Palin's "Biggest Project" As Mayor: A Hockey Rink With Legal Troubles

Wall Street Journal:

The biggest project that Sarah Palin undertook as mayor of this small town was an indoor sports complex, where locals played hockey, soccer, and basketball, especially during the long, dark Alaskan winters.

The only catch was that the city began building roads and installing utilities for the project before it had unchallenged title to the land. The misstep led to years of litigation and at least $1.3 million in extra costs for a small municipality with a small budget. What was to be Ms. Palin's legacy has turned into a financial mess that continues to plague Wasilla.

"It's too bad that the city of Wasilla didn't do their homework and secure the land before they began construction," said Kathy Wells, a longtime activist here. "She was not your ceremonial mayor; she was in charge of running the city. So it was her job to make sure things were done correctly."

Read the whole story: Wall Street Journal

Comments

[jeffp26]

She did it so Levi Johnston could skate like a girl.

[jeffp26]

Why does this remind me about a president we had (and sadly have) who started a war which he could not pay for, and sent our brave youth over to die in, unequipped, etc.

[bobo5]

She is a community disorganizer.

[Bluejay00234]

And this woman could become POTUS. God help us all, BOOSH in lipstick.

[Taajq]

Sarah, Oh Sarah,

come out and play. We want to know how building the hockey rink, prepared you to be the next VP and possible President of the United States. Obama convinced us when he explained is community work, so I know you can convince us. Afterall, you had "real responsibilities", so it should be easier.

[SailawayJane]

Palin hired an administrator who did the work and she took the credit.

[TheRealMacDaddy]

She screws the pooch and who gets balmed? Well them treehuggers 'The Nature Conservancy', they actually tried to get the best price they could for their goods, so in contradiction to GOP doctrine, they caused her boondoogle. Typical Rovian spin!

The real problem with something that this issue shows is PEOPLE HAVE BLINDERS ON! I just cannot believe how they are not seeing through this woman and the McCain Campaign. This is no longer going for Bush III this is now Bush ver. 3.5.

If anything happens to McCain, watch for this lady to load the cabinet with her croneys from the backwoods. The Cabinet Conference Table will be refitted with spitoons.

[Bitsko]

I'm packing my bags and moving up to that socialized state and get me some o' dat money! New York City is just too darn conservative.

[argent1]

Sarah is the quintessential Stepford Wife of the GOP. Eventually over the next month she will be tamed and demure, becoming more Cindy than John. The reason is simple -- she cannot stand to scrutiny. It will be up to McBush to lead the way - and outmaverick Palin.

[Piatt]

Takes a real genuis to build on land that doesn't belong to you.

[lookoutitsben]

What's the difference between Sarah Palin and George Bush? Lipstick.

[Tamalpais]

It is hard to figure out if that is more insulting to Bush or Palin!

[trollsbwild]

Both of them are controlled by the neocons.

Greetings Tamalpais. Will be at Muir Woods next month, staying in Mill Valley. Awesome place.

[RedKnuckles]

"In a March 2002 referendum, residents approved the mayor's plan by a 20-vote margin, 306 to 286."

So much for a thriving democracy in Wasilla when less than 600 people vote on a referendum for a potential boondoggle out of around 5000 residents. Notice it only passed by 20 votes. Republican vote suppression or ignorance in action?

[argent1]

it's all the crystal meth.

[RedKnuckles]

Palin touts her job as mayor, contrasted with community organizers, as one with responsibilites. Let's see how much responsibility she assumes for this mess. Don't hold your breath.

[IowaKid]

She's in the McCain camp so it will be a free pass with MSM.

[RedBlue7]

4 Reasons Democrats have everything to gain from the rise of
Sara Palin in National Politics.

AND

4 Reasons Democrats & Obama Campaign should praise
Sara Palin for being a 'DO-GOODER' politician.

http://www.e-paperview.com/4reasons.html

[argent1]

Thanks! But no thanks!

[RJII]

and this shallow woman criticized community organizers.

[IowaKid]

Yea I like to see her debate the Community Organizers.

[Observ8orGaMi]

Put lipstick on a pig (pitbull) it is still a pig (pitbull).