AGJA is a simple grass roots organization that seeks to grow the knowledge of taxpayers about unethical actions of our government, particularly in conjunction with the court system. Started to restore the rights of grand jurors to investigate as state in the Alaska State Constitution, AGJA is evolving into an effort to right corruption in the courts.
We seek to educate people about cases, laws and the constitution as it pertains to the protections, we are all entitled to. It is hard to pinpoint the catalyst that started this movement but surely the case of David Haeg did play a part in the formation of this group. While this fact is openly acknowledged it should be apparent to any tax paying resident of Alaska that violations of our constitution should not and cannot be tolerated.
Article I Section 8 of the State of Alaska Constitution Declaration of Rights clearly states, the power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended. Clearly there are some major issues when we have grand jurors being dismissed, told to go home, or silenced for bringing concerns about court actions up for investigation.
Unbiased oversight a failure of the system
There are many cases in Alaska that need real unbiased oversight due to what appears to be unethical actions of judges. It is this writer’s belief that actions of several judges warrant an investigation. These investigations must not be overseen by the only judicial investigator for 35 years for Alaska, Marla Greenstein. Quote from Alaska Bar Association, “Marla N. Greenstein is Executive Director of the Alaska Commission on Judicial Conduct, a position she has held since 1989.”
The Judges in question
Margaret Murphy whose perjury case was dismissed but the report issued by the grand jury has been wrongfully withheld from the public. How can I say wrongfully? Simple if the report had anything that was exculpatory in it her attorneys would have demanded its release. They would have done this to clear their client, but this has not happened. She is still suspect and should be reindicted not let off the hook for technicalities.
This grand jury report, which has been asked for by numerous parties is being stanchly withheld by Judge Matthews. He stated in his 32 page dismissal of the case only procedural errors. There was no mention of the innocence of Judge Murphy. Considering Clint Campion, the assigned special prosecutor had previously said he saw no reason to investigate Judge Murphy, there appears at the very least to be some misleading by the prosecution of the grand jury that undertook the indictment. Can anyone spell collusion?
Second you have Judge Kindred accused of having clear conflicts in over 28 cases. Judge Kindred resigned in disgrace following ethical allegations. They include sleeping with clerks and having inappropriate relations, as well as creating a hostile workplace. The irony here is that some of the proof brought in Judge Murphys case consisted of similar behavior between Judge Murphy and certain personnel who had a more than professional relationship. This may be a different court, but the crimes still meet the criteria of ethical violations.
Next you must consider Jennifer Wells. This is a judge that has dismissed a grand jury foreman for very unclear reasons, other than an attempt to stop or interfere with a grand jury investigation. This has happened more than once. Ask yourself what is the court system hiding?
Are there more?
Obviously, this article is slim and there are more details needed to entice some readers to take note. It should not be lost on anyone that something is seriously wrong. This is not a case of one man’s search for justice this is simply an effort by the people for the people to protect all the people from a corrupt and unchecked system. Don’t you think you should be asking some questions? The timeline of the Alaska Grand Jurors Association and grand jury rights is laid out clearly. The rights of investigative powers were protected under our constitution to prevent an overreach of the courts.
There is more to come and a lot to learn. What is an ethical court system worth to you? How would you ask the questions you needed to if you needed to do so? Who would you ask? Is AGJA able to help you? Are you able to contribute stories from your time as a juror, or a wronged taxpayer? Are you willing to come listen? Would you be interested in attending an informational event?
This effort for Alaska’s protections is not the only one. Nationwide we are seeing more people asking more questions. Check out POGO. Nobody is above the law and that includes courts. It is not just your right it is your duty to stand up and get involved. Your taxes pay the wages of all these individuals that sit in elected or appointed positions of power. It can happen to anyone. Again this is not one man’s vendetta or fight. The courts belong to the people. Even the state department recognizes that corruption must be combatted.
I want to leave you with this thought. What if your child was assaulted and the person who did it got off on a technicality? What would you do then? Would you get involved? What if that technicality was the fault of a judge and the only judicial investigator could not render impartial opinions after 35 years in power? Why are people willing to turn the other way from a court system that is willing to sit in judgement on their own actions?
A PENDING CASE that could affect all Alaskans
The case brought before Alaska Supreme Court by Thomas Garber begs for answers. The questions do not pertain to David Haeg, nor are they limited to any one case. The questions to be answered by the Supreme court are still being deliberated by the very court the instituted the bottleneck to prevent open grand jury investigations. It is time for Alaska to get back on track with an ethical judicial system.
