Mat-Su legislators Wilson and Eastman reprimanded for disclosures

JUNEAU — State Sen. David Wilson (R-Wasilla) was disciplined by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday for retaliation and revealing confidential information. Those disciplinary actions include travel restrictions and a 90-day probation period, after which Wilson will be required to demonstrate his understanding of human resources policy.

The move came as a result of a press conference Wilson called back on Dec. 7 in which he defended himself against charges in the media of inappropriate behavior with a female staff member.

"Sen. Wilson's actions during a press conference on December 7, 2017, were found to be a serious case of retaliation against a legislative employee, and it was determined that he released confidential information regarding an ongoing investigation - both very disturbing transgressions," said Senator Berta Gardner (D-Anchorage). "After reading the letter that Senator Wilson was required to send to the employee taking responsibility for his actions, it is clear that he refused to fulfill the spirit of the request to acknowledge his wrongdoings, apologize, and take responsibility. Sen. Wilson also used the letter to protest that "proper mediation" had not been available, implying that the employee was part of the problem when she clearly was not."

Wilson stood by his decision to hold the press conference, in which he called for the resignation of House leader Bryce Edgmon (D-Dillingham) and rules chair Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Anchorage), and accused Edgmon of telling people he wanted Wilson to ‘hang and burn’ over the allegations. He said he is complying with the decision, though, he said, he wished the matter could be handled by an independent investigator.

Another Mat-Su legislator, on Wednesday, was disciplined by the House on similar allegations.

Rep. David Eastman (R-Wasilla), was removed from the Select Committee on Legislative Ethics after it determined he disclosed the existence of a complaint it considered confidential.

Eastman will be replaced on the committee by fellow Mat-Su representative Colleen Sullivan Leonard (R-Wasilla).