The $65,000 Question is On Sale! Want Some?
That’s right, the Palin’s $64,000 has been price slashed!
Remember a few weeks ago when government watchdog Linda Kellen Biegel sent a records request to the state? She asked for copies of emails sent between members of the administration and right-wing radio shock jock Eddie Burke, and Anchorage Daily News gossip columnist Sheila Toomey, including emails which target Alaska resident and vocal critic of the governor, Andree McLeod.
The reason for the request stems from Palin’s Chief of Staff Mike Nizich who, in an official state press release, stated:
“I hope that the publicity-seekers will face a backlash from Alaskans who have a sense of fair play and proportion.”
Backlash, indeed. There were a couple events following this declaration from the governor’s office involving Burke and Toomey that led aforementioned watchdog to go, “Hmmm.”
After filing the records request, a message came back from the governor’s office stating that they’d be happy to comply with the request. All they needed was $65,706. (Boing!) That’s the sound my eyeballs made when I saw the formidable figure.
But now, after honing and whittling, the request has been narrowed. The final figure for the most relevant emails? $5,552. Still too much for an average citizen to plunk down on the counter, but not so much that it can’t be done with a little help.
A request went out on her blog for help, and she’s already raised more than $700 in a day or two. According to her latest post, she’s down in Soldotna doing some set-netting for salmon. And it looks like she’s doing it in the pouring rain.
She’s posting updates about how much has been raised, and it would be fun if her biggest catch of the day was waiting for her in the paypal account when she gets back.
So, if you want to toss in a coin or two to help the transparency effort, and buy your own little piece of email infamy from the Palin administration, hop on over to Celtic Diva’s Blue Oasis, and click the paypal button on the left. You even get some kind of cool Celtic avatar for pitching in.
What will the emails reveal? Will the administration have the temerity to say that correspondence with a radio shock jock and a gossip columnist are super top secret and privileged? I’ll keep you posted.
Diva has my $20! Go git ’em!
At the current rate, Andree’s amount is going to be reached easily. Sarah is trying to get legal fund together before the release of the e-mails…I betcha. How many people are going to want to donate – it’s great watching her build Arctic Cat Gate this summer from my backyard.
I’ve donated and I’m keeping an eye on the amount because I’ll be glad to give more if necessary. ..the sooner the amount is reached the better. It’ll be interesting to see these documents and how they can justify charging that much. I can hear the backfiring of the bus and the tinkle of coins going into her phoney legal fund too, also.
In the age of emails, seems as if asking for copies should mean *forwarding* them, hence no copying costs. Seriously, all the staffer would have to do is go to their “sent” and “inbox” files, sort by “to” or “from”, highlight them, and press forward. That’s hardly worth $64K of staff time, maybe $6.40… But I guess that’s too logical of a solution for Snow Sarah and her Seven Dwarfs.
“I hope that the publicity-seekers will face a backlash from Alaskans who have a sense of fair play and proportion.” Odd thing about that quote? It’s like the pot calling the new-fallen snow black….
Thank you Kath the Scrappy! I’ll go and see if I can find that form. I did get a donation through but gave up on trying to figure out how to register so I could make comments.
Meant to say RETIRED “31+ year City Govt employee”
Speaking as a 31+ City Govt employee, I was a secretary when the FOIA came into place. Had to crawl through EVERY file the Mechanical Engrs had in their cabinets, desk drawers, everywhere. I suggested that we talk into a recorder, then come back to a word processor in order to type the folder names, at that time all hard copies.
In the case of Celtic Diva, I see PRECISELY what she’s needing to do, in order for her case to proceed, even though these are computer files! That’s why I didn’t hesitate to donate lastnight.
She can’t expect to JUMP from Point-B to Point-S, then complain about the process! She needs to be able to document that she has accommodated & complied with EVERY step/procedure the State has requested, in a methodical way. She may be at Point-C in this process. That’s where the $5,552 comes into play (unlikely she has that kind of $$ to pop in there by herself). It’s like a poker game and the State of AK is banking on the fact that she can’t cover her hand – that’s where WE PJ clad bloggers need to cover her back.
It may turn out that Diva will receive totally blacked out, redacted papers (which she might be inclined to line the bird cage with). No, she’s more likely to haul those obstructive documents to court.
BUT that’s the whole point. Diva seems to be getting good advice & moving in moving in a VERY deliberate direction. I tossed my money in to cover her ‘poker hand’ & think she’s a winner to bring some sunlight (or bleach) into the AK govt. She’s got my confidence.
Another point. Down here in Seattle recently, we’ve had an FOIA case that recently settled by the State Supreme Court. Took the man 12 YEARS, but the County was blocking and it wasn’t really big stuff he was asking for. His battle during that time brought the dirt to the forefront:
“Bigger fine for King Co.’s withholding of records”
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008632151_webdisclosure16m.html
“The state Supreme Court has ruled that the $124,000 fine paid by King County for delays in responding to a Public Records Act request isn’t nearly enough, and has sent the case brought by a Seattle businessman back to Superior Court with a recommendation to award more money and increased attorneys’ fees.” *snipped*
Seattlefan, I’m sure you could email Diva (when she’s not so busy) and tell her what avatar you would like, for when you get in there and post. For me, I just wanted the donation to kick in quick, like you I’m sure.
@ Seattlefan, Hey! I did that lastnight, thought I already an acct but haven’t ever fussed around to post @ CD. Just haven’t figured how, since it’s kind of squirrely in that setup (which was good IMO since it cut down on her trolls after she registered her Citizen Complaint too.)
Lastnight, I registered like I was new. It took a while and FINALLY I discovered Way Way down through the blue screen, at the bottom there was the form for my new name (left off the “from Seattle”) & email address. Then it sent me an email supplying my password. After that, I could plug in my new User Name & requested Avatar.
Okay, so then I donated via Paypal (wish it could have been more, but fixed incomes are just so heartless!).
Think the “Dragon” avatar should truly reflect my “Scrappiness” – whenever I get around to figuring how to post, ya betcha!
I found myself at peeland for a BRIEF while last night & they were bragging about how much they’d raised ($100+k) so far & several of the commenters made slighting remarks about Diva trying to raise $5,000 as if it was an impossibility. Bet they’re not laughing much now. And they won’t be laughing at all when Linda gets a chance (away from the beach & fishing) to update the total.
I donated last night & she already had $700 just from her blog before the rest of the great AK bloggers added their requests today. Viva la AKM, Gryph, Regina, Shannyn, & apologies to the rest of you I’m missing. Can’t stop mudpuppies and all their friends. Yippee! Bloggers Rock!
OK, I figured out how to get my donation in. Still having probs registering so I can comment. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Can anyone offer assistance on how I can donate. When I click on her donate button, I need to enter my name there, but I’m not registered, and can’t find a place on the site to register. HELP! I clicked on the Create a New Account, but it doesn’t bring up a form. When I fill in the existing form, it doesn’t work. I would really like to donate.
Earlier this year Huffpo started that new ‘ Investigative Unit ‘ to cover more in- depth stories. The bigger picture is how people can or SHOULD BE ABLE TO get access to FOIA info. It is after all… the Law. Somewhere earlier in the thread there was some list that showed where Alaska ranked #40,and the Grade they received, ‘ F ‘.
Why wouldn’t a website like Huffpo do a story telling people how the average citizen can access this info from FOIA, ot give them tips on how to get it done. Show some state by state comparisons so that people can be more informed and put pressure on the Legislatuers, Senators or Congressmen to act. The States that ARE doing the lousy job… need to have pressure put on them.
And with an informed Public it just makes the reporting and stories on blogs like the Huffpo more professional in their reporting. Getting all the facts so we can hold our Politicians to a higher standard and such.
Does anybody think an Investigative story by Huffpo on the FOIA rules or something along that line is a good suggestion..? Any opinion..?
#29, June 20th, 2009 at 11:45 AM, Eric-the-Bun Says: “””One would have thought that given the FOIA, all emails would be automatically copied to an FOIA folder/account which then could be easily searched.”””
Since approximately June 2007 the State of Alaska Information Technology division has maintained an archive server of all state employee emails.
Most email is retained for one year but there are retention rules that require certain time frames to retain certain work, i.e., 1 year, ten years, etc.
It takes approximately one hour to download an employee’s archived email folder to provide it to a supervisor, for example, if there is just cause.
From Alaska Statute (AS) 40.25.110. Public Records Open to Inspection and Copying; Fees.
(a) Unless specifically provided otherwise, the public records of all public agencies are open to inspection by the public under reasonable rules during regular office hours. The public officer having the custody of public records shall give on request and payment of the fee established under this section or AS 40.25.115 a certified copy of the public record.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the fee for copying public records may not exceed the standard unit cost of duplication established by the public agency.
(c) If the production of records for one requester in a calendar month exceeds five person-hours, the public agency shall require the requester to pay the personnel costs required during the month to complete the search and copying tasks. The personnel costs may not exceed the actual salary and benefit costs for the personnel time required to perform the search and copying tasks. The requester shall pay the fee before the records are disclosed, and the public agency may require payment in advance of the search.
(d) A public agency may reduce or waive a fee when the public agency determines that the reduction or waiver is in the public interest. Fee reductions and waivers shall be uniformly applied among persons who are similarly situated. A public agency may waive a fee of $5 or less if the fee is less than the cost to the public agency to arrange for payment.
From Title 2 Alaska Administrative Code (AAC)
Title 2 . Administration
Chapter 96 . Public Information
Section 325. Response to request; time limits
2 AAC 96.325. Response to request; time limits
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, as soon as practicable, but not later than the 10th working day after the date the agency receives a request for public records that complies with this chapter, the public agency shall
(1) furnish all requested records that are disclosable; and
(2) advise the requestor which of the requested records are nondisclosable, if any, and the specific legal authority and specific facts supporting nondisclosure.
(b) If the public agency decides that a public record is, in fact, a request for electronic services and products, the public agency shall advise the requestor of its decision within 10 working days after receipt of a request and the reasons for this decision.
(c) Any time that elapses between the time a requestor is sent notice that processing the request will generate chargeable fees and the time the requestor makes suitable arrangement for payment of those fees under 2 AAC 96.355 and 2 AAC 96.360 is excluded from the 10-working-day period of (a) of this section, or any extension of that period.
(d) A public agency may extend the basic 10-working-day period established under (a) of this section for a period not to exceed 10 additional working days by providing notice to the requestor within the basic 10-working-day period. The notice must state the reasons for the extension and the date by which the office expects to be able to furnish the requested records or to issue a determination that the records are not disclosable. The notice must include a statement that the extension is not invoked for purposes of delay. The basic 10-day period may be extended only when one or more of the following circumstances exist, and then only as to those specific documents within the request as to which the circumstances apply:
(1) there is a need to search for and collect the requested records from field or other offices that are separate from the office responsible for maintaining the records;
(2) there is a need to search for, collect, and examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records sought in a single request;
(3) there is a need for consultation with an officer or employee who is absent on approved leave or official business;
(4) the basic response period comes during a peak workload period; or
(5) there is a need to consult with legal counsel to ensure that protected interests of private or government persons or entities are not infringed.
(e) If a search or copying task will, within the 10-day period and any authorized extension under (d) of this section, substantially impair the other functions of the public agency or an office responsible for maintaining the requested records, the agency head may request an additional extension from the attorney general. Upon receipt of a request for an additional extension, the attorney general shall promptly give the requestor and the agency an opportunity to be heard. The attorney general shall tender a speedy decision. The attorney general may grant an extension only to the public agency in extraordinary circumstances and only for the minimum period determined by the attorney general to be required to complete the search or copying of the public records without substantial impairment of the other public agency functions.
(f) A public agency shall give a written response granting or denying a written request for public records within the prescribed time limit. If a response is not received by a requestor by the expiration of the time limit, the requestor may consider the request denied.
(g) The time limits set out in this section do not apply if the requestor agrees in writing that the requested records need not be supplied until a specified date. If the requestor does not agree in writing to an extension of time beyond that date, an extension beyond the specified date is governed by (d) and (e) of this section.
History: Eff. 11/6/94, Register 132
I’m in…and challenge all Middle age slightly over weight, white guys to meet or beat my $25….and in this state that should would mean Diva will have her money by 10pm.
102 sauerkraut Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 4:57 PM
I’m surprised that some organization hasn’t offered to pick up the tab to copy the entire stack of papers. Even if they don’t why, why doesn’t Linda ask to inspect the boxes of emails with the proviso that the authorities only copy and charge for the documents Linda designates? All Linda needs is a notepad, a chunck of time and a whole lot of post-it notes. I’m certain that some of those emails are totally useless and there’s really no need for Linda, or anyone else, to pay to have them produced.
* ** * ** * ** * ** *
Funny you should say .. a week or so ago Mr. Terps and I finally checked out the DVD “All the King’s Men” from our local library. Aside from, “wow, that Sean Penn really is an actor”, I remember one scene where the other main character (played by …Jude Law?) was in the courthouse or whatever getting …PUBLIC RECORDS! And that’s exactly what they did – put him in a room, handed him all the books and such, and said “have at it”. He wrote down on paper everything he thought was relevant, but I’m sure he could have requested a photograph, mimeograph, photostat, whatever they had back then, at whatever cost it would have been to them.
Fast-forward to 2009 – no reason public records should not be handled exactly the same way. Let the person requesting them take THEIR time to search, then charge them (at cost) for copies of whetever they decide they want to copy.
WOW! Linda has raised over $1,000 already, whoo hoo! Citizens for truth!
oh, not playing the devil’s advocate here but the calls for federal intervention on this email matter are silly. This is strictly a state matter in which the feds have no business interfering. There are state administrative procedures to follow if the production of the records is not timely or if the cost is exorbitant. My suggestion is that pressure be put on whatever state office is responsible for this huge cost and delay by following the proper procedure. If that route still results in cost and delay, then file a writ of mandamus. Yes, initiating court action is a cost, but $150 or so is a heck of alot cheaper than $5500. And the court might issue some rulings which makes the process easier and cheaper for the next person.
I’m surprised that some organization hasn’t offered to pick up the tab to copy the entire stack of papers. Even if they don’t why, why doesn’t Linda ask to inspect the boxes of emails with the proviso that the authorities only copy and charge for the documents Linda designates? All Linda needs is a notepad, a chunck of time and a whole lot of post-it notes. I’m certain that some of those emails are totally useless and there’s really no need for Linda, or anyone else, to pay to have them produced.
Just mentioning your Ombudsman once again. Checked the Alaska State site and it claims the AS Ombudsman investigates complaints against State government agencies and employees, is non-partisan, neutral, and takes no sides in a dispute. Job is to determine whether state government actions are fair and reasonable.
If a complaint were made about these over-priced e-mail charges, I can’t understand why a partisan official in this capacity wouldn’t respond duly. SP can’t have everybody in her pocket. If that’s the case, then Alaska has a long 2 years of mafia-style governing.
7 CO almost native Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
zyggy “I don’t have a hubby so I gave 20.00 =)”
LOL!!! You can have mine. I’ll give you $20 to take him and donate another $20 to Diva.
________________________
I’ll see your $40.00, throw mine into the pot (someone who obsesses about golf take him please), and raise you $40.00.
=================================
You guys ARE funny! Reminds of a joke I call………Native Wisdom;
On my way home from shopping I saw an elderly First Nations lady thumbing a ride, so of course I picked her up.
Excuse me for the the groceries, just hop in, I say.
All buckled up and under way, she peers in one of my grocery sacks, “what you got there?”, she asks.
Oh that, I got a bottle of wine for my husband, I reply.
“Good trade”…..she says
Every woman I know would have made this trade at one time or other!
Transparent? Not so much.
I’m in…Paypaled a little while ago…
So lets see what gov. scary redacts about eddie smurf. et al…
Ok, this is now the Major League. No more games. This wont go smoothly, and their will be legal battles ahead.
My advice to the Diva; Retain a good lawyer!
another reason it’s probably so dang expensive is due to the fact they friggen do state business anywhere and everywhere on computers and over the airwaves……..so much to search for and make sure ya got nothin to come back and bite ya, ya know Scarah likes to cover her rear, politically speaking.
Like that “complicated search issue” should be a citizens expense for sloppy business, arg.
if they’re going to go by the book about hourly charges, you’d expect charges broken down.
my guess is they get off on being chatty cathy’s back and forth which makes for, um, embarrassing emails and, um, time figuring out how to put them in the redact category. yep, that would be Scarah.
“The hourly charge shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the discretion of the custodian of the records” and “An agency shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records.”
This is from the CO AG Office:
“Agencies can and normally do charge for copying records. The Open Records Act requires that the charge must be “reasonable,” and cannot exceed $1.25 per page unless the actual cost exceeds that amount. Agencies may have their own statutes or rules that set copying costs. For example, the secretary of state may charge less than its cost under certain circumstances. Keep in mind that the agency’s cost may include not only the cost of the copy, but the cost of the employee’s time spent making your copies. If you ask for copies of special documents, like your own set of photographic prints, the cost may be higher. If you ask for certified copies, the cost may be higher. The bottom line, however, is that government agencies cannot and do not profit from this service. Your cost of obtaining a copy should not exceed the agency’s cost of making the copy.”
Also: the agency must let the requester know immediately when he/she can review the records; if it takes longer than 3 days, the agency can have an additional 7 working days to get the records together.
@Isabella #62:
Count me in– it’s golf season, so he’ll never know I’ve sold him…heh heh.
W/deadly Iranian protests let us be thankful for, & supportive of, U.S. Military defending OUR democracy & freedom. God protect the innocent- Queen Twit
I don’t think any of us need to be reminded to be thankful for our democracy and freedom and for those who fight to protect it- BOTH home and abroad. Fox News right now is all about the significance of citizen reporters getting the truth out no matter what. Anonymous twitters=Anonymous blogs? Does Palin realize that her own AK progressive bloggers, albeit on a smaller, safer scale, are also fighting for democracy and the will of the people? It isn’t always about the 2nd amendment and guns being used! The 1st is pretty powerful amendment, too. We shouldn’t pick and choose what type of democracy and freedom we will support.
While I am absolutely in support of those fighting for their vote to count and in admiration for what they are willing to do, I can’t help but wish I could get cell phones and Twitter accounts to the less economic and technological fortunate people who struggle to survive daily at the hands of oppression. This has all been pretty powerful, but I want the lessons learned- especially that of the power of citizens fighting for right- to continue and grow into both a national and global awareness that democracy is hard work and it is up to all of us to fight to protect it, no matter at what scale or in what place.
drew from lil ol texas
“income so far for this month is around a negative $10,000.00”
——
I had to reread your sentence — I thought you said I.Q. but realize you said income!!! Could have fooled me!!! LOL
#79
honestyinGov Says:
Regarding John Ziegler,
And he could have offered to donate the proceeds this week from sales of his Movie about Palin toward the cause.
I think Ziegler’s gross income so far for this month is around a negative $10,000.00
bijou Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 2:38 PM
Maybe Palin should ask Uncle Jed, Jethro or Ellie May to chip in to her legal defense fundraising
———————————————————
I object!! The Clampett’s were HONEST AS THE DAY IS LONG. Jed ALWAYS did the right thing, never passed judgement on anyone and was the first to reach into his wallet when anyone needed money. Please dont disparage them. Jethro was a bit on the dense side, but I digress….
😉
So Palins admin is trying to stall yet again by charging outrageous fees for public records… WTF!!!! This womans white trashy ness knows no bounds! And this woman wants to be president? If that would ever occur I’d be looking for another country to move to! She’s the exact reason I not only donated money to Obama’s campaign, volunteered and hosted an online radio show devoted to getting Obama elected! The right says that if she doesn’t decide to run that she’s amazing in fund raising, a kingmaker I think she was called. (That reveals so much about the right!) But apparently she can’t raise funds for herself! Hmmm VERY telling!
I think asking her admin for the records is a mistake, sue the state for them and then AKans, get to work on changing the laws that don’t allow loopholes to protect politcians corruption but blackholes where transparency and ethical behaviour dissapears!
Totally disgusted with this woman… but I’m glad for her existence! She does more for the left then anyone else on that side ever does.
She is a public official, those emails are public records, you all are the public they need to be released otherwise sue the miniskirt off the hag!
I hope cd succeeds, someone needs to knock the smugness from Mama Palin, the lead hillbilly from Wassilla.
Think I’m going to start writing a movie script with Palin like persona as my lead character. Who do you guys think I should submit it to, lifetime, comedy central or the producers of the Jerry Springer show!
Thanks for the nudge, AKM. I saw Diva’s request yesterday but your words had the weight needed to get me to click PayPal. I just hope that CD doesn’t pay almost 6 grand to find out there’s no e-mails that are responsive to the request.
Isabella Says:
What was the response from Palin to Katie about the presumption Alaskans are not tech savvy or modern?
Have no idea what you are referring to. No idea who Katie is
justafarmer,
It’s called money hungry greed!
It happened I think around the time of the Troopergate when Newspapers & MSM were making requests for documents when they were publishing the various stories. They saw it as a cash cow for them
lol, read this, I just found this: on http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Alaska_Public_Records_Act
Transparency report card
A 2008 study, BGA – Alper Integrity Index, conducted by the Better Government Association and sponsored by Alper Services, ranked Alaska #40 in the nation with an overall percentage of 45.20%. [1]
A 2007 study, Graded state responsiveness to FOI requests, conducted by BGA and the NFOIC, gave Alaska 3 points out of a possible 100, a letter grade of “F”, and a ranking of 48 out of the 50 states.[2]
A 2002 study, Freedom of Information in the USA, conducted by IRE and BGA, ranked Alaska’s law as the 48th worst in the country, giving it a letter grade of “F”.[3]
Not such a very good grade is it, pitiful……
Canadian Neighbour “When they quote 16 hours for each email name search — that means 2 full working days per name search.”
What was the response from Palin to Katie about the presumption Alaskans are not tech savvy or modern?
Maybe Palin should ask Uncle Jed, Jethro or Ellie May to chip in to her legal defense fundraising. They have to be some kind of distant kin. As a matter of fact, she is lookin’ a little bit like Granny these days.
Isabella,
I’m sure AKM will post a new thread soon as she always posts the link to Shannyn’s show. We’re fine on here or the open page for now. Just relax, get your popcorn and drink ready. Get your PJ’s set out so you can get changed and then we can all be doing what we’ve previously been accussed of —
Bloggin’ in our homes in our PJ’s!!!
Canadian Neighbor,
I really have no idea how Alaska came up with that.
If you look at Tewise’s post (right after mine) for state of Georgia on that particular topic:
“The hourly charge shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the discretion of the custodian of the records” and “An agency shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records.”
I haven’t found anything specific for Kentucky yet; still looking through the statutes.
justafarmer,
When they quote 16 hours for each email name search — that means 2 full working days per name search. What systems are they using — Atari64’s or an old Commodore.
Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I could understand if they made a mistake and missed entry of a decimal point and meant 1.6 hours and even that it’s ridiculous in this techno age.
If I recall without going back and reading, the $5,550 is for only about 4 or 5 names.
Just found this at the Kentucky website:
The official purpose of Kentucky’s open records laws is this, “The General Assembly finds and declares…that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest and the exceptions provided for by KRS 61.878 or otherwise provided by law shall be strictly construed, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others.”
(emphasis mine)
Canadian Neighbour, can you Twitter AKM to post a new thread for Shannyn’s show so we can get warmed up?
# 63
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 1:57 PM
drew from lil ol texas “What does 21% equal?”
UNVERIFIED total is $105,000 Considering the call out to Palin’s supposed million, SUCK Y collection.
By comparisons, Diva, has already raised more toward her goal in ONE DAY then those others for theirs in a week.
———————————————
They way that John Ziegler was ranting and raving on the radio defending Palin with those Canadian DJ’s you would have thought he would have stepped up to the plate. Maybe a story posted on their website for all the young ‘Cultists ‘ to read. A Fairy tale… a Nursery Rhyme..?
And he could have offered to donate the proceeds this week from sales of his Movie about Palin toward the cause. Signed copies to all 15 of HIS supporters in NYC. Not a peep out of him though…. {{{{ crickets }}}}
Sarah signing copies of the Movie… ? If they went nutz over Thank You Cards imagine how they would luvvvvvvvvv a movie.
John never was much good at Promotions though… or Protests.
The thing that I like about the Webathon rules is that you email them and tell them how much you gave. (They give a PO Box so someone is snail-mailing it in). They are basing some of that $101,000. on the emailed say-so’s of devoted fans. Plus, and this is the good part, if you gave to the Alaska Fund in the past, you can email them and tell them that money should be kicked into this pot. They also had an email campaign to notify Greta to mention this on her TV show, but that’s not going too well. Do you think that they’ll extend the big campaign, due to overwhelming popular demand, for another 7 days?
hi Canadian Neighbor,
I don’t don’t think Kentucky charges any search fees, at least that has not been my experience.
Isabella,
I left you a message (#163) on the open thread explaining re back.
I think Diva should sit on donations and pursue a complaint about BOGUS charges to obtain Emails.
56 Paula Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Palins fungus raiser is at 21% (after 6 days)…
* ** * ** * ** * ** *
$105,000? Rats. I was hoping it would be much less.
Well, I should think Van Flein will be seeing a reasonably-sized downpayment for his services already rendered, and somewhat soon.
Terps’ reciepe for how to raise $6000 out of 1000 people:
Expect 10 people to be able to give $50
Expect 20 people to be able to give $40
Expect 30 people to be able to give $30
Expect 50 people to be able to give $20
Expect 100 people to be able to give $10
Expect 150 people to be able to give $5
Expect 200 people to be able to give$1
… I didn’t plan it this way, but believe it or not, those numbers I just made up out of thin air add up to $5650!
I will have to mail mine in as I do not have a secure internet line.
justafarmer
It’s not the cost of the copies, it how they are costing out the search fees.
CD first said 16 hours per email address I believe which calculated to the $65,000 because of the number of names she submitted for quotation. CD then deleted a number of names which therefore reduced the quotation. She may have confined it to a timeframe also but I can’t remember. She did set it all out on her blog when she wrote about the $65,000.
We are all going to rally today for Shannyn and AKM right?
Get your munchies and questions ready!!!
I see justafarmer must have been doing it at the same time and it appears both states are pretty close.
#55 ds55: Re: Sarah’s frequent references to our military
I agree wholeheartedly. The GOP “uses” the military as a political tool to show they are “Pro America”.
When a Dem like Kerry has a military background, they find a way to denigrate it. I’m a Progressive yet I too have – and are proud of – many military in my family including my dad (retired Navy), my mother-in-law, 2 aunts, and 7 uncles in WWII.
DrChill I checked Ga. and it is long so just giving snips, you will get the basics:(Check the last paragraph) but this is what Ga. open records quote..
(c) Where no fee is otherwise provided by law, the agency may charge and collect a uniform copying fee not to exceed 25 [cents] per page.
The hourly charge shall not exceed the salary of the lowest paid full-time employee who, in the discretion of the custodian of the records
(e) An agency shall utilize the most economical means available for providing copies of public records.
(f) Where information requested is maintained by computer, an agency may charge the public its actual cost of a computer disk or tape onto which the information is transferred and may charge for the administrative time involved as set forth in subsection (d) of this Code section.
(c) The provision of subsections (b), (c), (d), and (e) of Code Section 50-18-71 shall apply to fees, costs, and charges for providing a photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction of such exhibit shall not exceed the cost of materials or supplies and a reasonable charge for time spent producing the photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction, in accordance with subsection (d) and (e) of Code Section 50-18-71.
I’m posting again because this is important:
OK, boys and girls, time to pony up!
How much are these progressive blogs worth to you? Priceless, right?
This is our chance to SHOW – not just SAY – how much these folks mean to us. Separate yourself from some green stuff. How much? Well, a movie for 2 these days is $20 and you won’t get nearly the laughs nor information you get from these blogs. The total donated is already at about 20% of what’s needed – it took C4P SIX DAYS to reach 20% of their goal. Our GOAL is much worthier – public information!
You don’t need a PayPal account or a Celtic Diva Oasis posting name to contribute; you can just use a credit card.
JUST DO IT!!
Kentucky FOIA fees:
# Standard copies (black and white or color) 8 ½ x 11 inches to 11 x 17 inches are $.10 cents per page.
# Oversized maps and drawings (black and white) larger than 11 x 17 inches are $3 per map.
# Oversized maps and drawings (color) larger than 11 x 17 inches are $2.50 per square foot.
# Compact disk is $3 per disk and DVD is $5 per disk.
# TEMPO standard reports are $12 per report if being requested for commercial purposes. The report is free if not requested for commercial purposes. The agency may charge $.10 per page if printed or $3 to place on CD, regardless of the nature of the request.
# Nonstandard database reports do not have to be produced. However, if the agency chooses to create one, charges may be made to recoup the cost of creating the report.
For more info see:
http://www.freedomkentucky.org/index.php?title=Kentucky_Open_Records_Act
Hey Mudpups,
I forgot Shannyn mentioned it last week, but I just read my Twitter page and Drumroll please:
3 messages:
MudflatsTownhall mtg w/ Begich was great! By show of hands AKns want public option big time!
Mudflats: Mayor Claman just issued proclamation that June is gay pride month in Anchorage! Way to go Mayor!
Mudflats: Getting ready to live blog from the studio of the Shannyn Moore Show! Tune in at 5 to KBYR 700am!
CO almost native Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 1:39 PM
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
zyggy “I don’t have a hubby so I gave 20.00 =)”
LOL!!! You can have mine. I’ll give you $20 to take him and donate another $20 to Diva.
________________________
I’ll see your $40.00, throw mine into the pot (someone who obsesses about golf take him please), and raise you $40.00.
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lmao, I can’t afford to feed the husband Isabella gave me, why would you think I need another? lol Please, no more husbands for me today, just donate to Linda. =)
Its hard for me to type with a 37 pit bull puppy in my lap!
drew from lil ol texas, they wanted to raise $500K in 7 days. they fell a weee bit short, byt $100K is still a lot of money. they wwr eall bent out of shape ’cause none of their heors, Rash, Billo or Insannity or gvs would plug them. Today greta was at the Rays -Mets game in NYC not caring about the poor poor palins.
drew from lil ol texas “What does 21% equal?”
UNVERIFIED total is $105,000 Considering the call out to Palin’s supposed million, SUCK Y collection.
By comparisons, Diva, has already raised more toward her goal in ONE DAY then those others for theirs in a week.
CO almost native, maybe we can auction the guys off, sending the monies to Diva 🙂
Paula,
What does 21% equal?
I know it is a 7 day event, but what was there goal!
56 Paula Says:
Wonder how Palin will run for office? Don’t you need like 50 mill just to get the White House racing started?
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Romney dropped $40 mil. of his OWN money in the primaries.
I cant wait to see the “Mail Call” fund get the money this week. Lets get those redactors working overtime! (Do we have to pay extra for that too?)
😉
Palins fungus raiser is at 21% (after 6 days)…
Celtic Dive bypassed that number before the end of day two.
Wonder how Palin will run for office? Don’t you need like 50 mill just to get the White House racing started?
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
zyggy “I don’t have a hubby so I gave 20.00 =)”
LOL!!! You can have mine. I’ll give you $20 to take him and donate another $20 to Diva.
________________________
I’ll see your $40.00, throw mine into the pot (someone who obsesses about golf take him please), and raise you $40.00.
I tossed in $50.00 yesterday and I consider it money well spent!
My favorite thing that CD is working on is the artic kat scam that gino and her “Kindergarten Crew” are trying to pull off!
The deal where gino says she can’t reveal the dollar amount of the graft due to “It’s a secret”!
Ya gotta love it!!
My money says it’s not a secret for long!!
Re: Sarah’s frequent references to our military – she learned that from John McCain. Did you know he was a P.O.W.?
My 15yr. old son and his buddies could do it for a lot less , and faster also.too.
@ not that sarah
Just email Celtic Diva through her link after Monday when she returns from set-netting and she will happily set you up with an avatar of your choice! Just let her know what blog name you use there and she’ll match with your email address to assign a lovely Celtic avatar. It’s one of her small ways of saying THANK YOU for the support!
There is an Ombudsman in Alaska, but unfortunately, they work for the State. They wouldn’t be long for their job if they took up the cause.
Even if the e-mails are redacted, this situation won’t go unnoticed with Alaskan public and eventually national news. The state’s charge, whether $65,000 or even $5,000, for forking over public records is pure malicious interference. Does Alaska have an Ombudsman? Or any type of Office that mediates for taxpayers that have a beef against municipal or state officials?
Am trying to figure out how Linda can get answers before having to pay these thieves for tracking e-mails. Are there any non-profit lawyers that would investigate? Just wondering.
the problem child Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
@zyggy, you know she has to have known from day 1!
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sorry, I wrote it wrong, what I meant was once Diva hands over the money and the request goes through, I would like to hear Palin’s comments that the emails will be shared for sure.
OK, boys and girls, time to pony up!
How much are these progressive blogs worth to you? Priceless, right?
This is our chance to SHOW – not just SAY – how much these folks mean to us. Separate yourself from some green stuff. How much? Well, a movie for 2 these days is $20 and you won’t get nearly the laughs nor information you get from these blogs. The total donated is already at about 20% of what’s needed – it took C4P 5 (or is it 6?) days to reach 20% of their goal. Our GOAL is much worthier – public information! JUST DO IT!!
http://divasblueoasis.com/
woo hoo! just donated!!
made mistake of donating before I joined, though, so I may not get to pick a cool avatar — but I’m more than thrilled with my present to myself.
I’ve posted the link to CD’s fund raising on my FB page as well, and alerted all of my liberal friends via email.
Keep up the great work, Alaskans. I’m deeply troubled by what’s going on there– seems like she is Cheney in drag, a dictator who has zero understanding or capacity for real democracy.
ps sorry about mangy typing, it’s 7 a.m. Sunday morning (when smart people are in bed)
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 11:50 AM
crystalwolf aka caligrl “I would love the hear Shannyn”
When is her show?
~~~~~~~~~
Its today@5pm AK time
http://radiotime.com/station/s_31918/Smart_Radio_700.aspx
might be a good question to email her or ask. Why does Diva have to pay for public records? These people are already supposed to be “working” for the people??? (I guess in this administration its working for GINO and if you want public records you have to pay them privately which would make them ind. contractors for you and not really public servants, then why are they on the gov payroll is Alaska Iran?)
Don’t mind me I’m extremely pissed right now!!! 😈
Remember when news organizations were quoted $15 million last year for a bunch of emails that McAllister and Perez made sure they wouldn’t even get until *after* the election, even if their forked out?
At the time, everything was all about the election. Now it seems everything in the media these days is all about Sarah Palin. The media still put her in their headlines every chance they get.
It appears Linda is going to challenge the secrecy of the Palin Administration. Getting the emails in her hot little hands is an absolutely necessary first step, like she says.
I have news organizations where I read my news and sometimes comment. So do we all. We can write emails about Linda’s efforts – and the back story – to the editors of every newspaper in the country. I’m sure they can remember the $15 million farce of last year – and we know they will publish anything at all about Sarah Palin.
We can also insert this information into comments that we make.
And we can put it on our own blogs.
pvazwindy Says:
AKM- why not a link to Shannyn’s show? maybe on the sidebar.
—
AKM usually posts a link later on Saturday to Shannyn’s show. Shannyn also posts it on her blog too. I’ve saved it in my favorites:
http://radiotime.com/station/s_31918/Smart_Radio_700.aspx
I’ve been on the Huffpo as well throwing in a comment (anything related to Palin) or a teaser as a way to link back to AKM’s story here (and provided the link )so the Huffpo readers will read this story.
Others do so as well. Post in any story that is getting a lot of comments. Huffpo has way to many readers that need to know what is happening.
They have all read AKM’s great stories and are fans as well and would come back here to get the scoop. Just saying ‘ Palin & AKMuckraker ‘ should start a buzz.
Kicked in a bit from the East side of Montana for the cause – wonder how the Gov. is doing in getting her $$ for the Legal Fee’s and repaying the Great State of AK…..
Be a darn shame if Celtic hit her mark before the Gov. hits hers……
@zyggy, you know she has to have known from day 1!
CB’s total so far is over 1,100.00, and hour ago it was 950.00. Great job everyone. I sure hope she can march in and hand them the 5,000.00 they are demanding for the emails. I would love to be a fly on the wall when Palin hears about the request. =)
Go Celtic Diva! I also donated what I can and felt wonderful doing it. She is a brave and fine Celtic Warrior! If you can’t donate, hop on over and give her a big “way to go” and thank you for her hard work! The moral support she receives is every bit as important and helpful as throwing in a few bucks!
Over in the backwoods they have to remind each other when contacting for donations to be nice and polite when soliciting. OMIGod!!! Palin has millions of supposed voters who have not donated a dime along with being snubbed by Fox.
LMAO. Celtic is LOVED RESPECTED TRUSTED with TRUE FRIENDS.
No COMPETITION!!!
while we kickin’ money divas’ way don’t forget to kick some a.k.m’s way. a.k.m. is my ‘boo’.’boo’ in the terminology of ‘my people’ means [ beloved]….love b
Gee, didn’t know God chooses side who to protect.
W/deadly Iranian protests let us be thankful for, & supportive of, U.S. Military defending OUR democracy & freedom. God protect the innocent
22 minutes ago from TwitterBerry
Can you imagine what she is like in private emails!!!
@Eric #28: Good idea to break them down into separate requests.
In the meantime, I kicked in some $$ to Diva. Hoping everyone will do the same, at any level they can. The emails to Eddie Burke and Sheila Toomey should contain absolutely nothing that they can legitimately claim is sensitive information subject to editing. If they do black out parts of them, it’ll just be more damning evidence that the feds need to come in.
AKM- why not a link to Shannyn’s show? maybe on the sidebar.
5-7 AK time
Just read latest Sarah Twitter, U.S.military defending our freedom and democracy. Well, I hope that includes Freedom of Information Act. Also, too, I didn’t think that our democracy was in any danger, unless, did we elect the wrong people in an undemocratic election?
Seriously, when we run out of topics, I would like to suggest new Tweets for Sarah, since her list is getting laughable. For example, I would like to suggest that we all eat something healthy, once a day. And, also, too, as Jane Fonda reminded us years ago in her exercise videos, “Don’t forget to breathe.”
crystalwolf aka caligrl “I would love the hear Shannyn”
When is her show?
zyggy “Okay, but don’t expect me to feed him too. =)”
Hehehehehe.
“Also, the first five hours of staff time to fill a records request are free, according to the records policy.”
If Diva made a seperate records request for each person involved rather than one covering a bunch of people she might save a lot of money.
If I recall the charge was 16 billable hours per persons email – so she should check whether that includes 5 hours free time or not. Given they are talking about billable hours it might. Worth checking though.
They seem to have a complex system in place. One would have thought that given the FOIA, all emails would be automatically copied to an FOIA folder/account which then could be easily searched.
Diva has my money!
Isabella Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 11:30 AM
zyggy “I don’t have a hubby so I gave 20.00 =)”
LOL!!! You can have mine. I’ll give you $20 to take him and donate another $20 to Diva.
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Okay, but don’t expect me to feed him too. =)
I would love the hear Shannyn talk about the lack of Sunshine in Alaska and what can be done.
Why should Diva or anyone else have to shell out 6K?
These people are already being paid by taxpayer money! And the emails will be redacted you betcha! I would be surprised if they contained more than one word and the rest blacked out.
FEDs need to come for Sa-Rah and Co!
donated $30 and urging those who are “broke” to throw in a buck or two just to show Linda our support. I also urged Diva to contact FBI and CREW re obsruction of justice, since the e-mails should be provided free or at very minimal cost (as they are in other States) per FOIA.
zyggy “I don’t have a hubby so I gave 20.00 =)”
LOL!!! You can have mine. I’ll give you $20 to take him and donate another $20 to Diva.
Sourdough Mullet @ #21
If the first 5 hours of staff time are free, with the right software the emails should be free.
Seems it’s not the first time ol’ GINO lined her pockets. Check out palingates open thread today. Interesting stuff about a lot of money the Palins allegedly took from an anonymous blogger.
I don’t have a hubby, so I gave 20.00 =)
As per the state records policy, departments that receive records requests must keep a log of those requests. It documents the date it was requested, date of completion, and I believe the cost of the records request must also be documented. That information is kept on a simple spreadsheet, and would be (well, should be, anyway…) easy and cheap to get. It’d be interesting to see what kind of charges have been paid for other electronic records – the ones Sarah isn’t trying to hide. Diva should look into that.
Also, the first five hours of staff time to fill a records request are free, according to the records policy.
http://www.touchngo.com/lglcntr/akstats/Statutes/Title40/Chapter25.htm
And … what if she used a personal account to communicate with Eddie?
I sure wish the Letterman ‘joke writers and staff ‘ knew about this story.
I am sure they would be ‘passing the hat ‘ around the office because Palin tried to slander and slime DL with her ridiculous allegations.
Bill Maher would drop a few sheckles in there as well. Bill would probably even ‘brag ‘ about it…. and make it a point to put it his ‘New Rules’.
Irishgirl “I’ll send in 20 dollars…hubby is away.”
That is what I had to do also 🙂
Wouldn’t it be precious if Diva’s fund proportionately went faster and higher than the Beg-a-thon?
I’ll send in 20 dollars…hubby is away. 🙂
Oh, shucks…maybe a scrape up a tenner, I really hope she finds some pay dirt…why would they charge so much if there was nothing there?
I’m with bubbles, broke, returning to work next week so maybe then…
And bubbles, thanks, caught you on the last post…was it my blog or just that miracle that is Borax??? 🙂
BooBooBear “That $65,000 number was nothing more than something to keep her from “purchasing” PUBLIC documents.”
This is why my first impression and humble opinion is effort & resources should be pursing the obvious attempt to out price inquiries and demand proof of what ADN & others were charged before paying any amount because as pvazwindy pointed out there will be a lot of blackouts.
I am in for $20 based on the request for consideration and friendship of this thread. I hope this pans out.
That $65,000 number was nothing more than something to keep her from “purchasing” PUBLIC documents. Amazing how that number went down when Celtic Diva pressed. If we all care that Queen Palin’s corruption is uncovered, we need to get over to http://www.divaseblueoasis.com and make sure she has the funds to get that list of emails! The tide is turning and it is obvious MegaMouth Meg is doing damage control. I think there are many stories on the verge of being revealed.
The legislature needs to pass a law- call it the – True Cost and Affordable Openness and Transparency law.
The cost accounting for this simple sounding Information Request, seems suspicious, or their system is totally out of whack, or both.
Perhaps the system should be audited by a competent neutral party.
Are there any Mudpuppies that know what such a request would cost in their own state?
How can the administration make a $60,000 “mistake”? Very suspicious! How they handle the oversight of our state budget?!
I’m in too! Go Celtic Diva!
It’s funny how under the Palin administration costs for e-mails and public records have gone up…..
If there wasn’t a change in statute there sure was a big change in policy! So much for being open and transparent and letting sun shine on the government and what they do!
I also meant to write “political nit-picking” in addition to politicing.
I think the black marker will be in use.
I love living in Alaska but seriously the politicing here is way too much! When does Palin get booted?
i am a busted valise today but when get some moohlah i’ll help….b
I’ll skip a latte or two and send some money.
I’m already in. Go Diva!
I’ll toss some money in the kitty if AKM is supporting this “Cause”.
Exciting! Can Diva secure a date for receiving copies of the emails so she doesn’t pay and then wait forever while they think about it?