In a surprising turn of events on Thursday, the city manager and the director of Seward House learned that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will be coming to Auburn.
The Associated Press
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shown in this 2007 photo, unveiling the state's commemorative quarter, will be attending Founder's Day in Auburn on June 6.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, shown in this 2007 photo, unveiling the state's commemorative quarter, will be attending Founder's Day in Auburn on June 6.
Last week, city officials and representatives from Palin's office informed The Citizen that Palin would not be attending Founder's Day on June 6. Since March, they had been anticipating a commitment from her to attend the event, which takes place on the 50th anniversary of Alaska's statehood.
Auburn city officials announced last week that Palin turned down the invitation. A representative from the governor's office confirmed she would not attend the event, but would not disclose the reason why.
But Meghan Stapleton, one of Palin's media coordinators, who had been working on the Seward House event for Palin's office, called Mark Palesh, city manager, and Peter Wisbey, director of the Seward House, to inform them that Palin would definitely participate in Founder's Day and the fundraising event at Seward House.
“We are going to work out and announce the details of the event soon,” Stapleton said. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate Founder's Day in Auburn and to celebrate at the home of William H. Seward, who helped to put Alaska on the map.”
Stapleton said a mix-up in Palin's offices, where Founder's Day and Seward House weren't connected as the same event, created the error. She said the governor did not change her mind. Stapleton had been working all along on the Seward House event, but the inundation of requests for appearances by the governor when people heard she might be coming led to some confusion about Founder's Day.
Stapleton, who is a native Auburnian and daughter of Helene (Karpinsky) and David Stapleton, said she would also be at the event.
“We're excited that she (Palin) is able to attend the Founder's Day activity and the Seward House fundraiser in the afternoon. I'm walking on air,” Wisbey said.
He said he received the call Thursday.
“This will be a great boost of recognition and visibility to Seward House. It's my understanding that she gets thousands of invitations.”
Palin will say a few words at the fund-raiser, which is a ticketed event. She will also have a private tour of Seward House, where she can view some Alaskan items acquired by Seward.
Palesh said he only learned Thursday that Palin was actually going to come. City officials and Founder's Day organizers will have to re-focus some of their efforts on security and other aspects of the event for such a high-profile guest.
“We're absolutely thrilled she would take the time to visit the birthplace of Alaska,” Palesh said.
Ticket sales for the Seward House fund-raiser have just started and Wisbey said the event would be held in the gardens, which can hold between 400 and 500 people. General level tickets can be purchased for $100, with a $250 ticket at founder's level that will allow the ticket holder to have a photo taken with the governor as well as special access to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
People wishing to purchase tickets can call the Seward House at 252-1283. The office will be open on Saturday and Monday also.
- Staff writer Christopher Caskey contributed to this report.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
Auburn city officials announced last week that Palin turned down the invitation. A representative from the governor's office confirmed she would not attend the event, but would not disclose the reason why.
But Meghan Stapleton, one of Palin's media coordinators, who had been working on the Seward House event for Palin's office, called Mark Palesh, city manager, and Peter Wisbey, director of the Seward House, to inform them that Palin would definitely participate in Founder's Day and the fundraising event at Seward House.
“We are going to work out and announce the details of the event soon,” Stapleton said. “We are incredibly excited to celebrate Founder's Day in Auburn and to celebrate at the home of William H. Seward, who helped to put Alaska on the map.”
Stapleton said a mix-up in Palin's offices, where Founder's Day and Seward House weren't connected as the same event, created the error. She said the governor did not change her mind. Stapleton had been working all along on the Seward House event, but the inundation of requests for appearances by the governor when people heard she might be coming led to some confusion about Founder's Day.
Stapleton, who is a native Auburnian and daughter of Helene (Karpinsky) and David Stapleton, said she would also be at the event.
“We're excited that she (Palin) is able to attend the Founder's Day activity and the Seward House fundraiser in the afternoon. I'm walking on air,” Wisbey said.
He said he received the call Thursday.
“This will be a great boost of recognition and visibility to Seward House. It's my understanding that she gets thousands of invitations.”
Palin will say a few words at the fund-raiser, which is a ticketed event. She will also have a private tour of Seward House, where she can view some Alaskan items acquired by Seward.
Palesh said he only learned Thursday that Palin was actually going to come. City officials and Founder's Day organizers will have to re-focus some of their efforts on security and other aspects of the event for such a high-profile guest.
“We're absolutely thrilled she would take the time to visit the birthplace of Alaska,” Palesh said.
Ticket sales for the Seward House fund-raiser have just started and Wisbey said the event would be held in the gardens, which can hold between 400 and 500 people. General level tickets can be purchased for $100, with a $250 ticket at founder's level that will allow the ticket holder to have a photo taken with the governor as well as special access to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.
People wishing to purchase tickets can call the Seward House at 252-1283. The office will be open on Saturday and Monday also.
- Staff writer Christopher Caskey contributed to this report.
Staff writer Kathleen Barran can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 238 or kathleen.barran@lee.net
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Post your comment - click hereThere are 25 comment(s)
former resident of auburn wrote on May 23, 2009 12:56 PM:
First line of defense? Against who? The polar bears?
Well, Palin does LOVE to KILL animals (she's supposed to be pro-life???) so I guess she would be good for stopping polar bears, whales, non-whites; anyone she deems is "palin around with terrorists".
Oh, yeah, she can see Russia from her back yard--she must have Super Power Vision to see over 100 miles away. How DOES she do it?
So, you moved south--Dixiecrat country. NOW I understand why you go for someone like Palin. YOU BETCHA! "
movedsouth wrote on May 22, 2009 7:25 PM:
movedsouth wrote on May 22, 2009 7:04 PM:
cryinryan wrote on May 22, 2009 6:36 PM:
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 5:52 PM:
LOL!
CHAAAAAAAAAAARGE!!!!!! "
former resident of auburn wrote on May 22, 2009 4:54 PM:
President Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii (part of the United States of America, you know).
Well, since I don't live in Auburn anymore I guess I'll be missin' the show. Palin kinda reminds me of a truck stop waitress who doesn't know an egg from a golf ball. She'd look real nice is a fluffy pink uniform, little cap and an apron. It would match the fluff in her head... "
mai2009 wrote on May 22, 2009 4:40 PM:
" I wonder why Ms. Palin never talks about where she was born...
Are you serious...where was Hilklary Clinton born, where was Caroline Kennedy born, where was Michael Bloomberg born, where was Joe Biden born. None of these people were born in the states/cities they represent(ed). So come up with something better.
Here is one for you, where was the Great Obama born... "
cheeko wrote on May 22, 2009 4:19 PM:
Karl--- I will take you on later. "
former resident of auburn wrote on May 22, 2009 4:07 PM:
You'd think she was a native Alaskan; but she's not... "
movedsouth wrote on May 22, 2009 3:54 PM:
" beentasereed--what could I possibly protest?
How about protesting another complete IDIOT running the country?"
At least you realize who's running the country. "
sundeva007 wrote on May 22, 2009 3:54 PM:
LOL I bet you entertain alot of people on the Citizen comments! I'll be you've got quite a history of commenting on here.
Fight fair and don't bring religion into it. You make it very personal when you do so and it makes you sound a little off.
Once again, she was INVITED here. If you don't want her here take your gripe to city hall.
Thanks for the entertainment! You've made me laugh today. See you June 6th. I'm sure you'll be surprised with how many are there for the actual cause!
Don't waste your time with a reply back for me. "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 3:22 PM:
Tell me what she stands for, if not the saem theocratic-tinged delusions of a "Christian America" that ruined this country?
Tell me who she represents if not the extreme-Right wingnuts whose incompetence and ignorance gave us 8 years of Bush--and all his attendant Debt, War, and Illegal Torture?
Palin LIED and abused her power. And while I don't extend any deference to Obama--who is showing his "politician's heart" after all--Palin's Party, that of the Extreme Religious Right would finish the ruination of America that Bush and Cheney started.
She should go back to Alaska and stop embarrassing herself. She was a DESPERATE "GIFT"--a "Hail Mary pass"--to the Religious Right and the Ultra-Conservative wing of the Republican Party to try to rescue McCain's floundering campaign, and never a serious candidate. Even McCain has since thrown her under the bus. She should get the message and go back to her mukluks.
I feel sorry for people like YOU who think that she was ever more than just a "prayer" for the Repubs. Talk about poor judgment! "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 3:12 PM:
Marty--pretty weak. Must be that there isn't as much emphasis placed on grammar in those fundamentalist home schools?
Of course, if you're one of the "loonies" who stand out there on Wegman's corners, you were probably dragged out there by Mom and Pop too, and forced to stand there with a sign around your neck, wasting a beautiful summer night having to endure proselytizing your parent's agenda instead of being allowed to "be a kid".
How pathetic. Well, at least Mom could just copy the verse from the Bible onto the sign on your neck, right?
Ah yes..ain't "Religious Freedom" grand? The right to use your kids as billboards to push your silly "Endtime" delusions when it would be illegal for others to do so to advertise, say, a free coffee or doughnut. You people gotta LOVE America! "
091951 wrote on May 22, 2009 3:10 PM:
budobrubbie wrote on May 22, 2009 3:01 PM:
ornerytoo wrote on May 22, 2009 2:28 PM:
We can only hope that you enjoy your visit with us and those that can't support you in should go listen to "Um, ya know" "
beentasered wrote on May 22, 2009 2:24 PM:
http://xrl.us/betrk4
- Marty "
beentasered wrote on May 22, 2009 2:20 PM:
Hey thanks for the heads up on "perpetuate", I knew there were moderators but grammar correction too? Nice job man.
...talk about being full of yourself.....
OK, well take care and enjoy exercising your 1st amendment right on "PALIN DAY". I am sure APD will have no need to "suit up" for the protesters.
See you on the "left" of Wegman's Corners!
- Marty "
sundeva007 wrote on May 22, 2009 2:02 PM:
With all due respect... she is coming here INVITED by your city government. I do take offense to your calling supporters of what she represents to the "religious fools" that were in office. I know PLENTY of people who are strongly religious in my own family who voted Obama yet they're strongly against abortion and many other of his proposed policies and campaign promises. Yet, I don't call them religious fools for voting against their OWN religious beliefs for government policies... you should be ashamed of yourself for dragging religion into this.
I suppose you believe our country is headed in the right direction under the current administration?
I feel sorry for those that take your views Karl... and better yet... I pray for those that take your views.
Do yourself a favor on the day Palin comes to town... stay home. There will be alot more people there to support the REAL reason she is here FOUNDER'S DAY AND WILLIAM H SEWARD to care about your own foolishness.
GOD BLESS. "
chris van note wrote on May 22, 2009 1:50 PM:
It'll be funny to see your crowd, and by crowd I mean you and Murray Lynch. "
karl the 2nd wrote on May 22, 2009 12:41 PM:
Are YOU serious?!?!
How about protesting the idea of another Fundangelical theocrat in the White House?
How about protesting another complete IDIOT running the country?
How about protesting her stand on Women's Rights, Abortion and Contraception?
How about protesting her abuse of power conviction and the taxpayer money she wasted paying herself off for time spent at home as "expenses"?!
How about protesting her slaughtering of hapless wolves from a helicopter?
How about protesting her BLATANT LIES on the campaign trail about the Bridge to Nowhere and the plane she never put on eBay?
How about protesting what she represents to the religious fools who had this country for more than 8 years and managed to mess it up so royally that we might never come back?
"Perpetuate" is not an applicable word in the sentence where you attempting to use it. Please consult your dictionary, Marty.
http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=1191522683&apnum=2079052&DestType=7&Referrer%20=http://www.gifts.com/search/up_product_click/noheaders?click=9B7593EC0CCA07A80AB5C6BE95CDF3D2 "
movedsouth wrote on May 22, 2009 12:35 PM:
Citizen editors wrote on May 22, 2009 11:43 AM:
ornerytoo on 05/22/2009 09:14:46 said:
"Go Sarah
You are great. Those that don't like you can go listen the the "Ya know" girl, umm Ya know Kennedy"
movedsouth on 05/22/2009 08:26:18 said:
"I thought Palin was taking most of the stimulus money, rejecting the energy portion. I could be wrong."
genegirl59 on 05/22/2009 08:13:03 said:
"Stop the whining and negativity folks. The governor of Alaska is coming to Auburn because of its rich and wonderful history. Get the word out and use this as an opportunity to promote Auburn as a tourist attraction."
sundeva007 on 05/22/2009 08:08:33 said:
"Guess what people? If you don't like her STAY HOME. And it certainly didn't take long for the mud slinging to begin.
Just because you don't like her politics etc.. it's no reason to spread negativity. She is still the Governor of ALASKA and was INVITED to come here by our elected city officials so perhaps take a step back before letting it ruin your day! LOL
No matter who the Governor of Alaska was at this time the city would have invited him or her.
It'll be ok I promise and life for you will go on the next day."
former resident of auburn on 05/22/2009 08:01:11 said:
"Hearing this morning that Palin is the ONLY governor to NOT take the stimulus money makes me think she wants to get out of Alaska for a while and go look for 'friendly' audiences that will cheer her on.
I wonder if she'll be re-elected Alaska's governor since she doesn't seem to care about her state or people while the other 49 governors are making sure they get and use the stimulus money for their citizens. (Yes, cm, I too know how many states are in the US)"
karl the 2nd on 05/22/2009 07:37:28 said:
"There will be more local Fundangelical WHACKO's within a two-clock radius than a warm summer night on Wegman's corners.
I'm SERIOUSLY considering picketing her and her theocratic flock of sheep with a sign of my own.
Can we organize a protest?!"
cm on 05/22/2009 07:21:26 said:
"Auburn residents should look at this visit in a positive manner...
the potholes on her route to and fro will be fixed ASAP!"
cm on 05/22/2009 07:17:51 said:
"atleast SHE knows how many states there are!!!" "
Citizen editors wrote on May 22, 2009 10:21 AM:
We had an error in the story with the contact information for Seward House, and unfortunately, the program we have to use to fix mistakes forces us to essentially post a new story, which wipes out existing comments.
We'll work to get the old comments back as soon as possible.
Sorry for the inconvenience. "
beentasered wrote on May 22, 2009 10:20 AM:
Now perpetuate with your futile verbosity.
LOL. http://xrl.us/betrk4
- Marty "