Nov 29: Palin's Staff Resorts To Intimidation And Threats To Keep Mat Maid Quiet

In a clear attempt to stop the public from getting information about the on going fiasco at Matanuska Maid, an employee of the Division of Agriculture has been accused of supplying public information to the public and is now facing an inquiry and has been threatened with termination.

In a November 29 memo from Director of Agriculture Franci Havemeister to the employee she writes:

"It is alleged that you have released confidential information to non-department individuals in violation of state policy. It is also alleged that you have had and continue to have direct contact with Legislative staff, in your official capacity, witout disclosing this communication to our Department's Legislative liason staff, in direct violation of departmental policy. Further it is alleged that you have used your position in making inquiries at local businesses which is out of the realm of your job duties. If substantiated, these allegations may result in discipline up to and including dismissal.

You are directed to report to an interview. You are advised that this is your only opportunity prior to a determination to rebut these allegations, provide explanation or offer mitigating circumstances. If you choose not to participate in the interview in any way, the employer will make is determinations based on the information otherwise available to it. If you choose to answer, you are reminded of your obligation to answer inquiries from your Employer in a forthright and honest manner. Dishonesty in the course of this interview will result in discipline up to and including dismissal."

Okay, time for a reality check.

The author of this memo is Franci Havemeister. She was the least qualified candidate who applied for the job of Director of the Division of Agriculture this summer. She was hired with a resume that included her most recent jobs as a Real Estate Agent working for  Creamery Board Chair Kristen Cole and a house wife. She was hired over a well recognized agriculture industry expert and a UAF Professor with a degree in agricultural economics.

Havemeister's father in law is a Valley milk farmer and one of the very few who making money off a state owned dairy that has lost $610,000 since Havemeister was hired.

Over the last few months, Havemeister has been violating conflict of interest rules by meeting in her office with a group of local farmers who recently struck a sweetheart lease for some of Mat Maids equipment. Havemeisters father in law is a participant in the group. 

The employee in question is a long time state employee who is highly respected. In addition, the alleged contact with the legislative staff could be referring to communicating with Senator Lyda Green, who legitimately should have access to anything and everything as she has been granted legislative approval to conduct a full audit of Palin's handling of the dairy.

All of the Matanuska Maid information that I've seen so far and posted on this blog was and should be public.

This administration has consistently re-labeled information that has traditionally been labeled public as confidential. This is a blatant attempt to keep their poor business decisions from the public.

Their poor handling has prompted two of Mat Maid's former executives have already filed suit claiming Havemeister and her boards acted improperly. 

What's ironic about this whole mess is it was Governor Palin who screamed about the public not getting enough information back in June when she fired both the Creamery Board and the Agriculture Board and appointed her friends and neighbors.

This is completely outrageous. This employee is being threatened and intimidated because the Palin Administration can't stand the truth getting out to the public about the what is really happening at the dairy.

Excuse me governor, what happened to open and transparent government?