Boards! Commissions! Controversy!

Gov. Sarah Palin sent us a long list of her appointments to state boards and commissions this week. Usually, we just rubber stamp them, approving them, literally, by the page. But sometimes there are problems. This list has, or had, two; one really big and one just Mike Doogan-sized.

The big one was that her Board of Game had no member from rural Alaska. Given the importance of game and game management in the areas far, far away from the grocery store, that’s just bad policy. My personal view is that, given the importance of game to their culture, at least one member of the board ought to be an Alaska Native from rural Alaska.

There was going to be a fight about this, one I think the governor would have lost. Fortunately, one of the people on her list withdrew her name, so Palin has another shot at doing the right thing here. I’m really, really hoping she takes it.

The smaller matter is her appointment of someone who is running for the state legislature. I just don’t think it’s right for a political candidate to use a state board as a soapbox and, in some cases, a fund-raising platform. I voted against one of her appointments last year for that reason, and I’ll vote against this one, too.

In fact, I have a bill that would require people to quit state boards and commissions if they file for elective office, the rule that currently applies to state employees. With all the ethical questions surrounding state politics at the moment, I don’t think we need the appearance of people running for office on the state’s dime.

Now More Powerful Than Ever!

I am, albeit temporarily, a powerful member of the powerful House Judiciary Committee. I’m keeping the seat warm for Rep. Max Gruenberg, who is dealing with what I believe are called medical issues these days. The Judiciary Committee is supposed to make sure legislation conforms to state law and legal principles, so for the sake of the state let’s all pray Rep. Gruenberg, who is a lawyer, gets back on the committee quickly. Otherwise, I could set the course of Western jurisprudence back decades all by myself.

The new committee does have me thinking deep thoughts though. Like those black robes that judges wear? Wouldn’t the courtroom be homier and, well, more Alaskan if they wore jeans and flannel shirts? Maybe, if you want to be all formal about it, a bolo tie, too? If I ever find the dress code part of the legal code, maybe I’ll make a few changes.

Max? Are you reading this, Max? Get back here quick!

What I’m Doing

-- There’s still talk about saving some of this oil windfall we’re expecting. Rep. Ralph Samuels has a proposal to put some of it in a new, constitutionally established account and, eventually, use the earnings. Those who have been paying attention to state financial issues will know what I mean when I say it uses a Percent of Market Value payout system. I think we should save a big chunk of the windfall, and Samuels’ plan might be just the way to do it. So I’m talking with people about savings, in the hope that we can do something smart this year.

-- Sat in on the second House open caucus on the gas pipeline Thursday night. TransCanada was there, explaining its proposal, which is the only one still alive in the AGIA process. If you’re interested in this issue, which I am and all Alaskans should be, these meetings have a lot to offer. If you didn’t sit through this one, I think you can catch it in reruns on Gavel to Gavel.

At one point, it was just me and 15 Republicans at the table. The odds seemed about right.

-- My bill to put the question of pay for state officials back into the hands of citizens passed the House today. Here’s an explanation.

Quick Takes

Looks like a sliver of House District 25 is going to be included in a test of curbside recycling. More about that here.

The constituent party – Politicians! Pizza! Clowns! – is set for 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at the Spenard Rec Center. Bring your questions, opinions and appetites.

Sat with several bright, informed university students during the week, listening to them talk about what our university system needs. Always great to spend time with these young people.

Still cold here, three below at my apartment this morning. Dang!

More Later .