On Oct. 17, Alaska Public Media reported that the Alaska attorney general approved free legal defense for top officials accused of ethical lapses.
Are the three top members of the executive branch getting a treat? I cannot believe that the new regulation providing free legal counsel to our three executive branch members regarding an ethics complaint is in the best interest of the public.
Alaskans: Please contact your senators and representatives and strongly oppose this new regulation that gives Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Attorney General Treg Taylor, and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom free legal representation.
The new regulation, which goes into effect Nov. 12, is not in the best interest of the public.
How can Dunleavy be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws if he makes a regulation that protects an ethics complaint that may be filed against him?
Alaskans: Please read the Anchorage Daily News commentary published Sept. 6 by Andree McLeod and Robin O’Donoghue, “Alaskans should be dubious of Dunleavy’s plan to use public money to defend himself.”
Sen. Matt Claman said, “The essence of an ethics complaint is that they’re acting outside their official capacity.” There are well-documented legal opinions and public testimony opposing this new regulation.
The attorney general’s first allegiance is to the public interest, not himself and other members of the executive branch.
The court (judicial branch) has already documented a remedy regarding a meritless case.
This new regulation is a cost to every resident of Alaska. This new regulation by and for our three executive branch members is a financially beneficial treat.
Contact your senator and representative and ask them how this new regulation is in the best interest of the public.
— Betty Jo Moore
Anchorage
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