The recent news of the settlement of the two Alaska Psychiatric Institute psychiatrists’ suit costing the State of Alaska nearly a half-million dollars is disturbing in that Gov. Mike Dunleavy and henchman Tuckerman Babcock may get off scot-free for their illegal action. Federal Judge John Sedwick determined that both Dunleavy and Babcock were personally responsible for violating the First Amendment rights of the two doctors.
Dunleavy should be prohibited from running for reelection until he personally reimburses the state for his illegal actions. He had no right to demand political allegiance from any state employee other than those he’s allowed to personally appoint. If he wants to have Babcock contribute to the settlement, that’s fine, too.
— Kevin Hansen
Eagle River
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