I've worked for every Alaska governor since Jay Hammond.
It is from this perspective that I want to comment on the unfounded claim that Gov. Palin has abdicated her gubernatorial responsibilities because of the presidential campaign.
At the outset, I want to assure your readers that the governor is most definitely in charge and that she is making decisions and participating in the public policy process, as she always has.
I won't deny that this is made more difficult by the presidential campaign. However, we have compensated for the logistical difficulties in several ways.
There is regular dialogue between the governor and me, as chief of staff, and the governor also speaks with other staffers and her Cabinet as circumstances require.
I want to emphasize that the members of Gov. Palin's administration are a team. The governor hired that team, and she trusts them to carry out her policy guidance. They have been doing precisely that, and have responded to the challenge of assisting her in providing good government to the people of Alaska.
I could cite many examples, but I will mention only a few just to make the point:
• Lt. Governor Sean Parnell has made several appearances on behalf of the governor and is also meeting with interest groups and concerned citizens to discuss their views on pending issues.
• The annual process of formulating the state budget has begun. The director of the Office of Management and Budget has been meeting individually with commissioners and staff in preparation for presentations to Gov. Palin in November.
• The governor has made important personnel decisions, including the appointment of the new commissioner of Public Safety and the deputy commissioner of Education and Early Childhood Development.
• She provided guidance to the Department of Revenue that led to an expedited schedule for release of the Permanent Fund dividend and energy rebate.
Gov. Palin is not the first governor to seek higher office while continuing to perform the responsibilities for which she was elected originally. Governors Clinton and George W. Bush did the same thing, as have several members of Congress.
It wasn't easy for them, and I won't say that it is easy now. But, in Alaska's case, it can be done, and it is being done.
I believe that Alaskans should be proud that Gov. Palin is on the national ticket. However, there is another aspect that should not be overlooked.
The national campaign has given the governor a platform to talk about Alaska and to explain the role we can play in furthering the national interest. For example, she has discussed our capacity and willingness to provide our bountiful oil, natural gas, and minerals to a nation that so badly needs them.
In summary, the governor and her team continue to provide the high quality government that Alaskans expect and have every right to demand. Though not always easy, this will continue.
Mike Nizich is chief of staff to Gov. Palin.
By MIKE NIZICH