career ending action. And, it is equally sad, that an unsubstantiated claim of harassment can be used to end someone's career. THIS WAS NOT A GROPE, NOR A PUT OUT OR GET OUT situation, it was a hug of a long-time friend.
I will, at the risk of the same thing happening to me, continue to hug my friends, even those who work for me, both male and female and if someone wants to use that to bring me down, so be it. Call the hug police and take me to hug jail. There is a clear difference between hugs and gropes and hugs should never go away.
I guess I can never be top cop.

July 25, 2008 - 3:28am | staceydlv

beenthere

I think this situation has gone way overboard. I see a woman that does not feel she was believed in this "he said she said battle". It seems that the hug (substantiated) and the kiss (questionable) were unwanted and muddy at best as far as her communication to stop. Is this a woman scorned? she does not feel that those who investigated believed her?

I think she was believed and the actions were found "short" of a higher legal action, thus a letter that acknowledged the event, a change in supervision, and a "demotion" if you consider removal from acting city manager, which was a week long role anyway?

shes right and justified in her mind. He's right and justified in his statments that the record is clean, but the actions/lack of coming clean is what's hanged him now. I do understand relucatance to bring up a letter that was "removed", but why hide, just get it out there and let the chips fall.

I don't think the harassment complaint and all the fall out is grounds for removal, they should have sat down, discussed the issue and issued a combined statment... kill the rat rather than let the press have the field day.

If PALIN dumps him over this letter, she's weaker that I thought.

July 25, 2008 - 7:22am | link82

Beenthere--Really?

Your "facts" couldn't be more wrong! There was no demotion, he was not removed as acting City Manager or Chief of Police because of this incident, and the job of City Manager was not a week long job. He was found to be guilty of more than hugs, it was more than once, he was asked by the victim to stop, he chose not to, he was asked by the City of Kenai NOT to even speak to the woman, he chose to disregard this order. This is a man who CLEARLY believes he is above the law. He was able to con the City of Kenai and get away with it. Shame on you, Chuck and shame on the City of Kenai for helping him cover this up!

July 24, 2008 - 11:05pm | link82

What?

What demotion? He remained the Chief of Police. FYI, they were NEVER friends, that was yet another lie. He said they have been friends since high school. She didn't even KNOW him until she worked with him at KPD.

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