Walt Monegan spoke today at the University of Alaska, Anchorage and the link leads to a tape of the entire event. He participated in the Department of Journalism and Public Communication's monthly Brown Bag Lunch.
Mr. Monegan spoke on what he's learned over the years about the relationship between the people and their government. "Basically, what I want to talk about, and what I've been invited to speak on, is the importance of the integrity of our government and its leaders."
He discussed his appreciation of our Founding Fathers and how "the law of the land" includes an understandting that "If the government starts to become more oppressive, the citizens not only have a right but an obligation to alter or abolish the government."
Trust was his recurring theme, as he recounted his understanding of its importance through his career in public safety:
"Trust is both powerful and yet so fragile. It empowers the police to do the things they are required and requested to do and yet they have to walk a very fine line that safeguards both the citizens and their constitutional rights."
"We in the police are better schooled on being accountable and being watched than any other part of the government."
He also wanted us to understand more about him and his decisions:
"I know many of you perhaps wanted to hear about what was so well reported by the media last fall and summer. I'm telling you what I believe and I hope would provide some insight to who and what I am. I would hope there was also an understanding to the adherence of values coupled with the appreciation of that powerful yet fragile trust would give you some insight why I took the path that I chose."
Monegan is a captivating speaker, exuding a quiet strength that draws you to him. He also clearly has a depth of concern about public safety...he has so much knowledge and he wants to share it. During the questions and answers about the proposals he put forward as Commissioner regarding multi-pronged solutions to the horrendous domestic violence and sexual assault problems in Rural Alaska, he became quite animated. It was obvious to everyone that he still feels quite passionate about the issue. Not surprisingly, it turns out he's currently working with social services groups.
Do I hope that Walt's re-emergence in the public forum causes the Palin Administration concern? Yes...yes I do. Happily, there may be good reason for them to be concerned.
Monegan's first question from the audience was that the student had heard a "rumor" that Walt Monegan may be running for Mayor.
He said, "I heard that rumor too. Next question?"
The next time politics was mentioned someone wanted to know if he was running for Governor. The answer there was more interesting as he discussed how he's seen a number of political positions function and how some of them posed unique challenges. He then discussed how much he loved to dig into a challenge and then his discussion moved away from the topic.
The third question on the subject was from APRN, who first asked if Walt was going to take any action against the State on being called a "rogue" and he said "I love the State of Alaska so the answer is no." Then she asked for a firmer answer to the question about running for governor and he said he didn't want to violate the non-political requirement of speaking at UAA.
I took that as my cue and I asked the last question of the day:
There are a lot of people who support you that I'm sure have let you know and there are a number who have not let you know and they would like to see you take some prominent leadership position in the State. Is there anything you can tell them without getting specific about that happening in any form?
Walt's reply:
As long as it's not violating any rules I could honestly say that my wife and I are talking about it.
I told my husband that he couldn't stop me from signing up for THAT campaign! :D
I strongly recommend that you listen to the entire recording. At one point he spoke to the audience like they were new recruits in the Police Academy. He also shared a beautiful speech he made at last year's graduation. It's just under and hour and well worth the listen.
****UPDATE*****
More about Walt at Progressive Alaska, What Do I Know, Alaska Politics Blog and KTUU Channel 2.
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