May 23, 2009

Bob Poe says to Palin; Alaska should be your highest priority

From a Bob Poe press release:

Today Bob Poe challenged Governor Palin's recent decision to veto over $28 million in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiencies.

"Once again Governor Palin has demonstrated her narcissistic governance of Alaska by becoming the only Governor in America to reject federal stimulus funds to promote energy efficiency. These are funds that not only help stimulate a growing base of alternative energy companies in Alaska, but which would pay dividends in additional energy cost savings for many years to come."

Poe added, "This is just a cynical way for Palin to save a little face nationally in her earlier much touted stand to reject as much as 40% of the federal stimulus funds. Considering that one third of Alaska's current economy depends on federal spending, it further underlines the Governor's remarkable lack of understanding of the economic underpinnings that have helped our state avoid many of the economic difficulties currently experienced by many others."

"But perhaps the most striking aspect of this veto is to contrast it to $1,200 Palin paid out last year to every man, woman and child in Alaska for energy assistance, boosting everyone's Permanent Fund dividend to $3,200, and raising her popularity to record levels helping secure her as the Vice Presidential running mate pick with Senator John McCain. Apparently, when it suits the Governor's purpose she will happily spend Alaska's resources, and again when it meets her political needs she will reject very useful federal stimulus funds for Alaskans," Poe added.

Poe concluded, "Governor Palin's choice to veto federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency should leave no doubt in voters' minds that her highest priority is not Alaska, but her run for President in 2012."

Who is Bob Poe? from Dennis Zaki on Vimeo.