Anchorage Daily News

Much as Gov. Sarah Palin might wish otherwise, she has not given Alaskans a complete, transparent accounting of her actions in Troopergate. The "exoneration" issued by the Personnel Board investigator was rushed out the door the day before the national election. It simply took vice-presidential candidate Palin's word on key disputed aspects of the case and used a tortured interpretation of the state ethics law to find she committed no violations, so the Personnel Board dropped the matter.

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Mike Wooten

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To put it bluntly, either Gov. Palin or fired public safety commissioner Walt Monegan is lying about key facts. Investigator Tim Petumenos shrugged off the contradictory accounts. Then, to dismiss altogether the question of who was telling the truth, he invoked a creatively contorted interpretation of the state ethics law.

That legalistic hairsplitting and investigatory indifference has left important questions hanging. Ideally, Alaskans would get a chance to see Monegan and Palin state their case, in person, watch their body language and judge who is more credible.

That may never happen, though. Gov. Palin is still highly popular among Alaskans. The Legislature may not have the stomach for trying to resolve the contradictory accounts, even though she told Alaskans from the start that she was prepared for them to hold her accountable.

One way she can make good on that offer is to release the deposition she gave investigator Petumenos. During the vice-presidential campaign, her attorney said she wanted to release it -- but now that the race is over, she doesn't plan to do so.

Responding to a Daily News request for it, spokeswoman Sharon Leighow said in an e-mai:

"The matter was investigated and voted on by the only entity in state law empowered to rule on ethics complaints against members of the Executive Branch. This matter is closed. We see no public purpose in artificially prolonging this controversy."

That is not the "open and transparent" conduct Gov. Palin promised Alaska voters. If she stands by her conduct in the Troopergate matter, she should have no problem letting Alaskans see exactly what she told the investigator who "exonerated" her.

BOTTOM LINE: If there's nothing to hide, why not release the governor's Troopergate deposition?

Who's up / Who's down

UP City unions: Two contracts approved by Assembly give generous cost-of-living raises. Let's hope the economy's good enough to actually result in a higher cost of living.

UP Gov. Sarah: Star power bright in Georgia, where the belle goes to bat for GOP Senate winner Saxby Chambliss. An IOU for 2012?

DOWN Gov. Sarah: Critics wonder at Georgia dash, when there's so much work in Alaska. Fire up the GOP base? What about the home base?

EVEN Permy fund: Fund's value dips below the total amount of deposits -- a sad day for the state's Sacred Cow. But don't worry, the cow will still produce dividends this fall.

DOWN Trooper Wooten: Another custody dispute with another ex-wife for Troopergate cop. And more bad press.

DOWN MEA: Valley utility in escalating turmoil as power shifts on board. Only power we care about: power in the lines.

DOWN Kenai bears: Grizzlies may be top of the Alaska food chain, but about 40 have become road kill or shot dead on the Peninsula. Watch your back, Yogi.

EVEN Adventurer Dave Roberts: Aussie comes in from the cold, finds some Alaskans cool to his call for help. We're kind enough, Dave; it's Ma Nature has no mercy.

UP Mugger "victims": A fisherman and hockey player targeted in an Anchorage hotel mugging KOs mugger and sticks him in closet. Not recommended, but quite a catch.

EVEN Alaska drivers: As oil plunges below $40 a barrel, gas pump sticker shock subsides. But we're still paying a lot more than the national average. C'mon, refiners -- greed's gone out of fashion.

UP District 7 voters: Fairbanks Rep. Mike Kelly tops opponent by just one vote, pending recount. Talk about making your vote count.

UP Voles: Tiny mammals enjoy a population boom. Humans are annoyed; owls and hawks are happy.

DOWN Alaska: National report on higher education ranks us near the bottom. New Outside stereotype: Living in igloos has frozen our brains.

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