Homeland Defense shoots down governor's aircraft request

Frontiersman editorial board

If you thought politics in Alaska were just like politics everywhere else, think again. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has plucked the wings off the purchase of a new jet that would have been primarily used to shuttle prisoners, and to carry Gov. Frank Murkowski and his staff around the state.

The $2 million jet was also to be used for homeland security purposes, increasing response times to remote areas of the state. Suzanne Mender, Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness director sent a letter of denial dated Aug. 19 essentially saying the jet was the wrong piece of equipment for the job of homeland security, and that the funds couldn't be used to purchase aircraft to shuttle the governor around the state. It sounds like a nice way of saying, "Nice try, but Homeland Security funds can't be used for boondoggles."

It's funny, because Alaskans have been saying that very thing since the jet purchase was first proposed. Apparently the misuse of funds was apparent to everyone except Public Safety Commissioner Bill Tandeske and the Murkowski administration.

We can't blame Tandeske for trying to improve his fleet, but, as is so often the case in Alaska these days, it was another case of ham-handed execution. If Public Safety needs new aircraft, there are proper ways to address that need. Misappropriating federal funds is not one of those ways. Public Safety may be disappointed at the rejection, but nobody in Alaska should be surprised.

We hope there's a plan B in place. There are still plenty of security needs in our state, and those funds are still available.

Alaska relies on shipping for critical importing and exporting of goods. The funds could be used to increase security around Alaska's ports. That doesn't mean purchasing a governor's yacht equipped with a cannon.

The pipeline runs across miles of open space. The funds could be used to increase surveillance and security of that important economic lifeline. That doesn't mean a fleet of Murkowski Hummers.

Police and fire responders across the state are short-handed and often lacking in modern equipment. The funds could be used to purchase updated equipment, provide training and other needs for these critical workers.

Would we rather have local firefighters riding around in a modern truck, or Gov. Frank Murkowski speeding around the state in a shiny jet?

Score one for the feds, and one for Alaskans.