Another Palin Firing Scandal Surfaces

Washington Independent:

Palin, a lifelong member of the National Rifle Assn., started her career as a member of her local city council in Wasilla, Alaska, a town about 45 miles outside of Anchorage, in 1992. She was elected Wasilla's mayor in 1996, when the city's population was about 4,600, according to a 1997 press report (via nexis).

In this role, Palin acted in a way that eerily foreshadows her recent actions while governor. Early in her tenure as mayor, the city council threatened to recall her over accusations that she fired the city's police chief, Irl Stambaugh, and the library director, Mary Ellen Emmons, without warning. She accused them in a letter saying: "I do not feel I have your full support in my efforts to govern the city of Wasilla. Therefore I intend to terminate your employment ..." (The Anchorage Daily News, via nexis) ...

The matter did not follow her as she rose to higher positions in Alaska. In fact, the first firing was nearly forgotten, even when the second firing scandal broke. Perhaps in a state desperate for a reformer, Palin's anti-money-for-votes persona resonates more strongly. In the coming weeks and months, we'll find out if does on the national stage as well.

Read the whole story: Washington Independent

Comments

[drzoon]

what is this problem that sarah has with libraries? and what does she have to do with ANY book that is either on or off the shelf?

this is just flat out scary!

[SheriChardonnay]

WOW is this a joke...the­y really did not vet her!

[mitch4822]

The reports I'm reading show Sarah Palin as a "fire happy" Governor who doesn't think twice to fire any state official if she believes they do not support her.

Alaska papers and other reporters paint her as a spoilt brat who likes to have her way.
Her approval rating isn't the 80% touted by the McCain people; Alaska papers say its something like 60% and is falling because she is "fire happy" . She is a huge abuser of power!!!!!

Further, she doesn't know anything about Beltway politics. Alaska politics is far different from real American politics. She is small town. Her first hurried introduction by McCain showed us a shallow woman with a pretty face whose only selection seems to go get Hillary's 18,000,000 women. For the McCain people to have her mention Hillary's name in her first introudction was galling. I am no Hillary supporter, but this should make her supporters work even harder to defeat John McCain whose judgment makes him unfit to become president of the Untied Stated.

[Canukistani]

This isn't really about Governor Palin as far as I'm concerned. It's about Senator McCain. When he says 'She is exactly the right person!', you gotta wonder what his standards are.

[CassandraPriam]

The sad part is I bet McC is still ahead in the polls.
No one cares. :(

[samanthemofthesun]

I care.

[Roose]

Obama is UP in the polls.

Obama 47% of the vote while John McCain earns 44%. When "leaners" are included, it’s Obama 49%, McCain 46%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/daily_presidential_tracking_poll

[Kirby]

He's ahead in whose polls, the Lieberman crowd's? Those erstwhile owners and directors of the polling organizations? This is a joke.

[swift goat pet for truth]

It's early yet, about the second inning.

My hope is that the National Enquirer gets a hold of the stories.
They are juicy enough.
Heck, there is enough here for a special edition.

Like John Edwards?
You'll LOVE Sarah Palin.

[RoCali]

I wish this were just a bad joke, instead it is now a national embarrassment.

[ibsteve2u]

There is a great quote in that linked story:

[bq]
When questioned by the Anchorage Daily News at the time, Palin refused to give details on how Stambaugh had not supported her, saying only: ”You know in your heart when someone is supportive of you.”
[eq]

Guess what? That is exactly how Joe Stalin determined who would be shot.

[anneinwa]

Excellent point!

ALSO FRIGHTENING.

I wonder if that if that is how J-Mc determined Palin is his "soul mate"? He just "knew in his heart?"

[qinkilla]

It's also the "logic" Bush used to size-up Vlad Putin, who is by far the superior of our current president.

[PAposter]

Obama Supporters: please text GIVE to 24357 to give a $5.00 donation to the Red Cross.

Only reply YES once, unless you would like to give additional donations in
$5.00 increments.

Thank you for answering this call from Barack Obama, and the good people of America being affected by Hurricane Gustav.

[ex-pat]

She is falling faster than a prom dress

[BADEN]

OOoooooo - quite a bit of that Alice in Wonderland Red Queen to her, eh?

Power corrupts.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Can you imagine being in a small town out in the middle of the boondocks, trying to deal with this type of aggressive ego?

Scary, with guns available.

[nerakami]

I am still in shock regarding all of this.... McCain made a choice based on political expediency and wants to shove this woman down our throats... what the hell does he think this is?? a game..?

[Citizen08]

McCain made a dangerous' choice and McCain is making a "mockery" of the Presidency!

[WatchmanD]

Exactly
The righteous indigination was not expected from a normally docile electorate.

[drzoon]

yes.

he thinks this is a game. and the only thing that is important to him is "winning"

[Rescisco]

Yes, he thinks its a game of "identity politics." Rovian Republicans really believe that issues and qualifications do not matter. If you've noticed, they have had some success in recent elections. I would hate to think it might work again, but this VP selection (which did NOT put country first) is premised on the fact that a lot of folks in middle America will see things to identify with (she hunts, eats moose burgers, rides snowmobiles, is a Hockey mom, has five kids, and is a former beauty queen etc.). We are reminded again that issues matter less than we would like and "average folks" eat this garbage up. Do not underestimate "political expediency" and assume everyone sees what we see here.

[WhatsLeft]

It's Deja Vu all over again.
The first time was: Spiro Agnew who?
The second time was: Dan Quale who?
The third time was: Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job. (this is here because he wasn't qualified to run FEMA anymore than Palin is qualified to run the country)
Fourth time: Sarah Palin who?

[qinkilla]

Don't forget Monica Goodling and all the rejects from Regent College

[debrouillard]

Dick Cheney would even go through the trouble to manufacture evidence,Palin,just go with her heart.

people of America,trust me you do not want one of these so called Conservative Republicans Evangelicals going with their heart. They have a God that only speaks to them.

[marymansour]

Hahahahahaha! McT*rd really picked a winner.

[HC4BO]

This is the CHANGE McSame/Palin want to bring to Amuurca people ...

Corruption at its BEST ...

[debrouillard]

The police chief took the matter to court, where a judge sided with Palin, saying city law allows the mayor to fire the police chief without cause.

When questioned by the Anchorage Daily News at the time, Palin refused to give details on how Stambaugh had not supported her, saying only: ”You know in your heart when someone is supportive of you.”
==========­==========­==========­==========­=====
Woow!
Dont tell me she is worst than W . her reason for firing someone from a public office is because She Feels like the person doesnt support her? Was the council her family business?

[NeoLiberal]

GWB, remember, prizes loyalty above all.

Does this mean she only wants yes-people around her?

Is she so stalwart in her thinking that she would not be able to listen to opposing viewpoints, rationally and with the broader goal of fair governance in mind?

More of the same.

[SeanHannity4Obama]

this lady is politically very hot to handle. it will take time to cool... even in freezer