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Wasilla Council votes out mayor, who says she ain't going

Posted by matsublog

Posted: July 1, 2008 - 11:56 am

By Mat-Su reporter Rindi White:
The Wasilla City Council on Monday night voted 4-1 to ask city mayor Dianne Keller to resign.

Keller said she has "absolutely no intention of resigning" and will complete her second and final term as city mayor, which ends in October.

"While there are people who have come here tonight who have put pressure on me, there are many more who are city residents. Where's the masses tonight? If it was so egregious and outrageous, we'd have to hold the meeting elsewhere because the fire marshal would have shut us down," Keller said.

Her comments came at the end of a five-hour special city council meeting that focused on examining the results of an investigation the City Council hired a local law firm to do. The investigation examined Keller's and other city employees' dealings with Meritage Development Group, a developer seeking to build two large shopping centers in the city along Parks Highway. The city council paid the firm $23,500 to investigate claims by area businesses that Meritage had unfair access to city plans and that city officials partnered with the developer in trying to force the businesses to agree to a new road across their property. The road would have served the new development.

Richard Payne and Jon Marc Petersen of Denali Law Group, authors of the investigation report, concluded that Keller and her employees gave Meritage an unfair advantage and may have violated state law by threatening to take the property owners' land through eminent domain.

Keller used the meeting as an opportunity to cross-examine Payne, who penned much of the investigation report. In an effort to clear her name, she called into question how much municipal law experience Payne had (five years, plus five years as a state prosecutor) and how many of the conclusions reached in the report were just opinion.

Payne said many of the questions City Council asked were subjective, such as whether Keller and her staff engaged in "wrongdoing," and warranted a response based in part on opinion.

In the end it may have been Keller's speech to the 70 or so people assembled in the audience that prompted the City Council to ultimately ask her to resign. She singled out Windbreak business owner Annette Andres, who led the charge that Keller had acted unfairly. Keller and her friends stopped patronizing the cafe after Andres' complaints. Keller said the accusations were personal and not based on a legitimate fear that the city planned to take their land.

"What I have done is denied myself to have the best bacon-cheeseburger in Alaska since November," Keller said. "If I was truly the woman you have said, I would have directed the Wasilla police department to sit up at your bar and blow (alcohol breath test) all your patrons. But I didn't do that."

Councilman Marty Metiva later said her statements scared "the living daylights" out of him and prompted him to vote in favor of asking Keller to resign.

Metiva provided the fourth vote needed to pass the measure but the council's action isn't enough to make the mayor step down. The City Council can vote a mayor out of office if they can prove she violated her oath of office, but that standard requires being absent from meetings, moving out of the city or being convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.

While Denali Law Group said Keller might have committed "attempted coersion," Payne said after a discussion with the Palmer District Attorney's office, he concluded that it was unlikely the issue would make it to court.

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20 July 9, 2008 - 8:48am | sayhey

Keller/Meritage

How refreshing that people are getting consideration in Wasilla instead of the business interests (mostly outside corporations). Apparently the relations between developers and City Hall has gotten so cozy that Keller, Reynolds, etal think its "business as usual" to bully long-time local property and business owners to benefit the BIG BOYS from outside. Quality of life for residents: low priority (unless all they want to do is shop); qualityof life for developers: priceless.

July 9, 2008 - 3:28pm | Diogenes_lamp

and what's new about that...

the old guard have been selling out Alaskans to outside big interests for years now.

19 July 2, 2008 - 7:57am | kgent

Can afford it !

The Windbreak can afford not having the likes of Keller and her "friends" grace their facility!
The clientele there is head and shoulders above
the type of person who showed her true colors at the meeting Monday night.
However, we the citizens of Wasilla can NOT afford a Mayor with this attitude problem.
Move to bring CHARGES !!

July 2, 2008 - 8:15am |

This post was deleted for

This post was deleted for being off topic or otherwise violating the terms of use.

July 2, 2008 - 3:14pm | moreofsame

Expecting responsibility for actions is one thing...

mudslinging is quite another.

Please, everyone, let's pass on the personal attacks and stick to the facts. Certain doings by this administration have had a very peculiar smell, but this time there was sufficient evidence to cause the unanimous vote of council for an independent investigation. Had they found nothing amiss, it would not have been prudent to act, and we just recently received the report, hence the timing of our actions.

The investigators found "wrongdoing", "inappropriate" behavior and that a charge of attempted coercion may apply given the facts, even though their scope was by necessity limited. There is plenty more information out there and from what I have seen and heard of it, referral to law enforcement for further investigation is warranted. They will be the ones to determine if there is enough evidence to merit forwarding this to the District Attorney's office for prosecution. Remember that a criminal act would be wrong whether it happened on the first day in office or the last day in office.

People may also want to remember that so far we have four candidates for mayor, and three of them have spoken out on this issue.

Dianne Woodruff

July 2, 2008 - 10:17pm | TreDonahue

Law Enforcement?

You might want to make sure you use the State Troopers and not the wpd. I know for a fact that relying on WPD is not smart..

July 4, 2008 - 12:04am | ak1patriot

Ongoing investigation

The probe started in Feb. I believe. Kellers issues have been ongoing long before this. She's just pushed it a little too far for the public majority. Her pattern of bad judgement was set long ago. Now her few supporters want to let her ride out the storm. She instigated and is responsible for this.
Most good leaders would take ownership and do what is best for the community. An honorable Captain would go down with the ship. Her ship is sinking faster every day, but is deciding to be an anchor and pull the community down with her. Acting more like a stowaway caught without paying fare. (or playing fair).
It's a shame that she and a some token supporters continue to embarass the City of Wasilla. Former mayor Keller, it's not to late to look at where you were, and where you're going now. Do you really think this will all go away because a few of you want us to look away? We will not forget, but can forgive if sincere.

18 July 2, 2008 - 2:02am | AlaskanTony

These Wasilla Officers

Shoot straighter than APD or the Troopers, perhaps they do other things with the same dedication and practice. I am not sure I want to know what those things are, but it sounds like partying with the Mayor could get kinky.

17 July 2, 2008 - 1:52am |

deleted

16 July 1, 2008 - 10:28pm | ak1patriot

I'm next

I heard that the Mayor was go to have some Valley patrons blown. What an abuse of power! Does she really think that everyone wants to do unethical practices because she commands it? Wasilla police have been pretty good for the resources they have to work with. I don't think they would stoop to this.
If she indicates that she could do this, she should be the first to step up to the plate. Your a .08 on the cheesburger scale. Pat on head "Thank you"

15 July 1, 2008 - 8:31pm | Chessy

Where were all the folks who object?

I only saw about 50 or so folks at the meeting last night. Last I heard there were hundreds more voters in Wasilla than that. Sounded like a few select folks got their noses bent out of shape over a poor choice of words. Wonder how many of them ever said something they later wished they had said differently? Would they want to be run out of town for it? I doubt it. And, neither should Mayor Keller.

July 2, 2008 - 1:56am | AlaskanTony

I have said

A lot of things I regret. But, I am not the Mayor under investigation. A fine line, in Wasilla, to be sure-but....

July 1, 2008 - 9:42pm | misc_items

What excuse next?

First it was for the saftey of the community. Now, "how come no one was there?" What justification for her and admins actions is next? Where are all the "honk if you love the mayor people?" I'm not seeing any support from the administration towards her. Lots of distancing that's been going on for awhile. First in finance (because of opportunity excuse), then Garley, etc. How come we don't hear anything from the city inspectors, safety office, roads, parks,etc? Who there stands with her? Looks like even Metiva could'nt sit idle anymore.
Summer is short and so is her time in office! Why should we listen to more lies and not be able to do anything about it? It's obvious to most. We don't want her anymore, but her stubborness and denial will carry her to term. The stories, opinion polls (yes, non-scientific but overwhelming),blogs, reports all indicate and prove inappropriate behavior. I've met her. I've seen it as others have also.
What is your next justification? "No honking for the mayor because of the noise ordinance". or "They sure don't act like this in Vegas or Russia".

14 July 1, 2008 - 6:24pm | kellied

Ben Stevens must be proud. . .

His little jab stuck and is now cliche. Please stop using it, good people, and let his words die with his political career.

13 July 1, 2008 - 4:29pm | brutus

it's all about growth

These people bashing Mayor Keller are just mad because they weren't invited to get cut in on the action I think she is doing a great job expanding Wasilla. And if it takes some wiseguys putting people in the foundation to accomplish growth so be it...

12 July 1, 2008 - 4:06pm | bmunsell

mayor doing her job and not catering to special interests

I was at the meeting last night and came away wondering why Council Member Dianne Woodruff and company are so interested in protecting the "special" interests of a few local land owners. Don't we elect our mayor and council to look to the best interests of the majority of us? Is this council the reason we have so many traffic problems in our great city? Is this council the reason that we still have a railroad running right through the middle of town? Is this council incapable of make hard decisions that lead to solutions to the problems associated with the growth that Wasilla and the valley is experiencing? I voted for Mayor Keller because I knew should would look out for the interests of the majority and not cater to "special" interests and I will continue to support her.

July 2, 2008 - 8:05am | kgent

Blind or ill informed..

The traffic problems in Wasilla lie at the feet of the Mayor and city Planning commission..
It was those who allowed Target to kill the access to Palmer Wasilla Hwy from Meritage that would have helped the P-W and Parks intersection mess.
I hardly see the majority interest as being Meritage! Growth is great, but still needs reason and control. We now have a big gray vacant gravel pit for all to see which is better than what would have come if the Mayor had her way!

July 2, 2008 - 2:09am |

deleted

July 1, 2008 - 8:21pm | misc_items

You must be a newby

Either to Ak or Wasilla. The traffic used to back up from Big Lake to the Ford dealership on top of the hill. Now, the only bottle neck I run into heading out is in front of SBS. Your just seeing lots more vehicles. Ever been to New York, Chicago, etc.? This ain't traffic. You pro-Keller folks are missing it if you think the majority of people approve of this. The ethical, moral majority don't favor this. We're just stuck cleaning up her mess and being laughed at.

11 July 1, 2008 - 3:23pm | kdaniels

Mayor Keller

I happen to be related to Mayor Keller, and if you think that she is the "Definition" of valley trash you are sadly mistaken. Everyone seems to be forgetting that she was ELECTED into office by the people of Wasilla, and because some people out there are scared of thier community growning doesn't mean that you should trow mud...as for any monetary gain that she got out of this, follow the paper trail, and you will find that all Madam Mayor did was have dinner at the request of Maritage with a number of other people that cost all of $24.99. So if that's what you people are worried about, you should have thought of it before you elected her. All this is about if you special people could read is a saftey issue on the road systems in the valley. I personally don't live there but commute every weekend to see my boyfriend that does, it seems to me that what people should be concerned about is that you have a man running for mayor next term, Steve Menard, who doesn't have a real job, still lives off his mommy and daddy, and isn't man enough to admit all of the crappy things he's done in his life. So by all means Wasilla, please elect a man who as HIS supporter put in "has no balls and no backbone" and see how well your city turns out, who knows you may be happy with meth labs being the backbone of the economic growth in your city.

July 2, 2008 - 10:05am | TreDonahue

This must be tough

I know as a person related to her you were never exposed to this side of her but I assure you this is who she is to most of the people in the City. She was elected because she was backed by the republican party and the money from various contractors in the area like the Burkhart's and Howdie construction. Funny, don't they both seem to get most of the engineering and constructions jobs in the valley???

July 1, 2008 - 8:54pm | misc_items

Sorry to hear about that

Bad enough to know her, but to be related. :( When we elect officials it is our intent to pick someone who will do the job with honesty, integrity and fortitude. What happened? I wish they would do a complete city audit. I'm sure that a lot of questionable items would show up.
Meth labs? Already have them. We already have plenty of crime here. Growing every day. Stabbings, theft, the works....the police are doing the best they can. They don't need to be harassing patrons.
So maybe you could explain all your relations trips to Russia. 4, I believe. Bringing some cultural experience to Wasilla? No one likes to talk about that.
Menard, maybe he could do the job...maybe not. At least he's trying to keep politians in line. If he makes Mayor...He'll be watched too.

July 2, 2008 - 2:10am | AlaskanTony

I Agree

Condolences for being related.

July 1, 2008 - 4:20pm | sammcalpine

"Meth labs being the backbone of economic growth..."

Nice one.

Seriously though, I simply cannot believe the fuss everyone is making over this so-called "veiled threat". She said "If I was truly the woman you have said..." etc., etc.

Clearly she was using hyperbole to illustrate how vile people were trying to make her out to be when all she did in her own words (quite charitable words IMHO) was "denied (her)self to have the best bacon-cheeseburger in Alaska". Yet, instead of take her at her word everyone here seems to be taking this statement as proof that she is in fact exactly as vile as people were claiming. Unbelievable!

I don't know if the people posting below are from Anchorage or "The Valley" but most of y'all sound like Valley Trash to me.

10 July 1, 2008 - 2:43pm | TreDonahue

Thank you Lord

That I don't live out there any more, Diane Keller defines what valley trash really means. The City council needs to sit down and redefine the reasons they can demand a mayor to resign for future mayors. Then it would be wise to do a complete audit of the city. This lady is as crooked as the day is long in June and I'm sure that if you follow the money you will find something to put her in jail for, and maybe take some other idiots with her.

And I'll bet this has some people in Palmer who hired Garley pretty nervous..

9 July 1, 2008 - 2:24pm | hgalago

Denali Law Group

I personally know Richard and Jon Marc. I believe their conclusions are valid because they have proven themselves to be ethical and upstanding citizens to me. I can't say the same for Keller. I have met her on a few occasions and in all but one instance was left questioning her judgment and actions. I hope Wasilla's next elected mayor can make more appropriate decisions while in office.

8 July 1, 2008 - 2:09pm | DecemberRain

"If I was truly the woman

"If I was truly the woman you have said, I would have directed the Wasilla police department to sit up at your bar and blow (alcohol breath test) all your patrons. But I didn't do that."

In spite of breath test in parentheses, I wasn't thinking that blowing was slang for breath tests. Do police go into places and do that? That is just no good.

I don't see this as a threat-- she is just making a point that she could have done something but did not. Is it legal for her to send the police to a place to do that?

7 July 1, 2008 - 1:50pm | bobladi

Keller's ludicrous comments...

Richard Payne is a very experienced, capable, principled, intelligent person. Keller's claims about him are ridiculous and defamatory.

What Keller said about siccing the Wasilla PD on her critics is scary, and proves she has betrayed the trust of everyone who believed she was capable of carrying out Wasilla's mayoral duties. She rivals her incarcerated political brethren when it comes to vicious, arrogant, clueless behavior. If she understood what an embarrassment she's become for the city of Wasilla, she'd resign.

6 July 1, 2008 - 1:39pm | TrayC1968

Cornered

How humiliating to have a study that costs the taxpayers of Wasilla over $20,000 to tell them you screwed up. This gal sounds like she is completely cornered and has nothing else to do but lash out. If the study showed she may have violated state laws, then she should clear her name or get the hell out of the way. Stop dragging your community through the mud.

5 July 1, 2008 - 12:55pm | ldmorgan

What's Keller's experience?

Richard Payne is an experienced prosecutor that has handled multiple complex cases to include homicides, sex assaults, and financial crimes. For Mayor Keller to call into question his experience, in absence of any articulation of her own experience, is nothing more than grandstanding. Further, the comment about "sending WPD to breath test every patron(pp)" show her lack of experience. I seriously doubt the WPD would follow through with such an unethical "order." Such comments by the Mayor only provide credibility to the claims that she abused her position and engaged in attempted coercion.

July 1, 2008 - 10:36pm | aokinak

So, I wonder now if she had

So, I wonder now if she had the cops 'blow' her husband last year when he got caught. People who live in glass houses shouldn't be throwing threats at anyone.

4 July 1, 2008 - 12:51pm |

Removed

This post was deleted for being off topic or violating the ADN user agreement. We encourage readers to "flag" offensive or off-topic comments for review by ADN staff.

July 1, 2008 - 12:57pm | ldmorgan

I love it Ramathorn!

Do you need my assistance? Do you need me out there?

July 1, 2008 - 1:19pm | bta15

Team Ramrod?!?

I would like a litre cola

July 1, 2008 - 3:16pm | polockm203

Once again...

Mustache ride!!!

3 July 1, 2008 - 12:37pm | Stags_Leap

another friend of Palin

and another reason for the Valley to vote against Parnell and Menard this fall.

2 July 1, 2008 - 12:41pm | JetRx

More politics as usual...

So-called "public servants" using their positions to enrich themselves, family, and friends. Of course, shrewd ones never go far enough to be convicted...in court. As we so often see, effort politicans should expend to remain well above reproach is all-to-often redirected towards more unscrupulos (grey area) activities.

1 July 1, 2008 - 12:20pm | Valley_Trash

Nice!

"If I was truly the woman you have said, I would have directed the Wasilla police department to sit up at your bar and blow (alcohol breath test) all your patrons. But I didn't do that." Are you kidding me? Is Keller related to Don Young? Nice mouth you got there lady.

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Wasilla Council votes out mayor, who says she ain't going