Sen. Stevens talks at Job Corps, doesn’t discuss criminal charges

By Michael Rovito
Frontiersman

PALMER — In town Thursday, U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens answered one question about his upcoming federal corruption trial before being whisked away by his staff as more trial related questions were being asked.

Stevens had given a speech to students and staff at the Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer, talking about what he does as a senator and giving an update on priority actions he’s working on, said John Douglas, the center’s business and community liaison. Students also asked prepared questions on subjects ranging from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to some of his most memorable moments in nearly 40 years in the U.S. Senate.

No questions were asked during his time with Job Corps staff and students about Stevens’ recent indictment, Douglas said.

Stevens recently pleaded not guilty to seven counts of failing to disclose home repairs and gifts worth more than $250,000 from former VECO oil services company CEO Bill Allen.

Douglas said Stevens called at the last minute to say he would stop by to take part in assemblies that had already featured U.S. House Rep. Don Young and U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, who also spoke to students and staff about their jobs.

Besides his stop at Job Corps, Stevens said he was in the Mat-Su Valley Thursday to see the coal-bed methane operation near Four Corners in Wasilla and do some campaigning, among other activities.

“Just traveling,” he said.

Asked after his appearance at Job Corps whether he felt confident or not about his trial being moved to Alaska, Stevens said it’s largely out of his hands.

“We have no way of knowing,” he said.

Another question about the trial was cut short after a man traveling with Stevens interrupted and helped Stevens into the passenger side of a black Durango.

Since the indictment was handed down last week, Stevens has maintained his innocence. His lawyers have been trying to get a federal judge to move the trial, scheduled to begin Sept. 24, to Alaska so Stevens won’t miss campaign time in the state.