Letter to the editor

Critical Information about Alaska's Grand Juries

To the editor:

In 1985, while serving in the Alaska State Senate, I witnessed firsthand the power of the Alaska's grand jury system. A Juneau grand jury called the State Senate into a special session to consider impeachment statement proceedings against Governor William Sheffield. The allegations were serious - that the governor had improperly steered a $10 Million state lease to a campaign contributor and then provided false testimony to the grand jury. Does that opportunity still existed? Currently the Court System has adopted Criminal Rule 6.1 in effect, this rule severely restricted the ability of grand juries to investigate and publicly report on misconduct of public officials. Since the adoption of Rule 6.1 grand jury investigations into public corruption have been virtually nonexistent. Those grand jury investigations which are clearly outline in the State of Alaska Constitution. The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended, Constitution is clear . Are you concerned? I am. I am asking State Attorney Cox to act.

Will you join me in the fight against this violation to our State Constitution?

Edna DeVries,

Candidate for Alaska governor