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Alaska Suffers From Institutionalized CorruptionFebruary 12, 2008 9:13 AM - Posted by Ray Metcalfe Corruption in Alaska involves more than just a few bad apples. It's as institutionalized as Jim Crow laws of the 1940's.
Seward's city manager's refusal forced Ted Stevens, Trevor McCabe, and Brad Gilman to re-route their scheme through the Sealife Center where they found willing partners in a majority of the board. That's what I mean by more than just a few bad apples. Seward's City Council fired their manager for having the integrity to say no, while the Sealife Center went along to get along, even though members of both knew that Gilman, McCabe, Ben and Ted Stevens all have a history of close ties. The Seward scenario provides a snapshot of how the "Good Old Boy System" works. An image of favoritism and bribery that dominates Alaska's politics. Oil industry bribery has cost Alaskans a couple billions dollars every single year since we began pumping oil from Prudhoe Bay. Cleaning up corruption in Alaska will require leaders willing to risk retribution and play chicken with some mighty scary people. Fear of a visit from the political equivalent of the KKK causes even the honorable to fear stepping forward.
Related stories:Ray Metcalfe - Lesil McGuire lobbied and bribed Legislators still stumping for VECO Ben Stevens bribed by seafood processors - By Ray Metcalfe A Culture Club of Corrupt Bastards |
 Open honest ethical government is the most important missing ingredient in our political system. Lots of people talk about it but very few people do something about it. If you have watched the unfolding investigations, you know I had a great deal to do with it. If you elect me, I will continue to weed out corruption and bring sunshine into our government. Ray Metcalfe
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Sunday's Daily News described crooked land deals in Seward. What the Sealife story didn't say was that the city manager who refused to spend Senator Stevens' earmarks as directed was fired for his integrity.