This week on AK we face some ethical dilemmas. As a state, we’ve had our share of them lately. We’ll ponder why these ethical breaches by elected officials are cropping up in Alaska and learn how Senator Stevens’ case is being used in anti-corruption training in Africa. Plus, is it right to plough under farmland to build new subdivisions? It’s all coming up this week on AK, from APRN.
All that and more this week on AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide.
Download Audio (MP3, 60min)
Host: Scott Burton
Stevens Trial
AK’s Jessica Cochran and APRN’s Libby Casey, Interview
Senator Ted Stevens was indicted on charges that he lied on his Senate disclosure forms, on Libby Casey’s second day at work in D.C. Casey talks about what it’s been like to learn her new beat amidst this scandal.
- Music Button: “I Should Have Known Better” by the Beatles from A Hard Day’s Night
Lobbying 101
AK’s Scott Burton, Story
There may be some dishonest lobbyists out there, but there are plenty who choose to play by the rules. Scott Burton talks with Juneau lobbyist John Walsh about the right way to go about getting what you want, and with the Alaska Public Offices Commission about how they enforce the rules.
- Break: “The Old Hen” by Jim Mills from Hide Head Blues
Subdividing the Farm
AK’s Ellen Lockyer, Story
Matanuska Valley folks are increasingly worried, and increasingly split, about suburban housing development that is rapidly devouring the potato fields. The land is becoming too valuable to farm, but some farmers are hanging on.
- Music Button: “Farmers Song” by Neil Young performed live at 1993 Farm Aid Concert
Bear Problems
AK’s Jessica Cochran, story
This summer, more bears were shot around Anchorage and the Kenai than usual. Anchorage Assembly member Bill Starr thinks it may be time to start killing them, but Fish and Game researcher Sean Farley says that won’t fix anything: more bears will come. People like nature writer Bill Sherwonit think if humans adjust their behavior, we can avoid most incidents.
300 Villages
Aleknagik
Glacier View
- Break: Back Up and Push by Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys from The Essential Bill Monroe and The Monroe Brothers
International Corruption
APRN’s Annie Feidt, Story
Alaska is not alone in having to deal with unscrupulous politicians. Feidt speaks with Dr. Marcin Walecki of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in Washington, DC: he trains countries around the world to root out corruption, and he plans to use Alaska as an example.
Ethics Professor
AK’s Scott Burton, Host Interview
University of Alaska Southeast professor Dr. Jonathan Anderson mulls over political ethics issues, from campaign donations to conflict of interest.
- Music Button: “Lebanese Blond” by Theivery Corporation from Garden State (Music from the Motion Picture)
- Calendar of Events (“Puttin’ on the Ritz (Karaoke Version) by Stingray Music from Karaoke Hits – In the Style of Fred Astaire, Vol. I)
Teen Cliques
AK Contributor Rachel Kvapil, Story
The world of high school cliques is more complicated than the average person knows about, or cares about, for that matter. Kvapil speaks with young adults who can’t seem to figure out if they want to be Goths, Nerds or Wannabees. Some try all of them. [Package 4:02, 4:27 with lead]
- Closing: Don’t You (Forget about Me)” from Karaoke- 80’s Male Pop, Vol. 16
