FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On July 3rd, 2009, Governor Sarah Palin announced her intent to resign her gubernatorial duties and transfer the powers of Governor to Lt. Governor Sean Parnell.
Almost immediately afterwards, several unscrupulous people have asserted false and defamatory allegations that the “real” reasons for Governor Palin’s resignation stem from an alleged criminal investigation pertaining to the construction of the Wasilla Sports Complex. This canard was first floated by Democrat operatives in September 2008 during the national campaign and followed up by sympathetic Democratic writers.1. It was easily rebutted then as one of many fabrications about Sarah Palin. Just as power abhors a vacuum, modern journalism apparently abhors any type of due diligence and fact checking before scurrilous allegations are repeated as fact.
The history of the Wasilla Sports Complex is publicly known. Contrary to the insinuation that as Mayor of Wasilla, Sarah Palin “personally” oversaw bidding, construction, funding and accounting for the project (and thus, the allegation goes, “embezzled” from the project), the truth is far more mundane, and publicly available:
Curtis D. Menard was instrumental in spearheading the effort from conception to realization of the Wasilla Sports Complex. He directed the steering committee that was responsible for placing the issue before the voters of Wasilla and subsequently passed. He remained chairman of that committee through the design and construction of the facility. He was an ardent supporter and leader of civic, educational and athletic endeavors within the community as well as an advocate of the continued success of the Sports Center.
Thus, as any basic fact checker would learn, the Mayor of Wasilla is not listed as “chair” of the Steering Committee. As Mayor, Governor Palin did appoint the committee, another fact readily verifiable, and she was publicly on record supporting the need for such a facility—as was most of Wasilla. “Wasilla weighs sports facility” published December 6, 2001 and available at While her public support of this project was deemed pivotal by many, the actual construction, bidding, financing and other day-to-day management of the project was not in her scope of authority as Mayor.
In addition, Sarah Palin was then criticized by some of not showing enough interest in the project. The Frontiersman reported that at a public meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, an opponent of the project “accused Wasilla Mayor Sarah Palin of staying quiet about the arena because of her campaign for Lieutenant Governor.” “Sports Arena Campaign gets Rolling” http://www.frontiersman.com/articles/2002/02/21/news6.txt (February 22, 2002).
Further, this was a highly public project, approved by the voters, and subject to public bid requirements. As described by the City of Wasilla itself:
The city uses competitive means for the purchase of all goods and services as required by Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The city also utilizes contracts and price agreements established by the State of Alaska, the Western States Contracting Alliance and other cooperatives or agencies when it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City. The city believes in open, fair competition and strives to ensure that all vendors have equal opportunity to compete for city business.
The City of Wasilla operates under a decentralized purchasing system. This means purchasing decision up to $5,000 is made independently by the departments in the city (with the exception of Management Information System purchases). When the estimated amount for goods or services is between $5,000 and $9,999, departments are required to obtain three quotes prior to purchase. The departments may utilize the services of the Purchasing/Contracting Officer (PCO) for this process or may do it themselves; however, when this processed is selected, the PCO must sign off on the final product prior to purchasing or contracting.
For purchases beyond $10,000, the city requires all departments to contact the PCO who will utilize the city’s bid process according to Wasilla Municipal Code 5.08. The bid process is initiated through either an Invitation to Bid (ITB), utilized when the city knows the specifications for the purchase; or a Request for Proposal (RFP), utilized when the exact specifications or process is unknown.
Accordingly, the Sports Complex was publicly bid, in accordance with City and state law, and was accounted for in the time and manner all public projects are handled. The Mayor of Wasilla, be it Sarah Palin, or her successor, did not handle the funds, or the materials, for this project. To thus suggest she “embezzled” is as false as it is impossible.
The additional claim of “proof” of wrongdoing is the allegation that the Palins purchased building materials from Spenard Builders Supply—and that this company may have provided supplies for the Sports Complex. Prior to the construction of Lowe’s and Home Depot within the last few years in Wasilla, Spenard Builders Supply was the primary building supply company in Wasilla. It can hardly come as a surprise that it would sell materials to small homeowners or that it would also bid to supply commercial contracts. One would be hard pressed to find a home, cabin or outbuilding in the Mat-Su Valley in which Spenard Builders Supply did not sell at least some of the materials.
The Palins built their Lake Lucille house using Todd as the general contractor. Todd’s family owns a hardware and building supply business in Dillingham. He is no stranger to construction, or to rolling up his sleeves and doing work. The Palins used a combination of personal savings, equity from the sale of their prior home, and conventional bank financing to build the house—like millions of American families. The deeds of trust are recordable public records. Basic journalism and fact checking would confirm this.
The Sports Complex was built in 2002. It is now 2009. While the Federal Government has a process to follow, and that process sometimes takes time, we can categorically state that we are not aware of any “federal investigation” that has been “pending” for the last seven years. We are aware of no subpoenas on SBS regarding the Palins. We are aware that the Federal Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation have been helpful, responsive and diligent in prosecuting the email hacker and in cleaning up Alaska’s corrupt legislators. To be blunt—this “story” was alleged during the campaign, evaluated then by national media and deemed meritless. Nothing has changed.
To the extent several websites, most notably liberal Alaska blogger Shannyn Moore, are now claiming as “fact” that Governor Palin resigned because she is “under federal investigation” for embezzlement or other criminal wrongdoing, we will be exploring legal options this week to address such defamation. This is to provide notice to Ms. Moore, and those who re-publish the defamation, such as Huffington Post, MSNBC, the New York Times and The Washington Post, that the Palins will not allow them to propagate defamatory material without answering to this in a court of law. The Alaska Constitution protects the right of free speech, while simultaneously holding those “responsible for the abuse of that right.” Alaska Constitution Art. I, Sec. 5. http://ltgov.state.ak.us/constitution.php?section=1. These falsehoods abuse the right to free speech; continuing to publish these falsehoods of criminal activity is reckless, done without any regard for the truth, and is actionable.
Thomas Van Flein, for
Governor Sarah Palin
1 Wayne Barrett, a writer for the left wing Village Voice, published these insinuations, on October 7, 2008 in a story entitled “The Book of Sarah” available at http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-10-08/news/the-book-of-sarah. This was written in the style of one pretending to be amazed that so many people in a small town like Wasilla appear to know one another, support one another, and take on big projects together. Apparently that is uncommon in New York. Rather than recognize that leaders of a community often mobilize to accomplish projects, the writer offered this up as an unusual and questionable association of special interests.
Sarah, I read your book and my family had no idea the intense and insane cruelity shown to you by certain members of the politcal parties and the press. You represent the ideal american family with you hard work and good ethics, you had and have good sound ideas and the will and energy to put all your ideas to work and here comes the old devil in the minds of all those people who tried to work against you. Thank you for all the good you have done and this family salutes you and your family for it. We love you.
mrs. sarah palin i would just like you to run again, my husband is a seismic driller for oil exploration for the last thirthy plus years; no is out of a job and i ( his wife) has become very ill with congestive heart failure, diabetes, and liver failure due to a drug they gave me for rheumetiod arthritis and didn’t do a liver function test prior. i am trying to live but the government wants to let me die instead of saving me. we were on medicaid but have now cut that off, and i can’t afford to pay our bills and my meds something needs to be done, espesially about cap and TRADE. i think this will vertually ruin our coutry more than it is already!!!! IF YOU DON’T RUN AGAIN AND DO SAMETHING TO SAVE THIS COUNTRY WE ARE ALL GOING TO BE DESTROYED!!!! EVEN THE CHURCHES HAVE REFUSED TO HELP THE POOR, ALL THE WANT TO KNOW IS IF WE KNOW JESUS WHICH WE HAVE BEEN RAISED TO KNOW JESUS. instead they are driving people away from the churches I WAS RAISED KNOWING JESUS SO YES I DO NO BODY WANTS TO HELP THE SICK AND DIABLED. I AM ONLY 39 AND WILL DIE IF CAP AND TRADE PASSES AND MEDICAID GET CUT. I WANT TO LIVE TO SEE MY 5 YEAR OLD GROW UP
sarah you have done great things but you dont know what your dealing with and you shuold think about it alot before even thinking about running for president alot more is at stake then just popularity sweets but GOD BLESS YOU AND HE OVES YOU. maybe you and jesus can have a cup of tea hehehe
Sarah,
You briefly have the national floor with the mike in hand.
Control the content of the interview before you loose it.
Talk only about your policy on the important issues of the time. I havent heard them from you. They are not on your web site. We are all looking for a leader with ideas. Don’t let the O’reilly’s take 20 minutes on Katie, Johnson, McCain, etc. That make you look shallow.
Ask youself, “What would Maggie Thatcher say?” Golda Mayer? For the moment, you are “Sarah of Arc”.
Lead!!!!! Please!!!!! Lead!!!!!
Herb Brownell, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD SUPPORT A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT, BUT YOU ARE AN INCEDIBLE LADY. I TOO HAVE A DOWNS CHILD AND KNOW THE NEGETIVE FEED BACK FROM PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO CLUE.
THE LIBERAL ARE BASHING YOU FOR NO REASON BUT FEAR………..
THE AMERICAN PEOPLE SUPPORT ALL YOUR EFFORTS AND GOD SPEED….
RUN,RUN…I’m a Independent, American born in Cuba and you got my vote…..You can get our great country back on track.
God Bless..
Tony, Miami Fla
Would the webmaster please build a spot on this site, “Sarah’s position on issues”, so we can read exactly what she suggests we do to get out of all these messes that 45 years of continued incompetence and fiduciary miss management by every administration have brought down on us.
Thank you,
Herb Brownell, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
sarah palin is nothing but a fear monger and a product of karl rove, the most evil man in american. she is not, in any way, shape or form sane. people like her are the reason that this country is still filled with bigots. she should find an island and take all you other crazy, uninformed people with her, so this country can move forward in a positive way and so the rest of us sane,normal and informed people can live in piece without all you whack jobs
Dear Governor
I hope you will run in 2012, right now when the Senators and Congress people are home having Town Hall Meetings and are almost all being scorned by the public. I think it is an excellent opportunity for you to hold a dozen Town Hall Meetings and hear what the people want and how you would resolve some of the problems Americans are screaming about. I’m sure Fox News would cover each of the Town Hall Meetings and possible a day after a Senator or Congress person holds you should follow right behind them and take the steam out of their sails while they are tearing the people apart you could be bringing them together and disgrace those Obama Supporters. Give them Hell Governor take advantage of the uproar in the Nation everywhere.
Regards,
Warren West
Las Vegas, NV
Dear Sarah,
Hang in there and do not let the “jerks” get to you. No matter what they may say, you are so far ahead of them all. You have a special annointing and the “other guys” a really afraid of you. The nasty blogger in Alaska, just look at him. He is pitiful!
We are behind you all the way in whatever you decide. You are also in a lot of prayers, including mine! Pattie
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED____
As the matter of fact,it seems that Mr Limbaugh assestment has a lot of logic and common sense to it…in other words if the dynamics were diametrically oposite – (from part of the democrats sector) – the vector of thinking would be quite different.
I think we have to be very observant on the upcoming times,that way our future vote will be with responsability and substance.____
LIMBAUGH IS CORRECT – IS TOO EARLY TO SAY ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY FORM THE REPUBLICAN SECTOR…AND YET AS HE POINTED OUT, THE REFLECTION ON PALIN’S ATTACKS FROM THE DEMOCRATS DYNAMICS, SUGGESTS AND CLEARLY DENOTES THEY ARE A MONUMENTAL TERRORIZED BY SARAH PALIN.____
AFTER ALL SHE DOES NOT HAVE TO PROMISE A CLEAN-UP OF CORRUPTION IN WASHINGTON FOR THAT IS EXACTLY IS WHAT SHE DID IN ALASKA AND IN LESS THAN TRHEE YEARS SHE DID ADVANCE THE STATE BETTER THAN MOST OTHERS OFFICERS DO IN TWO TERMS…in other words she is substancially proven to fit the place others officers just OCCUPY IRRESPONSIBLY WITHOUT ANY FUNDAMENTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS.___
Just look at the Obama case ,…IN ONLY VIRTUALLY SIX MONTHS – NOT A YEAR – IN ONLY SIX MONTH! HE RUINED THE COUNTRY FOUR TIME WORST THAN THE WAY WAS GIVEN TO HIM…IN DIFFERENT FRONTS…NATIONAL SECURITY, INTERNATIONAL PLATEAU,..SOCI-STRUCTURE,..MORES AND VALUES,… AND SPECIALLY THE ECONOMY FACTORS____ONLY SIX BLASTED MONTHS!____It looks that if the fear is so ‘in grandeour’ among democrats factions regarding Sarah Palin….PERHAPS THAT IS THE ROAD TO GO…???____Opinion anyone?___
Good day,
Daniel Cabrera,
Merrillville,Indiana
Hi, Ugh, I liked! So clear and positively.
Joker
Sarah
You don’t need the republicans or the democrats. They are lost. Stand on what you believe. The rest of the country will follow if you are true to your beliefs.
For Sarah;
If you do run, I will campaign for you. You are the first (so-called) Republican that I feel that I can do that for.
DANIEL CABRERA – i’ll bet you have a poster of sarah on your ceiling dont you? lol! seriously, talk about a kool aid drinker!! – you betcha!!
What translates from Gov Sarah Palin ?,..POWER,INTIMIDATION, STRENGTH,FEAR
GOV SARAH PALIN REPRESENTS THE SECURITY DEMOCRATS, and SOME REPUBLICANS THAT LOST THE DIRECTION OF INTEGRITY, PATRIOTISM, AND VISSION FOR A BETTER AMERICA, CANNOT DELIVER ,…AND SO THEY ARE IN ENVY AND JEALOUSY.
In others words, they are just in FEAR AND THEY ARE VERY VERY INSECURED.
It takes an individual with good character,integrity, and honestry to defend, and stand up for what is correct, noble and just.Gov Sarah Palin fits the marks, so is clear the solidarization in high latitud platform like the one held by Miss Carrie Prejean
Expect this kind of suport for defense on LIFE, FAMILY AND COUNTRY from Gov Sarah Palin , for she is a true real patriot.
I do agree with Mr Bill O’reilly, that the republican party does need a DELIVERER or MESENGER ,…as he said : – virtually quoted;- …”someone as charismatic as Obama for the campaign to be successful….”
I also concour with Mr Miller that a dueto Gingrich-Palin is a formidable one. In addition I must add the high possibility that the CHARISMATIC POWER to energize at very elevated ranks all is pointing to Gov Palin for she is a REAL – NATURAL galvanizing factor for the VALUES AND PRINCIPLES THAT CHARACTERIZE THE FOUNDATION OF THE CONSERVATISM OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BY CONSTITUTIONAL CONFIGURATION .
And so , will not take me for surprise if the PRIMARY ELECTION FOR PRESIDENT CANDIDATES , Gov Palin will make the high numbers.In any event all seems profiling well because either way: Gingrich-Palin or Palin-Gingrich, or Palin-someone else,… the real WINNER WILL BE THE PEOPLE OF OUR GREAT CONTRY.
Democrats are AFRAID of Limbaugh,Hannity,Michael Steele,AnnCoulter,Laura Ingraham,Glenn Beck, ‘WE’,THE PEOPLE’ of this great country,and MONUMENTALLY TERRORIZED BY GOV SARAH PALIN, who everyone knows she could delivers much better presidential leadership than Obama.Palin’s ‘Alaska Formula’, adjusted to nation-wide proportion can implement efficient answers to the economic arena.After all EVERYONE KNOWS that she has MUCH MORE, BY FAR, much more DIRECTORAL – EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE, than Obama and Biden together. The public knows this, and so,the electorate are having second thougths about this current administration.
And there you have it, in short,without details.
Good day everyone,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillviile indiana
Mr Letterman continues his so called ‘jokes and comments ‘ about Gov Sarah Palin. Perhaps is something he cannot help about it,for his mentality cannot go any further in creatitvity…perhaps it is symptomatic of something larger,…your guess is as good as mine.
But this is quite simple to understand, for he needs to set the tone,…after all he is one of THE TOP TEN LOW-LIFE EXAMPLES that any tv tabloid can ever have – as suposely be entertainer-comedian.
So,indeed is his job and his choice to continue DEFECATING THROUGH HIS MOUTH,…and actually is his TOP PERFORMANCE IN LIFE….so do not ask him for nothig further for he is uncapable to deliver anymore than THAT !
Perhaps eventually he migth to do as I suggested previously,…to write down all his so called “jokes and /or commentaries”,….roll the paper ,…and insert it any place of his choice,…including one in particular where for removal , the skills of a PROCTOLOGIST will be in extreme demand.
By now, your imagination could be ‘fliying wild’….is it?
sincerely,
Daniel Cabrera,
Merrillville,Indiana
SARAH PALIN JUST MOVED ON;
Gov Sarah Palin, is very smart woman and does not take to be a phD in physics, to capture that her deccission has ligitimate foundation beyond the average understanding of all of us as audience and as expectators.
Definitely there should be more to it,but whatever it might be ,…. those factors are to be sorted exclusively by Gov Sarah Palin herself. Whichever strategy is there,… logic dictates that it would be unwise to telegraph it …for obvious reasons.
As for to tagg her as merely ‘quiter’ , like someone without responsablility is quite incorrect, for at this point she did accomplished in less than three years what most others public officers do in two complete terms.With that said Alaska is in at very good vector, much more progressive than when she did start the task. As I did my homework everyone can and should investigate as well, for auto-confirmation of facts,…in other words each one interested, takes care of the details.
In addition , beside the money saving as reslult of not to deal with puny acusations that cost a lot of money to Alaska, the State is left in good hands with many things already accomplished in advance. So , to emphasize, she has been very solid responsible.
More to say is just irrelevant , for Sarah Palin is not the regular everyday, predictalble common politician. She is, as very few can be found, of a good character, integrity, wisdom , and sensible vision, well educate and highly inquisitive.In other words we have to wait for the incoming moves.And this is excactly what is driving her vicious attackers OUT OF THEIR MINDS,..that for sure will continue the usual defecation through their mouths,…correct, just like the the two low-life examples, DAVID LETTERMAN AND “PEREZ HILTON”- (not his real name).
The tv tabloids (NBC,CBS, MSNBC,CNN) , the tabloids publications, THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE HUFFINGTON POST, LA TIMES, and others, will continue just as well for they cannot do nothing else,…but now,… is an entire different ball game, and they all are in FEAR EXPECTATIONS – much more than before,…for they did not win anything at all.
This, in short without detalis.
Good day everyone,
Daniel Cabrera,
Merrillville,Indiana
PS – The tv tabloids (NBC, CNN, MSNBC) , and tabloid publications such as , THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE HUFFINGTON POST, LA TIMES , etc,… along with what is left of the quasi-hypoitized brainless “utra-obamanized ” cool aid drinkers people, will not take this one lightly.
Whichever vector of action Gov Sarah Palin takes, is solely belong to her.I am very sure she does know that many americans are for what she stands for.
I would like to point out, if I may, that Sarah Palin is not only wanted for just to be at presidential stand,… but is mostly NEEDED for the presidential WHOLE SPECTRUM.
The striking difference from the average politician that only talks,, promises in convincing alure,…and then later nothing materialize a should – contrary to that, normaly experienced – Ms Palin does really DELIVER.That has been proven on results of the well know aproach known as ‘THE ALASKA FORMULA’.
At this time in history of our great country, PATRIOTS are in demand, for what we have at helm of our nation are evidently ENEMIES OF THE STATE – TRAITORS,… a rogue group with agenda of destruction of what this great country of our is all about.
WE-THE PEOPLE, want and need individuals of good character integrity and honesty,…people willing to give the good fight for our great land…those are the TRUE AND REAL PATRIOTS.
Sarah Palin fits the ranks.
GOD BLESS OUR GREAT COUNTRY.
Good day everyone,
Daniel Cabrera
Merrillville,Indiana
Hi Sarah, Keep hanging in. I am a big fan of yours.Will always be.What ever path you choose I will be there for you. I know you stand for what is right.You know right always wins in the end. Love ya girl. Nina
RUN SARAH, RUN !!!!!! Don’t give up cause we’re behind you all the way. It is very refreshing to have such a good and decsent female/politician in the distant future. Go get em!!!! Joan
Onload of page my antivirus put alert, check pls.
Have a nice day