Our view: E-mail records Aug 6, 2009
In investigating Troopergate for the state personnel board, lawyer Tim Petumenos discovered "a private e-mail network that was opened by Frank Bailey for the intended use of Gov. Palin, Todd Palin, Frank Bailey, Ivey Fry and Kris Perry." "This is not illegal," Petumenos wrote in his final report. "But the practice ... does not give us the assurance that we were able to locate all of the e-mails" that might have been pertinent to the investigation. (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin's use of private e-mail subject of hearing Aug 6, 2009
In his oral argument Tuesday, McLeod's attorney, Don Mitchell, said even the so-called Troopergate investigation by the state Personnel board was stymied by use of private e-mails. The board's independent investigator, Timothy Petumenos, noted in his November report the difficulty private e-mails presented in determining if all pertinent documentation was obtained in the probe looking into the firing of Palin's public safety commissioner. (Juneau Empire)
Q: What happened to fired 911 operator? Aug 3, 2009
A. The Fulton County Personnel Board, which heard Gina Conteh s case in March, affirmed in April the 911 center director s decision to fire Conteh. County officials said she misdirected EMS units in August 2008 to a southwest Atlanta address, a delay that could have contributed to the death of Darlene Dukes, who lived in Johns Creek. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Yvonne Walker: Schwarzenegger's efficiency mantra is window dressing Aug 2, 2009
Since 2006, the state Personnel Board has upheld 120 legal challenges to contracts by Local 1000, overturning state vendor deals that were not cost effective compared with using state employees to do the same work. This is just the tip of the iceberg, especially when you consider that no one knows exactly the cost or how many of these contracts exist. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Is there enough HOPE for Georgia? Aug 1, 2009
It applies to personnel board hearings (except for deliberations), Tax Equalization Boards, and to coroner s inquests. It also applies to any non-profit organization that receives at least a third of its funds from state or local tax revenues. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Help advise your city government Aug 1, 2009
The list includes: Board of Adjustment; Cultural Arts Committee; Convention and Visitors Bureau; Board of Electrical Examiners and Review; Environmental Quality Commission; Firefighters' Retirement Board; Historic Preservation Commission; Housing Authority Board; Human Relations Commission; Industrial Development Authority; JCTV Steering Committee; Planning and Zoning Commission; Plumbing Examiners and Review Board; Police Personnel Board; Tax Increment Finance Commission; Transportation and... (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Two Palin allies stepping down Jul 30, 2009
An independent investigator hired by the Alaska Personnel Board, Tim Petumenos cleared Palin of violations of the Alaska Ethics Act, and said there was no evidence that she knew of actions Bailey was taking on her behalf ... "The e-mails written by Mr. Bailey appear to reflect an improper motivation by Mr. Bailey to specifically get Mr. Lamal hired," Petumenos concluded in his report to the Personnel Board. (Juneau Empire)
Ethics office investigates Rep. Richardson's house Jul 29, 2009
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. LOS ANGELES -- House ethics officials are investigating the Sacramento house that Rep. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Board dismisses Palin ethics complaint Jul 26, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board has dismissed another ethics complaint filed against Gov. Sarah Palin. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Ethical dilemma Jul 26, 2009
"Palin's private attorney joined in, issuing a statement to Anchorage's KTVA-TV highlighting an elderly complainant's past legal and criminal court cases. The elderly man's complaint was not properly notarized and was dismissed. Former ethics allies lose faith Berkowitz, a liberal Democrat, joined with conservative Republican Wev Shea to develop a white paper on ethics reform for Palin, which she made public through a press conference in Juneau early in her term. But both say they're... (Juneau Empire)
Palin ethics investigator tied to Demos Jul 25, 2009
Thomas Daniel was hired by the Alaska Personnel Board in late April to investigate several complaints against Palin, including one filed by an Alaska resident who claims the governor used her official position for personal gain by authorizing the creation of a trust to use as her legal defense fund. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
'Factually in Error'? Palin Rebuffs Latest Ethics Complaint Jul 24, 2009
"Neither I nor my lawyer has received a penny from this fund, and I am informed the Trustee was withholding any action or payment pending final resolution with the Personnel Board. This is the hallmark of legal compliance and prudent conduct.". According to filed July 14, State Personnel Board investigator Thomas Daniel. (ABC News)
LETTER: Family's struggle shows health reform is needed Jul 24, 2009
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. " 7X6Z9 wrote on Jul 21, 2009 5:45 PM:" WHAT IF 100 YEAR OLD WOMAN NEEDED PACEMAKER. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
LETTER: Republicans should demand better from their own party Jul 24, 2009
Access to ethics complaint findings are controlled by the governor through her Personnel Board rather than an independent Ethics Board. So much for open and transparent; open when it suits her, closed when it doesn't. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Trustee says Palin isn't involved in fund Jul 23, 2009
The only lawyer who has ever questioned the fund's legality is Thomas Daniel, the investigator hired by the state personnel board, she said ... Nearly 20 ethics complaints have been filed against Palin with the personnel board, most of them after she was named the running mate for GOP presidential candidate John McCain. (Anchorage Daily News)
Trustee disputes inquiry into Palin fund Jul 23, 2009
In his letter, Daniel said there is probable cause for the state personnel board to investigate based on two sections of the ethics code. First, by endorsing this trust as the official legal expense fund of the governor, Palin used her public position for her personal benefit. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Trustee: Palin not involved with defense fund Jul 23, 2009
The only lawyer who has ever questioned the fund's legality is Thomas Daniel, the investigator hired by the state personnel board, she said. Daniel, an Anchorage lawyer, said in the July 14 report that he found probable cause Palin had violated ethics laws by trading on her position as she sought money for legal fees. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Report: Can Palin Defend Self With Defense Fund? Jul 23, 2009
Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska is dismissing media reports that a special report by the state personnel board may force her to forgo paying her legal bills with money from her legal defense fund, according to a report in the New York Times. The report indicated the fund relied on Palins standing as a public official to solicit donations and that such donations may be construed as proscribed gifts under Alaska law. (Newsmax)
Norwell looks to fill committee vacancies Jul 23, 2009
Advisory Board (2) Affordable Housing Trust (1) Athletic Field Committee (5) Beautification Committee (2) Board of Appeals (2 Alt) By-Law Review Committee (3) Cable TV Committee (1) Capital Budget Committee (2) Commission on Disabilities (4) Community Preservation Committee (1) Computer Study Committee (2) Conservation Commission (1) County Co-Op Extension Service Agent (1) Cultural Council (14) Cushing Memorial Directors (2) Design Review Board (2) Development and Industrial Commission (5)... (Norwell Mariner, MA)
Palin legal fund may violate ethics law Jul 22, 2009
Daniel said in an interview that his report to the state personnel board was a preliminary "probable cause" finding ... "I find the notion that I have taken any action pertaining to the legal defense trust fund misguided and factually in error. I am informed that this fund was created by experienced attorneys in DC and was modeled after other similar funds established for senators and others. The fund itself was not created by me nor is it controlled by me. Neither I nor my lawyer has received a... (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin Fund Could Violate Ethics Act Jul 22, 2009
According to a leaked confidential report filed on July 14, State Personnel Board investigator Thomas Daniel because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. Related. (ABC News)
Investigator: Palin may have violated ethic laws Jul 22, 2009
An investigator for the state Personnel Board says in his July 14 report that there is probable cause to believe Palin used or attempted to use her official position for personal gain because she authorized the creation of the trust as the "official" legal defense fund. The fund aims to help Palin pay off debts stemming from multiple ethics complaints against her, most of which have been dismissed. (USA Today)
Critic files another Palin ethic complaint Jul 21, 2009
Palin's office says the state personnel board rejected the complaint - alleging Palin has been paid for media interviews - in part because it was not properly notarized ... She is asking Attorney General Daniel Sullivan to forward her claim to the state Personnel Board for investigation ... The 19 complaints include a "self disclosure" Palin filed with the Alaska Personnel Board just days after she was named John McCain's running mate. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Georgetown municipal meetings Jul 17, 2009
The Personnel Board meets at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall, third floor. Wednesday, July 22. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Ethics complaint against Palin dismissed Jul 16, 2009
Palin's office says the state personnel board rejected the complaint - alleging Palin has been paid for media interviews - in part because it was not properly notarized. The governor's office says a board official also noted the panel already has determined that media interviews did not violate ethics law. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Board dismisses another Palin ethics complaint Jul 16, 2009
In addition, the Personnel Board had previously determined that interviews do not violate the state Ethics Act. And the complaint offered no evidence to support the claim the governor was paid, the statement said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Local woman files fifth ethics complaint against Palin Jul 15, 2009
The state Personnel Board, which considers ethics complaints, "already ruled that the Ethics Act was not violated when the governor was on the campaign trail last fall," Van Flein said. The campaign of Palin and her presidential running mate, Sen. (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin Says Alaska Needs New Ethics Policy Jul 13, 2009
Palin says the complaint, filed Friday with the state personnel board, shows how the ethics process has become distorted in Alaska. The complaint alleges Palin has been paid for media interviews. (Newsmax)
ETHICS: After complaint, Palin says new policy needed Jul 13, 2009
The ethics complaint, filed Friday with the state personnel board, alleges that Palin has been paid for media interviews. Palin's chief of staff, Mike Nizich, called the allegation absurd. (USA Today)
Legislature Should Fix What It Broke Jul 10, 2009
Lynelle Jolley of the State Personnel Board explained to me that the 244,000 figure includes some vacant positions. The governor does not have the authority to swiftly lay off state workers, but up to 4,600 staffers could lose their jobs in September. (Townhall.com)
Confidante says ambition not Palins motive Jul 10, 2009
" Here's a question;Every single ethics complaint and lawsuit has been thrown out or dismisses. Every...single....one. Why is that, Ed?===================Simple answer. The Judge and Jury were not Impartial. Funny how the Branchflower investigation, an impartial body BTW found her guilty of abuse of power.Now tell me why she has such large legal bills if the Personnel Board has cleared her of all charges. Why won't K Cole list the expenses before she asks for donations to the tin cup of SP? ".... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Holbrook Sound Off Jul 10, 2009
Now Mr. Powilatis wants the public works superintendent and the town administrator to create a separate personnel board, taking the responsibility away from the selectmen. Take a guess who will sit on this board. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
JeffCo commission expects many layoffs Jul 9, 2009
But the layoffs are not over, classified workers protected by the personnel board are expected to get notices they will lose their job by the end of the month. "Oh it's getting worse because of the all of the taxes are on the decline." says Collins. (WSJA.com, AL)
Sarah is the conservative’s Oprah Jul 9, 2009
Just two days before, on July 1, the Anchorage Daily News, the Juneau Empire, and the Associated Press all reported on figures released by the Alaska Personnel Board about the actual costs of its investigations into ethical complaints against Palin & members of her administration ... Thats almost two-thirds of the total $296,042 of all Personnel Board investigations in the last two years ... The self-reported complaint was a means to have a legislative investigators findings in the... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Palin says inquiries wasted 'millions' Jul 9, 2009
9 million cost breakdown is $560,800 for state personnel board work on ethics complaints ... Palin herself initiated the personnel board investigation on "Troopergate," saying that the state Legislature's investigation of the matter was politicized and she was seeking the appropriate venue to deal with it ... The Legislature's report found Palin abused her power, while the personnel board's investigator disagreed. (Anchorage Daily News)
Alaskans: Palin had gone fishing on job Jul 7, 2009
Polarizing figureIn Alaska, Palin has become a polarizing figure and the focus of multiple ethics complaints filed against her with the state personnel board. She has taken a beating from Senate Democrats over many of her recent appointments, including an attorney general candidate who became the first Cabinet appointment ever rejected by the Alaska Legislature. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Palin says ethics inquiries were paralyzing Jul 7, 2009
The state personnel board put its cost of dealing with the complaints at about $300,000 -- around two-thirds of which was in addressing the "Troopergate" issue last fall. Palin herself initiated the personnel board investigation on "Troopergate," saying that the state Legislature's investigation of the matter was politicized and she was seeking the appropriate venue to deal with it ... Palin said Monday she didn't view the cost as just the $300,000 for the personnel board -- but rather $2... (Anchorage Daily News)
Republicans puzzled by Palin's abrupt resignation Jul 6, 2009
The Alaska Legislature finds Palin abused her power in office, but a report released by the Alaska Personnel Board on the eve of the election clears Palin of wrongdoing. November 2008 - McCain and Palin lose the 2008 presidential race. (USA Today)
Click to read:Did Palin Quit to Cut Losses in Alaska? Jul 6, 2009
In Alaska, Palin has become a polarizing figure, and the focus of multiple ethics complaints filed against her with the state personnel board. Andree McCleod, a local political activist, lodged four complaints, reports CBS News correspondent Terry McCarthy from Alaska. (CBS News)
Full Story Jul 5, 2009
She's become a polarizing figure, and multiple ethics complaints have been filed against her with the state personnel board. All but two of the 15 complaints have been dismissed with no findings of wrongdoing, although one complaint led to Palin's agreement to reimburse the state about $8,100 for costs associated with trips taken with her children. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Palin takes to Web for hints of political future Jul 5, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for trips found to be of questionable state interest. JUNEAU, Alaska -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin didn't wait long to give some hint of what her political life might look like after she leaves office at the end of the month. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Sarah Palin resigns Jul 4, 2009
Earlier this week, the Anchorage Daily News reported that the ethics complaint against the governor and other senior officials from her administration had cost the state personnel board nearly $300 000, the bulk of it from the "Troopergate" investigation. "I cannot stand here as your governor and allow the millions of dollars and all that time go to waste just so I can hold the title of governor," Palin said. (iAfrica.com)
Palin to quit, stunningher state, party Jul 4, 2009
She has been the subject of 15 ethics probes, 13 of which have been resolved by the state Personnel Board with no findings of wrongdoing. The other two are pending. (Boston Globe)
S00004000arah Palin To Resign As Alaska Governor Jul 4, 2009
The Anchorage Daily News reports that "Ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin and top members of her administration have cost the state personnel board nearly $300,000 over the past year." There are more baseless complaints pending, but each one must be considered and dismissed (or upheld), again at taxpayer expense. So much for the Democrats being the party of hope and change. (CBS News)
Read the story Jul 4, 2009
The Anchorage Daily News reports that "Ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin and top members of her administration have cost the state personnel board nearly $300,000 over the past year." There are more baseless complaints pending, but each one must be considered and dismissed (or upheld), again at taxpayer expense. So much for the Democrats being the party of hope and change. (CBS News -- Evening News)
Palin steps down as governor Jul 4, 2009
She's become a polarizing figure, which in turn has led to multiple ethics complaints filed against her with the state personnel board. All but two of the 15 complaints have been dismissed with no findings of wrongdoing, although one complaint led to Palin's agreement to reimburse the state about $8,100 for costs associated with trips taken with her children. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Palin Stirs Debate About Her Political Future as She Announces Resignation Jul 4, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board, which reviews such matters, has dismissed 15 of the complaints, finding the governor did not violate any state ethics rules. The complaints have included allegations that she misused her office for out-of-state travel and that she accepted apparel gifts from a snowmobile manufacturer that sponsors her husband, , a snowmobile racer. (Bloomberg -- US)
Sarah Palin resigns as Alaska's governor Jul 4, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " A former sports journalist known as "Sarah Barracuda" when she played high school basketball, Palin said it was "time to pass the ball for victory. (Channelnewsasia.com)
State senator files gubernatorial intent letter Jul 3, 2009
She filed an ethics complaint against herself to put the matter before the state personnel board. That body concluded Palin had violated no ethics laws when she fired Monegan. (Juneau Empire)
State spent nearly $300K investigating Palin ethics complaints Jul 2, 2009
"How much will this blogger's asinine political grandstanding cost all of us in time and money?" Palin asked after the state Personnel Board dismissed another complaint last spring. Palin herself may be responsible for much of those costs, as indicated by a list of investigation costs for 13 separate cases the state Personnel Board released Tuesday in response to public records requests ... That's almost two-thirds of the total $296,042 of all Personnel Board investigations in the last two... (Juneau Empire)
Ethics investigations cost state $296,000 Jul 2, 2009
Ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin and top members of her administration have cost the state personnel board nearly $300,000 over the past year, almost two-thirds of which appear to be from the Troopergate investigation of the governor ... Alaska State Personnel Board list of independent counsel expenses for ethics complaints: Case No. Total 2008-001 $43,028 ... That's according to new figures released by the personnel board, which described them as "independent counsel expenditures."... (Anchorage Daily News)
Listen to the governor Jun 26, 2009
1) Palin didn't hire 2/3 of Personnel Board ... 1) Palin didn't hire 2/3 of the Personnel Board ... "===============================One simple question....what don't you understand about the Personnel Board not being Independent. Shoot, the Gov can terminate them. But then when you graduate from the Palin Home Schooling Institute , what should anyone expect? Logic,? NO Ability to think on their own? NO. SP is a s guilty as the day is long. Why doesn't she list out her Legal expenses by... (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Palin Pays Alaska For First Family Travel Jun 25, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for trips found to be of questionable state interest. Van Flein and state administrative director Linda Perez sent The Associated Press copies of the check and other documents of the transaction. (CBS News)
Governor’s absence is no crisis Jun 25, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board found no wrong-doing. But, hey, she s a serious contender for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Palin pays state for family travel Jun 25, 2009
The reimbursement, due Tuesday, stems from a Feb. 23 agreement filed by an Alaska Personnel Board special investigator that resolved an ethics complaint alleging Palin abused her power by charging the state when her children traveled with her. The personnel board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for costs associated with trips found to be of questionable state interest. (Juneau Empire)
Palin reimburses Alaska for 9 family trips Jun 25, 2009
The Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for trips found to be of questionable state interest. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Politics)
HINGHAM UPDATE: School Committee sticks with Galo name for school Jun 24, 2009
School Committee Chairman Christine Smith mentioned a hot off the press letter the selectmen sent to all selectmen-appointed committees on June 22, which was copied to all elected boards, the advisory and capital outlay committees, and the personnel board, and highlighted a few points from that letter. A woman in the audience asked Smith to read the entire letter, which she agreed to do. (Hingham Journal, MA)
Palin reimburses state $8,100 for family trips Jun 24, 2009
The reimbursement, which was due today, stems from a Feb. 23 agreement filed by an Alaska Personnel Board special investigator that resolved an ethics complaint alleging Palin abused her power by charging the state when her children traveled with her. The personnel board found no wrongdoing, but Palin agreed to reimburse the state for costs associated with trips found to be of questionable state interest. (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin calls ethics complaints 'frivolous' Jun 23, 2009
One complaint, in which the Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, concluded with the governor agreeing to pay the state $10,000 for trips taken by her children - money that is due Tuesday ... Palin was wrong to publicly criticize the complaints before the appropriate government body - the personnel board in most cases - had a chance to analyze them, said Gregg Erickson, a Juneau economist and longtime watcher of Alaska politics. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Ethics complaints filed against Palin Jun 22, 2009
Dismissed by state personnel board, although the board's investigator recommended ethics training for one staffer who made questionable comments in e-mails ... Sept. 2, 2008: Palin filed a "self disclosure" with the state personnel board over the Troopergate affair, saying a state legislative probe had become too political ... The personnel board found no wrongdoing, but in a Feb. 23 settlement Palin agreed to reimburse the state about $10,000 for costs associated with 10 trips found to be of... (Anchorage Daily News)
Palin, critics spar over ethics Jun 22, 2009
One complaint, in which the Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, concluded with the governor agreeing to pay the state $10,000 for trips taken by her children - money that is due Tuesday. Another complaint, filed by Democratic blogger Linda Kellen Biegel, said Palin wore a jacket that promoted the sponsor of her husband's snowmobile racing team. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Palin spars with critics over ethics complaints Jun 22, 2009
One complaint, in which the Alaska Personnel Board found no wrongdoing, concluded with the governor agreeing to pay the state $10,000 for trips taken by her children money that is due Tuesday ... Days after being named McCain's running mate, Palin said the legislative probe had become too political and filed a "self disclosure" with the Alaska Personnel Board, whose three members are appointed by the governor ... Palin was wrong to publicly criticize the complaints before the appropriate... (MSNBC -- Politics)
National campaign pads Palin's legal fund Jun 22, 2009
Palin herself triggered the state Personnel Board's investigation of her on the so-called "Troopergate" affair last fall when she sent an ethics disclosure into the board ... McLeod has had multiple ethics complaints against Palin dismissed, although, in response to one of her complaints, a personnel board investigator did recommend ethics training for a close aide of the governor's. (Anchorage Daily News)
Separate personnel board eyed in Holbrook Jun 19, 2009
The board of selectmen is considering relinquishing its power as the personnel board and creating a separate panel. Chairman Robert Powilatis won the support of his colleagues on June 15 to have Town Administrator Michael Yunits work with Superintendent of Public Works Thomas Cummings in drafting details to create a separate personnel board and take away the function that is now under the purview of the selectmen ... Some department heads have voiced frustration with the current function of the... (Holbrook Sun, MA)
Lynn introduces bill on ethics complaints Jun 19, 2009
Palin has protested that ethics complaints filed against her make a media splash -- only to then be dismissed by the state personnel board. Lynn said he didn't consult with the governor's office on his bill. (Anchorage Daily News)
