Palin Leaving; Parnell Has “Heavy Heart;” Kerttula Stunned

Fri, July 3, 2009

Gov. Sarah Palin surprised Alaskans today by announcing she was stepping down as governor.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take over as governor at the end of the month.

“To serve the state is a humbling responsibility, because I know in my soul that Alaska is of such import, for America’s security, in our very volatile world.” she said in a posting on the governor’s state site.

“And you know me by now, I promised even four years ago to show MY independence… no more conventional “politics as usual”.

“And we are doing well! My administration’s accomplishments speak for themselves. We work tirelessly for Alaskans.”

Palin’s decision caught the state by the surprise. Parnell told APRN that he met with Palin on Wednesday night and learned of her decision then.

“It is with a heavy heart that I hear these words. I so appreciate what you have done for our state and your sacrificial service,” Parnell said in a statement. “You have been a strong leader for our state, you’ve inspired a nation, and you’ve ignited the fire of real hope around the world.”

Lt. Governor Parnell’s Statement. (PDF)

State Rep. Beth Kerttula, a Democrat from Juneau said she was “stunned” by the announcement and sharply criticized the governor for leaving office. “On the one hand, it is almost a relief” Kertula said in a statement released to Alaska reporters. “But on another, deeper level, it is disturbing that she is leaving her post. On the eve of the 4th of July, in Alaska’s 50th year of statehood, to have the Governor stand down is a terrible statement about commitment to public service and our state.”

The governor’s office sent an email to reporters just two hours before she made the announcement outside her home in Wasilla.

Governor Palin’s Official Press Release. (PDF)

Members of the state’s congressional delegation could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. But representatives in their offices said they had not been given any advance warning about Palin’s decision to step down.

The announcement will undoubtedly fuel further speculation that Palin, the GOP vice presidential candidate in 2008, will position herself to run for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in 2012.

The governor sent out a Twitter message after her announcement saying, in part: “this is in Alaska’s best interest, my family’s happy…it is good, stay tuned.”

Governor Palin Speaks Directly to Alaskans.

Palin Stepping Down as Governor

Fri, July 3, 2009

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Gov. Sarah Palin announced today she was stepping down as governor. She made the surprise announcement from outside her home in Wasilla.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will take over as governor at the end of the month.

In a release from her office, Palin said:

“People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing’s more
important to me than our beloved Alaska. Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine.”

“I am determined to take the right path for Alaska even though it is not the
easiest path,” the statement said. “Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional ‘Lame Duck’ status in this particular climate would just be another dose of ‘politics as usual,’ something I campaigned against and will always oppose.

“It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great
administrative and legislative success.”

“I look forward to helping others – to fight for our state and our country, and campaign for those who believe in smaller government, free enterprise, strong national security, support for our troops, and energy independence.”

The governor sent out a Twitter message after her announcement saying, in part: “this is in Alaska’s best interest, my family’s happy…it is good, stay tuned.”

Lieutenant General Craig Campbell will assume his role as Lieutenant Governor.

Palin’s office said she would spend July 4th in Juneau.

Fish and Wildlife Service Opposed to Doyon Land Swap

Thu, July 2, 2009

A controversial idea to swap land between the Native regional corporation Doyon Limited and the federal government is unlikely to move forward. The Environmental Impact Statement released by the US Fish and Wildlife service today recommends against the exchange. The proposal was to swap 110,000 acres of the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge that were believed to contain oil and gas prospects for a minimum of 150,000 acres of Doyon land that lies within the boundaries of the refuge.

Lori Townsend, APRN - Anchorage

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