Legislature(2019 - 2020)BUTROVICH 205
04/02/2019 03:30 PM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
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| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
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| += | SJR 5 | TELECONFERENCED | |
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE STATE AFFAIRS STANDING COMMITTEE
April 2, 2019
3:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mike Shower, Chair
Senator John Coghill, Vice Chair
Senator Lora Reinbold
Senator Peter Micciche
Senator Scott Kawasaki
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Alaska Police Standards Council
Stephen Dutra - North Pole
Burke Waldron - Bethel
Rebecca Hamon - King Salmon
Joseph White - Ketchikan
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Kathleen Frederick - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Alaska Public Offices Commission
Rick Stillie - Delta Junction
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
Alaska Parole Board
Edie Grunwald - Palmer
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5
Proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska
relating to the Alaska permanent fund and the permanent fund
dividend.
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record.
WITNESS REGISTER
JOSEPH WHITE, Chief of Police; Appointee
Alaska Police Standards Council
Department of Public Safety
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Police
Standards Council.
STEVE DUTRA, Chief of Police; Appointee
Alaska Police Standards Council
Department of Public Safety
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Police
Standards Council.
BURKE WALDRON, Chief of Police; Appointee
Alaska Police Standards Council
Department of Public Safety
Bethel, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Police
Standards Council.
REBECCA HAMON, Appointee
Alaska Police Standards Council
Department of Public Safety
King Salmon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Police
Standards Council.
KATHLEEN FREDERICK, Appointee
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Office of Administrative Hearings
Department of Administration
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee as the Chief
Administrative Law Judge.
RICK STILLIE, Appointee
Alaska Public Offices Commission
Department of Administration
Delta Junction
Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Public
Offices Commission.
VICKI JO KENNEDY, representing self
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Mr. Stillie Jr. to the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
EDITH M. GRUNWALD, Appointee
State Board of Parole
Department of Corrections
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the State Board of
Parole.
ROGER BRANSON, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Edith Grunwald to the State Board of Parole.
CAROLINE PORTER, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Edith Grunwald to the State Board of Parole.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:33:35 PM
CHAIR MIKE SHOWER called the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Reinbold, Kawasaki, Micciche, and Chair
Shower. Senator Coghill arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
Police Standards Council
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Alaska Public Offices Commission
State Board of Parole
3:34:14 PM
CHAIR SHOWER announced the only order of business would be
governor appointments to boards and commissions. He asked Joseph
White to tell the committee about his interest in serving and
what he brings to the Police Standards Council.
3:34:54 PM
JOSEPH WHITE, Appointee, Police Standards Council, Department of
Corrections and Chief of Police, Ketchikan, stated that he
started his law enforcement career in Ketchikan in 1996 as a
patrol officer. He worked in most of the positions in the
department and in 2017 he assumed the role of chief of police.
The two primary functions of the council are to maintain high
standards for law enforcement officers in Alaska and assisting
with training of those officers. These functions go hand-in-
hand. The council plays a strong part in finding the right
people, ensuring they are well trained, and keeping people in
these positions. He said he brings almost 23 years in law
enforcement experience to the council and he's been involved in
multiple disciplinary actions ranging from counseling sessions
to terminations. He believes in progressive discipline, a strong
team atmosphere, and fair treatment. He's been involved in three
meetings since he was appointed and has seen that everyone takes
the time to listen to all sides of the issue before coming to a
fair and consistent outcome. He offered his belief that the work
the council does is crucial to law enforcement in Alaska.
3:38:13 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI thanked him for his service. He asked why
recruitment is such a big issue for law enforcement.
CHIEF WHITE listed the tiered retirement system, compensation
that hasn't kept up with salaries in the Lower 48, and
negativity associated with law enforcement in the Lower 48 that
has influenced the profession. In years past at least 75 percent
of recruits were local and that's not the way it is anymore. The
recruiting philosophy has also changed over time. Instead of
looking for 20-year officers KPD now is happy to find a 5-year
officer. He said the world, technology, and the workforce has
changed, and the police profession has declined as a preferred
profession.
SENATOR REINBOLD commented on his robust resume. She asked if he
believes that Senate Bill 91 has had an impact on morale for law
enforcement.
CHIEF WHITE said he believes it generally has had an effect and
it's been frustrating for his officers, but he didn't know if
specific people in his department left because of that bill. He
acknowledged that it's more difficult to provide a good service
when certain offenders repeatedly victimize members of the
community.
SENATOR REINBOLD highlighted the large morale problems within
the Anchorage Police Department (APD) because of Senate Bill 91.
She then asked what role he plays in wildlife management,
specifically bears in the community.
CHIEF WHITE said his community has to deal with black bears that
get into trash every summer and it's very time consuming. They
have worked with the Department of Fish and Game and a limited
amount with the Alaska State Troopers but it would be nice to
have more collaboration. He doesn't believe Ketchikan is unique
in having this problem; it seems to be nationwide.
SENATOR REINBOLD clarified she was asking what he believes his
role is in wildlife management. She asked if he will consider
public safety first and help develop a plan for dealing with
nuisance animals.
CHIEF WHITE said absolutely; if a group gets together to try and
deal with public safety associated with nuisance bears, he'd be
on board with those dialogs.
3:48:58 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated support for Chief White. He asked if the
current training provided by the Alaska Police Standards Council
involves proper hazing and dispatching of nuisance wildlife.
CHIEF WHITE said he didn't believe that is part of the standard
academy training but new KPD officers do receive in-house
training to deal with nuisance bears. Officers are trained to
use shotguns loaded with beanbags and trapping techniques but
bears will be dispatched if they become a public safety issue,
he said.
SENATOR MICCICHE asked if his participation on the council has
been active and supportive of the mission and why he wants to
continue.
CHIEF WHITE said he's proud to be on the council that does work
that is necessary to maintaining high standards and providing
guidance for all law enforcement officers in the state.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what the requirements are for APSC
certification for an officer or trooper to have full arrest
powers.
3:54:05 PM
CHIEF WHITE replied the individual must be 21 years old, have a
high school diploma or equivalent, and no background of domestic
violence. There are also drug test qualifications and some
crimes may preclude entry.
CHAIR SHOWER asked how the lack of APSC certification would
impact the ability to access certain sensitive information in
APSIN [Alaska Public Safety Information Network], for example.
CHIEF WHITE said it would make it difficult.
CHAIR SHOWER asked who signs the APSC certificates and does that
person need to be certified.
CHIEF WHITE said he believes the council director signs the
certificates.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what internal policies exist to keep the
council focused and doing things the right way.
CHIEF WHITE said the meetings are open to the public and the
director does a great job of keeping things confidential when it
should be and disseminating information to the public when it's
appropriate.
3:56:29 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony after determining that no
one wished to comment on the appointment of Chief White to the
Police Standards Council.
CHAIR SHOWER asked Stephen Dutra to tell the committee about his
interest in serving and what he brings to the Police Standards
Council.
3:57:28 PM
STEVE DUTRA, Appointee, Alaska Police Standards Council,
Department of Public Safety and Chief of Police, North Pole,
said he has a lot to offer to the council. He has over 23 years
of experience in law enforcement, he's worked in rural Alaska,
has served on the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police for
some time, and he's been the council since May. He started his
career as a line officer and has worked up through the ranks to
the chief of police. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal
justice and communication and he holds an instructor's
certificate in ethics. He has a firm grasp on what it takes to
be a police officer and the standards that are required. He has
a level head and will be able to analyze the cases that come
before the council. He's been involved in legislative issues
that affect the city and believes he'll be a good fit for the
council.
SENATOR REINBOLD emphasized the importance of public safety,
including wildlife management. She asked if he's been part of
the effort to put victims first and to shine a light on the
concerns associated with the 2016 criminal justice reform.
CHIEF DUTRA confirmed that he actively opposed Senate Bill 91.
SENATOR REINBOLD thanked him and expressed hope that he wouldn't
give up the fight.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what the requirements are for APSC
certification that a police officer or state trooper would need
for arrest powers.
CHIEF DUTRA listed a U.S. citizen, 21 years of age, and a high
school diploma or GED. A person has arrest authority once they
meet the basic requirements and are sworn in.
CHAIR SHOWER asked how it would impact a person's ability to
access sensitive information like APSIN without APSC
certification.
CHIEF DUTRA answered it would be very difficult.
CHAIR SHOWER asked how the council holds itself to a high
standard internally and how he would ensure those standards are
upheld.
CHIEF DUTRA replied the individuals on the council have
impeccable credentials and he can't imagine that any one person
could influence the group. His experience so far is that the
conversations and debate about what is ethical and moral have
been stimulating.
CHAIR SHOWER asked who signs the APSC certificate authorizing
arrest powers and does that person need to be certified.
CHIEF DUTRA said the director signs the certificate and he/she
does not need to be certified.
4:02:52 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony after determining that no
one wished to comment on the appointment of Chief Dutra to the
Police Standards Council.
4:03:29 PM
CHAIR SHOWER asked Burke Waldron to tell the committee his
interest in serving and what he brings to the Alaska Police
Standards Council.
4:03:42 PM
BURKE WALDRON, Appointee, Alaska Police Standards Council, and
Chief of Police, Bethel, stated that he started his law
enforcement career in 1990 as a state trooper and then a
wildlife trooper. He worked up through the ranks with DPS and
retired in 2015 as a detachment commander. He returned to law
enforcement in 2016 to become the chief of police in Bethel.
Over the course of his career he has held field and command
staff positions. He brings a broad spectrum of experience to the
council. He supports the council's efforts to maintain high
ethical and moral standards and training for officers. He echoed
the sentiments of the two previous speakers.
SENATOR REINBOLD asked if he will commit to work on education
and standards for wildlife management and control to reduce
dangerous encounters.
CHIEF WALDRON said he has lots of experience with this
complicated issue. Three different agencies potentially have
significant responsibility for public safety and management of
wildlife and these agencies must interact with one another. He
related his experience that the agencies have done a good job of
focusing primarily on public safety.
SENATOR REINBOLD asked if he will work with the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to establish standards for
quick response to wildlife that are posing a danger to the
public within the city limits.
CHIEF WALDRON answered yes.
4:08:40 PM
CHAIR SHOWER asked if financial credit is a factor in somebody
receiving APSC certification.
CHIEF WALDRON said he didn't believe so but most agencies
consider an applicants' credit history in their hiring
decisions.
CHAIR SHOWER asked if there was more to receiving APSC
certification than just meeting the minimum qualifications.
CHIEF WALDRON replied the minimum qualifications are outlined in
13 AAC [Title 13 Alaska Administrative Code] but many agencies
have higher standards.
4:10:29 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony on the appointment of Chief
Waldron to the Alaska Police Standards Council after discerning
that nobody wished to comment.
CHAIR SHOWER asked Rebecca Hamon to tell the committee about her
interest in serving on the Police Standards Council.
4:11:05 PM
SENATOR COGHILL joined the committee.
4:11:12 PM
REBECCA HAMON, Appointee, Alaska Police Standards Council,
Department of Public Safety, King Salmon, related that, if
approved, this will be her third term on the council. Initially
she was asked to serve to provide the victim advocate
perspective because of her work as a victim advocate for
domestic violence and sexual assault, both as a team member with
law enforcement and other agencies and one-on-one. She said the
last eight years have been informative and helped her see law
enforcement from a different perspective. Conversely, she has
been working in the villages in the Naknek Court region to
restore trust in law enforcement. She feels she is a good fit on
the council.
SENATOR REINBOLD reviewed Ms. Hamon's resume, highlighted her
focus on victims, and emphasized that many people in the
legislature stand ready to help if she identifies needed
resources and red flags. She asked Ms. Hamon if there was
anything she'd like to highlight today.
4:16:07 PM
CHAIR SHOWER noted that the connection was lost.
He asked Kathleen Frederick to tell the committee about her
interest in the position of chief administrative law judge.
4:16:55 PM
KATHLEEN FREDERICK, Appointee, Chief Administrative Law Judge,
Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), Department of
Administration, Palmer, related that if approved this will be
her second term in this capacity. Her experience includes over
30 years as an attorney, primarily doing civil law including
administrative law. Her Martindale-Hubbell attorney rating is
AV, which is the highest possible for lawyers. The work she did
managing a small law firm is directly related to her work as
chief administrative law judge because OAH primarily funds
itself on its billings.
MS. FREDERICK said she was first appointed to the position of
chief administrative law judge in 2014. The duties for this
position, which are outlined in AS 44.64.020, principally are to
supervise the Office of Administrative Hearings. This is an
independent agency domiciled in the Department of Administration
that provides adjudication and mediation services for the
Executive Branch as well as state related entities,
municipalities, and school districts.
She described herself as goal oriented and focused on cost-
savings and efficiencies. During her first term some of the
accomplishments include selecting and installing a new paperless
case management system, eliminating the case backlog, and
avoiding overdue cases for the first time since 2005. Over the
last few years OAH has also implemented a fast-track mediation
program for Medicaid services cases that resulted in a
substantial savings to the state in both hearing and program
costs. The program won a Denali award for cost savings
initiatives in 2016. Eighty-three percent of Medicaid services
cases sent to that program resolve in a one hour mediation
conducted by a contract mediator for a fraction of the cost of
what they would cost if they went to a hearing and decision.
Importantly, it has reduced the average time from case referral
to closure from 67.5 days to 36.2 days. She highlighted that
Medicaid services cases comprise about 40 percent of the OAH
docket.
MS. FREDERICK reported that OAH also started offering
adjudication/mediation services to municipalities, state related
entities, and school districts which it is authorized to do by
statute. These entities pay the normal OAH hourly rate but they
have benefited from reduced costs and economies of scale. She
said the foregoing were accomplishments in her first term. She
feels she is a good fit for the position because of her
administration, civil litigation background and private law firm
management experience, which directly translates to this job.
She has had five years' experience with the job so she's up to
speed and can "hit the deck running." She feels honored to serve
in this position and hopes to continue
4:23:52 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD thanked her for serving. She expressed
appreciation for the efficiencies Ms. Frederick found and
implemented and wished her well.
CHAIR SHOWER asked her to discuss the procedure for citizens to
get relief if they feel their appeal has been delayed for an
unreasonable length of time.
MS. FREDERICK explained that when a decision is appealed the
agency is supposed to refer those cases to OAH within a week.
Those cases are assigned to a judge and put on a schedule that
ranges from 20 days to 120 days depending on the type of case.
In some circumstances and at the request of the parties, the
case is delayed but the overall goal is to meet those deadlines.
She noted the possibility of extensions to the deadline.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what agencies do not allow their
administrative appeals to be handled by OAH.
MS. FREDERICK said the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) currently refers special education cases to a
pool of four hearing officers, just two of which are at OAH. She
acknowledged that there may be others.
CHAIR SHOWER asked what the typical cost is for an agency that
uses OAH.
MS. FREDERICK said it varies widely, but mediation is fairly
reasonable. If the case goes to decision, the average cost is
about $1,300 a case. The most expensive case she's seen had a
cost of about $17,000.
4:28:08 PM
CHAIR SHOWER found nobody who wished to comment on the
reappointment of Kathleen Frederick to the position of chief
administrative law judge and he closed public testimony.
4:28:27 PM
CHAIR SHOWER thanked Ms. Frederickson and returned attention to
Rebecca Hamon.
4:28:47 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD asked if she would like to shine a light on a
particular issue in rural Alaska.
MS. HAMON said she'd like to highlight two things. First is that
some of the most remote villages have no police presence
whatsoever. They also have some of the worst weather and it can
take up to four days to get law enforcement to the village to
respond to a crime. She said it's not uncommon for the victim to
be ostracized by the community for speaking up. She said she has
worked with some very capable village police officers (VPOs) and
village public safety officers (VPSOs) and she would like to see
more young people moving into those roles in their villages. She
noted that it is disheartening to hear about those programs
being cut. She said she'd also like to shine a light on the way
cases are handled. She said she's worked hours supporting a
victim and trying to get justice only to have the cases either
dismissed or the charges reduced and the perpetrator is back in
the village very quickly. A lot of time is also spent dealing
with the fallout in the family because of reporting or working
to keep the victim safe. She commented on the difficulties
associated with the lack of resources in villages.
SENATOR REINBOLD thanked her for the very good answer and
suggested she put it in writing and send it to the committee.
4:33:17 PM
CHAIR SHOWER found no one who wished to comment on the
appointment of Rebecca Hamon to the Alaska Police Standards
Council and he closed public testimony.
He asked Richard Stillie, Jr. to tell the committee about his
interest in serving on the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
4:33:57 PM
RICK STILLIE, JR., Appointee, Alaska Public Offices Commission
(APOC), Delta Junction, described APOC as an important
commission and said he believes in its mission to encourage
public confidence in elected officials. Having confidence and
transparency in government is paramount to a free society, he
said. Transparency starts with campaigns, elections, and
appointments. He said he believes he has a lot to contribute to
APOC whose cause he believes in.
MR. STILLIE described the contract work he's done since 2004 on
a federal installation. He works with Federal Acquisition
Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations
(DFAR) on a daily basis to ensure his areas of responsibility
are in compliance with those regulations.
He disclosed that he became an active member of the Republican
Party starting in 2008-2009. He has held a variety of positions
in the party, but he resigned when he was appointed as an APOC
commissioner. He noted that one of the positions he held was to
track rules and complaints or interpretations in a fair even-
handed manner, which is similar to the expectations of APOC. He
said it's also important to note that he is familiar with the
APOC process and he understands the challenges associated with
reporting financial disclosures. He opined that it helps to
understand what the challenges filers may face, particularly the
first time. He doesn't want the fear of filing to be a detriment
to seeking office. He said he has participated in one APOC
meeting and was impressed with the current staff. He is honored
to have this opportunity to serve.
4:40:39 PM
SENATOR KAWASAKI read AS 15.13.02(b) that describes the
composition of APOC.
(b) The governor shall appoint two members of each of
the two political parties whose candidate for governor
received the highest number of votes in the most
recent preceding general election at which a governor
was elected. The two appointees from each of these two
parties shall be chosen from a list of four names to
be submitted by the central committee of each party.
He asked Mr. Stillie if he was one of the four names the two
central committees submitted to the governor for consideration.
MR. STILLIE, JR. responded, "Yes sir, as far as I'm aware."
SENATOR KAWASAKI more specifically stated the same question.
MR. STILLIE, JR said he wasn't part of the process; he was
informed that his name was on the list that was submitted to the
Governor.
SENATOR KAWASAKI expressed appreciation that he recounted his
history with the party. He then asked if he said he'd adhered to
Sec. 15.13.020(e)(1)-(5) that lists the things a member of the
commission may not do during their tenure.
MR. STILLIE, JR. answered yes. He added that he understands he
may no longer be part of any campaign, an officer of a political
party, make any contributions for or against a candidate or
anything that appears on a ballot. He shared that his wife is
delighted.
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked if the record is correct that he was
appointed January 16, 2019.
MR. STILLIE, JR. said he didn't know the exact date but that was
the timeframe.
SENATOR KAWASAKI asked his reasoning for having filed a group
registration on behalf of the District 9 Republican Party three
days after January 16, 2019 when he was aware of the
prohibitions for members of APOC.
MR. STILLIE, JR. explained that once he knew he would be
appointed he contacted APOC for guidance on how to back out of
his involvement with the APOC as an entity that is required to
report to the commission. At that time the District 9 members
passed their reporting responsibilities to the state party. That
was the end of any reporting or party actions from District 9.
SENATOR REINBOLD thanked him for being willing to serve and
encouraged him to investigate any red flags. She also asked if
he would look into initiating an anonymous reporting system.
MR. STILLIE, JR. said he'd be glad to look at that. He offered
his personal experience that the APOC staff makes every attempt
to answer questions and address concerns about the process to
file a complaint. Noting that statutory changes are not within
APOC's scope, he offered his belief that the commissioners would
be willing to work with the legislature on those issues.
4:47:18 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD highlighted her personal experience with the
time-consuming and difficult process to file an APOC complaint.
She said she doesn't support mandatory reporting of red flags
but she does support establishing a path for anonymous reporting
or a process for bringing issues forward for investigation.
CHAIR SHOWER asked if he was aware of any issues with APOC and
if he had any ideas for improvements.
MR. STILLIE, JR. responded that he believes the statutes could
be updated to reflect current operations, but he would rely on
staff and legal counsel for guidance.
CHAIR SHOWER asked that he continue to look for efficiencies and
accountability.
4:51:11 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD highlighted that she's seeing people in the
capitol who are lobbying more than 10 hours and don't appear to
be registered. She described it as alarming and something APOC
should be aware of.
SENATOR KAWASAKI summarized some of the duties of APOC and
emphasized the importance of having commissioners who respect
and will dispatch the laws regardless of their personal
feelings. He asked Mr. Stillie if he believes the following
postings on his Facebook account are true and factual: A
February 5 posting states that, "Islam has never propagated
peace and love." and a posting a couple of days later says,
"While there may be peaceful Muslims, their religion is based on
hate."
4:53:15 PM
MR. STILLIE, JR. acknowledged that he has personal beliefs and
questioned the relevance of the question since he has the right
to free speech. He stressed that very few of his Facebook
postings are political and he has stopped that type of posting
since he was appointed.
He stated his belief that there are many peace-loving Muslims
but that there is a global movement to implement Sharia law,
"which really is not what any of us stand for in a lot of their
viewpoints with the way that they treat women and such." He said
he wasn't afraid to say that for the record but he wanted to
clarify that he will not make any APOC decisions based on his
personal opinions, beliefs, or disagreements with anyone.
CHAIR SHOWER said it's important to know how to separate one's
personal opinions from following the laws as written.
4:56:41 PM
CHAIR SHOWER opened public testimony on the appointment of Mr.
Stillie to the Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC).
4:57:07 PM
VICKI JO KENNEDY, representing self, Kodiak, stated opposition
to the appointment of Mr. Stillie to the Alaska Public Offices
Commission. She shared that her impression has been that there
are problems with this appointment and what she just heard is
confirmation. She offered her personal opinion that he is not
trustworthy.
4:58:25 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony on Mr. Stillie.
He asked Edith Grunwald to tell the committee about her interest
in serving on the State Board of Parole.
4:59:07 PM
EDITH M. GRUNWALD, Appointee, State Board of Parole, Department
of Corrections, Anchorage, stated that she believes she is a
good candidate for this board because she is a good team member
and has leadership skills. She spent 31 years in the military,
most of which was as an officer in the Air National Guard. Her
appointment started March 1 and she has been looking at the
statutes and codes and attending meetings since she was asked to
serve. She noted that she became familiar with the justice
system a little more than two years ago because of her son's
case. After doing some research on the parole board she
determined it would be a good fit with her skillset. She has
effective interviewing skills and has conducted hearings during
her career. She has masters' degrees in national strategies and
business administration. She understands the need for the
trades, the need for inmates to have a skillset, and the
importance of the parole board networking with other agencies to
help and provide services to inmates prior to and after their
release so they have a better chance for successful reentry.
5:02:56 PM
SENATOR REINBOLD thanked her for being willing to serve and for
her advocacy for victims and defendants.
SENATOR COGHILL thanked her for her service to the country and
state. He asked how she has prepared herself for this role given
her entry into the criminal justice system as a result of what
happened to her son.
MS. GRUNWALD said it can be challenging at times but she's
objective and has the capacity and resiliency to work toward
finding some good and some balance between the victim and
offender struggle that's going on nationally.
SENATOR COGHILL expressed support and thanked her for being
willing to serve.
SENATOR KAWASAKI thanked her for being willing to serve. He read
the selection criteria for board members under Sec. 33.16.030(a)
and asked if she's able to do this.
(a) The governor shall appoint board members on the
basis of their qualifications to make decisions that
are compatible with the welfare of the community and
of individual offenders. The governor shall appoint
members who are able to consider the character and
background of offenders and the circumstances under
which offenses were committed.
MS. GRUNWALD answered yes; that will probably be one of the
easier parts of the job for her. She is understanding yet
objective and has learned a lot from the professionals who are
already serving on the board.
SENATOR KAWASAKI read paragraphs (6) and (7) of Sec. 33.16.060.
and asked if she'd thought about any recommendations to enhance
the parole board's efficiency and efficacy.
(6) recommend to the governor and the legislature
changes in the law administered by the board;
(7) recommend to the governor or the commissioner
changes in the practices of the department and of
other departments of the executive branch necessary to
facilitate the purposes and practices of parole;
MS. GRUNWALD answered no, but what she's learned so far is that
Alaska has a fairly efficient practice. What she will be
watching are the parole practices established by Senate Bill 91.
Prior to the criminal justice reform the board had to justify
why they would release an individual and the current practice is
to justify why they are keeping the individual in jail. She
characterized that as "backwards."
SENATOR KAWASAKI mentioned pending legislation that would
elevate the role of the parole board and expressed hope about
improving the processes.
5:11:36 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE expressed appreciation for her service to the
country and thanked her for committing five years to the State
Board of Parole. He said he's followed what she's been doing the
last couple of years and even though she's a parent in mourning
he's found her responses to be centered and reasonable.
CHAIR SHOWER expressed support and appreciation as a long-time
acquaintance.
5:12:43 PM
CHAIR SHOWER opened public testimony on the appointment of Edith
Grunwald to the State Board of Parole.
5:12:54 PM
ROGER BRANSON, representing self, Wasilla, stated that people
who are unable to see injustice in small things should expect to
be blind to the injustice in large things. He told the committee
that six Alaskans lost their lives the day that David Grunwald
was murdered. He said he would argue that Mr. Grunwald was the
most fortunate, but only those who worship a loving and merciful
God could grasp that as reality. He talked about the current
culture and the state letting these young men down by not
providing them with age-appropriate activities.
He asked the committee to allow Ms. Grunwald the space to heal
by not confirming her to a position on the State Board of
Parole.
5:15:14 PM
CAROLINE PORTER, representing self, Palmer, said she is calling
in support of the appointment of Edith Grunwald to the State
Board of Parole. She knows Ms. Grunwald to be honorable,
respectful, and fair. She will approach the position with the
fairness that is expected and if she interjects her personal
experience it will be to make a positive impact. "I can't
imagine you not confirming her to this position."
5:16:43 PM
CHAIR SHOWER closed public testimony.
5:16:58 PM
CHAIR SHOWER stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate State Affairs Standing Committee reviewed the following
and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session
for consideration:
Alaska Police Standards Council
Stephen Dutra - North Pole
Burke Waldron - Bethel
Rebecca Hamon - King Salmon
Joseph White - Ketchikan
Chief Administrative Law Judge
Kathleen Frederick - Anchorage
Alaska Public Offices Commission
Rick Stillie - Delta Junction
Alaska Parole Board
Edie Grunwald - Palmer
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
5:18:09 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Shower adjourned the Senate State Affairs Standing
Committee meeting at 5:18 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SSTA OFFICIAL AGENDA MEMO.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
agenda |
| STA Police Standards Council - Dutra Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
Stephen Dutra - resume |
| STA Police Standards Council - Waldron Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
Burke Waldron - resume |
| STA Police Standards Council - White Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
joseph white - resume |
| STA Police Standards Council - Hamon Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
Rebecca hamon resume |
| STA Chief Admin Law Judge - Frederick Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
kathleen frederick resume |
| STA Public Offices Commission - Stillie Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
rick stillie resume |
| STA Parole Board - Grunwald Resume.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
Edie grunwald resume |
| SJR 5 Transmittal Letter.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM SSTA 4/4/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 5 |
| SJR 5 version A.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM SSTA 4/4/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 5 |
| SJR 5 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM SSTA 4/4/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 5 |
| SJR 5 Fiscal Note GOV-DOE.pdf |
SJUD 4/8/2019 1:30:00 PM SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM SSTA 4/4/2019 1:30:00 PM |
SJR 5 |
| Rick Stillie - final APOC report 01-19-19.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
rick stillie final apoc report 01-19-19 |
| Stillie Oath of Office.pdf |
SSTA 4/2/2019 3:30:00 PM |
rick stillie oath of office |