Prosecutors seek up to eight years in prison for Hayes
Originally published Monday, April 28, 2008 at 12:56 p.m.
Updated Monday, April 28, 2008 at 11:53 p.m.
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Stumble It!Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to sentence Jim Hayes to up to eight years in jail and his wife to between five and six years for stealing from federal grants from 2001 and 2005.
A handful of Fairbanks residents have written to ask federal District Judge John Sedwick to show leniency, identifying Hayes as a community leader.
Prosecutors, however, wrote in court papers filed Monday that the former three-term mayor’s testimony at his trial this winter, where he denied wrongdoing, revealed “deep character issues” that should be addressed when he and wife Chris Hayes are sentenced Friday morning in Fairbanks.
“While Jim Hayes (had) no criminal record and has a long record of achievement, his actions in this case show a complete failure to take any responsibility for his own actions and a constant willingness to blame others,” the government’s pre-sentencing memo states.
In February, a jury convicted Hayes, who served nine years as mayor before stepping down in 2001, on 16 federal counts of helping to steal from federal social service grants for personal spending and to funnel money toward the South Fairbanks church he ran as pastor.
The money was part of a series of government grants awarded to the LOVE Social Services tutoring and mentoring center run by Hayes’ wife, Chris Hayes, across the street from the church. It went to help the cash-strapped Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ — which was building a new home — and for personal spending including a plasma television for Hayes’ house.
Chris Hayes pleaded guilty to two counts as part of a deal with the government prior to the former mayor’s trial.
Jim Hayes’ lawyer, Anchorage attorney John Murtagh, filed court paperwork Sunday saying Hayes’ case falls short of justifying a long prison sentence. Hayes, Murtagh said, is a college graduate who has been employed all his life, faced no criminal charges prior to the theft case and has a history of charity in the Fairbanks community.
Murtagh wrote that anything more than 33 months in jail would be excessive, noting the jury’s final decision cleared Hayes on certain counts.
“It would not be an exaggeration to say that in the universe of individuals convicted of federal felonies, the ‘characteristics’ of Jim Hayes are remarkably positive, perhaps even uniquely so,” Murtagh wrote.
Sedwick had received 22 letters from residents, including leaders from Fairbanks churches and a few former state and elected officials, through Monday vouching for Hayes’ character. Some noted his public service and other pointed to his church involvement and to the positive benefits the now-closed tutoring center had in the South Fairbanks neighborhood.
“I sincerely hope that in deciding James’ sentence, you will take into account the tremendous personal, professional and financial hardship that this case has already had on James and his family,” Andrew Lundquist, a national energy consultant and former congressional aide who said he grew up with Hayes in Fairbanks, wrote to Sedwick on April 22.
Prosecutors argue Hayes’ lengthy Feb. 4 testimony contradicted that of previous witnesses. They note he denied having a substantive role at his wife’s tutoring center despite serving as a board director and treasurer and that he had offered “incredible” and unbelievable stories to explain spending that government investigators traced from his church back to the grants.
Prosecutors alleged the couple’s money-laundering plans were often sophisticated enough to require more than one financial transfer before money was spent at the church or elsewhere. They also said Hayes and his wife abused positions of “public trust” to damage the community and, in that sense, compared their crimes to those of former state lawmakers Tom Anderson and Pete Kott, who last year were convicted of taking bribes.
Court filings indicate Chris Hayes has shown signs of depression since word surfaced of the indictment two years ago, but prosecutors wrote her condition could be addressed during a prison term.
Community Discussion
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I agree with leniency for Jim Hayes. I have always thought Jim was a wonderful person and a gentlemen. All of the good he has done outweighs this mistake in judgment. I am sure all of the embarrassment he and his family has suffered has already been punishment enough. Judy Roberson
Shouldn't the first sentence read "... when sentencing former ..."? He's already been convicted by a jury of his peers.
Also, I can see the handwriting on the wall ... as long as someone does a lot of public good, they can get off with a light sentence for stealing thousands of taxpayer dollars. (I think I see a new career move.)
By my way of thinking, those who commit crimes through misuse of their authority while in a position of power should be sentenced MORE harshly than others.
We have to be able to trust them as a community. When they misbehave, it is not just on their heads - it brings down the community as a whole. This evidences a greater damage to the common good than if a "regular" citizen committed the same crime.
Personally, I'd love to see something like automatic double sentencing for all politicians, judges, church leaders, and police officers who are convicted of crimes.
With power comes responsibility. We should insist on holding our leaders to that.
Just my opinion.
Public officials, retired or actively serving, should be held to the highest standards in my opinion. This couple made a choice and should be held accountable. Of course this is horrible situation for any family or community, but there has been a breach of trust and confidence by a prominent man and his wife in a manner that is unacceptable. In a time where corruption and fraud seems to be an everyday occurence in our political system there should be a point where people stand up and say that we won't tolerate it. Leniency should not be an option for crimes such as these. And the fact remains that there are times when good people make horrible decisions. But that decision was theirs to make and they should now be willing to face the penalty for their actions.
That is all he is getting? He is suppose to be a servant of God and he went ahead and misused all the money he was given. and now people are feeling sorry for him, and say he was a good person? Jiminy Christmas! He stole money from a church, get real people, the justice system should teach one and all this is not allowable and should be punished for a real long time.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. This whole case has been very public, and Mr. Hayes is a public figure.
If the Judge decides grant some leniency, I hope it is for the right reasons, and consistant with past and future cases. Otherwise it sets a dangerous precedent in handling the abuses of those in office.
-RK
Hayes should recieve no special considerations. He was a leech who used his authority and power to steal from the very same people that entrusted him as their spirtual leader. He and his wife are both thieves and shold recieve the same sentence as any other criminal
Jim Hayes not only misused funds he has hurt all other nonprofits by his actions. I've worked for nonprofits believe it or non it's hard to get funding from grants or private sectors. When ever anyone misues these funds the restrictions become more combursion. I want the judge to do what's right and please don't let this incident keep you from giving to worthy causes. The luxuries he spent on personal items could of went a long way in helping the people it was intended for.
I disagree with the leniency for Jim Hayes. Yes, he did do a lot of great things for the community BUT he DID also STEAL HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of dollars (MORE than $450,000.00)from the government and used them improperly!! I feel as though these people writing letters to Judge Sedwick are saying that its ok to break the law and just get a slap on the wrist- he did the crime, he should have to do the time, just like everyone else. The fact that the money they laundered was suppose to be for children, and they used it for a "cash-strapped South Fairbanks church where Hayes served as pastor" (as well as personal spending on items that included a big-screen plasma television for his home..(per ADN) is what really makes me upset about this issue. The government gave that money to them thinking it was being used for children, not a church.
Since Jim was such a prominent community member (and mayor!) I feel as though we as a community should be embarrassed that someone of this statute is being labeled as a "leader" within our community. Do we want people like this leading our community? I think not..
I am positive that they put thousands of people in jail every year even if they are depressed or if their physical health isn't the greatest-therefore I think that Jim Hayes should be put in jail and punished for what he did.
Since Jim and Chris stole as much money as they did, and went to such great lengths as they did to steal this money they obviously knew what they were doing the entire time. Fake businesses, forging signatures etc., I'm pretty sure they had a good idea of what they were doing. Therefore they should take responsibility for their actions and DO THE TIME!!
RavenPwr - one small correction: He stole from the federal government. In other words, he stole from U.S. taxpayers. He diverted some of the money he took from it's intended purpose, to help the disadvantaged, and used it instead to run his church.
When people in a place of authority do something wrong, they should be sentenced just like anyone else. Giving any leniency does nothing but give the impression that people in positions of authority or fame get off while normal folks get the shaft. Do the crime, you should have to do the time.
Get real kel2, this guy stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from us the taxpayer! He needs to do time just like any other thief.
All i know is it was just the everyday joe that did this the judge would of already thrown the book at him. He does not need or deserve any leniency he knew exactly what he was doing when he stole the money. He deserves leniency what a joke.
What is this world coming to??? Newsreader & I agree again!
I've nothing against these people, but I think it's the just tip of the ice berg that we are seeing when it comes to this type of corruption. It shouldn't be tolerated and those involved shouldn't be shown any leniency. Specially for those who have broken the public trust. I can't prove this but I think and feel there was some collusion with other non profits involved from our local area. These also should be investigated. This is just my humble opinion and I may be out of line by casting such dispersions but it's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Come on now! Let he who is without blame cast the first stone.
I don't know the Hayes', nor do I know the Church he pastored, but you are all too harsh. I really have trouble believing that he CONSPIRED to steal money from the government. I really do think that he probably thought what he was doing was OK... after all, he was using the money to help his church (at least he probably thought so). He was a man with respect in the community that just made bad choices. I really doubt he ever thought "how can I steal this money for myself... screw the government!". And his sentace should refect this. You should not spend years in prison just because you are a bad manager of money, nor should you spend years in prison for misunderstanding the rules... Otherwise half the people in Fairbanks should go to prison. You should only spend time in prison if you intentionally stole, with clear uinderstanding that you are stealing, and from all accounts that I have read, even though he was convicted, I still don't think he intended to outright steal money from the government.
Go easy on him judge.
Hiring family members, at inflated salries. Trips to the East coast. High dollar electronics. And this is just what he got caught at. What did the good citizens of Fairbanks lose while he was watching the cookie jar? I'll bet someone has wonderful stories to tell of that. He and wifey should NOT be shown leinency, they should in fact be punished harsher for the fact they broke the public trust. Mr. Bigshot, hah! Lock him up. Lock her up. They both deserve it, you know it and so do we!
OMG! I think we should be looking into what Hayes might have done when he was the mayor of our town. I dont think he just woke up one day and decided, I think I'm going to take money from the Federal Government. Once a crook always a crook. It was amazing how Shannon Park was always plowed during the winter when Hayes was mayor. Throw the book at him Judge.
This crew is out for blood today.
Do you know that scene in Butch Cassidy, where Newman starts laughing at Redford because he cant swim. "Hell, the fall will probably kill us."
3 years in prison for a man of Hayes' health and age, the complete loss of honor in a city that Hayes WAS very much honored in, and the devastation to his family and church. Hell, the fall will probably kill him.
And besides that, before this thievery, Jim Hayes did some good things in this town. That should count.
Hayes joins the Rogue's Gallery of Alaska Politics. Our boys make the gangsters down in Louisiana look honest by comparison. And why? Because for years we've looked the other way. The people calling for leniency in this case are partially to blame for why this state's politics are so absurdly corrupt. If you accept criminal behavior by elected officials, then that behavior becomes routine.
We've seen it here with local politicians busted for drunk driving, domestic violence, robbing the public till, breaking secret meetings laws, sexual harassment via the internet, and more. And that's just Fairbanks. Then there's Juneau, and of course, our fine delegation in D.C. And yet, people still defend these idiots. Who's dumber, the politicians, or the voters who keep supporting them?
Give Hayes the full sentence, just as would be done to anyone else. Then the government can finish the job by taking down Don, Ted, and Little Boy Ben. Then maybe, just maybe, we can turn the tide. But that of course depends on the voters. (If Don Young manages to get reelected this year, Alaska should have its statehood revoked.)
BillyG-do you really think that he didnt know what he was doing was wrong? I dont mean to be rude, but did you follow the case at all? He forged signatures on checks, created a fake business that he could launder money in and out of, paid for a family wedding reception, credit card bills, and other debt(per gov press release) the list could keep going. I'm not saying that he used all of this money for personal use, but I'm sure he may have used some.
Your saying just because he didn't know how to manage money properly, he shouldn't have been convicted?? He was our mayor!!! I'm pretty sure he SHOULD know what is right and wrong as well as the laws.
"You should only spend time in prison if you intentionally stole, with clear uinderstanding that you are stealing" Do you think he knew what he was doing when he filed his tax returns? Because he was convicted on 2 counts of filing false tax returns..I guess he "misunderstood" those too...
The positions of public trust require a person of great integrity. We bestow great power to people in those positions. The temptation are constant and often our only option to ensure integrity is to vote out that person (sometimes fire them). When the person is gone, often he hear something along the lines of,"Let's just move on." So in essence the penalties are minimal when a public trust has been violated. There is no realistic deterrent. Look to the legislature where extensive bipartisan corruption was blatant for twenty years. My conclusion is that a real deterrent must be in place. Give him the maximum.
Different state different newspaper. I remember an incident, where this person killed his wife and his two teen aged daughters with a shotgun. All the newspaper articles talked about how this guy was such a good guy , we should take it easy on him. Even the prosecutor said I hate to prosecute this man. I think we have too many laws. When I hear the words we are only making these laws to catch the bad guys, we will never use them against the good guys, it makes me cringe. Make all the laws you want, as long as they apply to everyone.
I cannot believe people actually feel sorry for these thieves! Would you feel the same if someone came into your house and took everything that belonged to you? Poor souls, didnt know that stealing was wrong? Too old/unhealthy, you shouldnt stay in jail? I doubt it! Although it is more distant than stealing directly from your home, they robbed taxpayers throughout the US and the children of Fairbanks. Strict rules exist for such grant money and they felt themselves bigger than rules, the law and bigger than God too. A pastor of all people understands truth, right/wrong, honesty...they are smart people and most certainly did this knowing full well it was wrong. A thief is a thief!
WHAT A JOKE.YOU PEOPLE ARE ASKING FOR A SOFT LET ME GO.I DONT BELEIVE PEOPLE SUCH STUPID ACTIONS.BUT THEN AGAIN THATS FAIRBANKS FOR YOU.I WOULD BE LOOKING AT THE PEOPLE DOING THE ASKING. CITY RATS SEEM TO BUNCH TOGETHER.
Could some of the Community Leaders that are speaking so loudly have skeletons in the closet that Mr. Hayes may have a key too?
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The justice system already reeks. Please, mete out the same sentence that someone who wasn't a "big-shot" would get!
Mr. Hayes, you are a man of faith.
Look at the bright side, your future.
You are hereby sentenced for the maximum.
To continue your ministry behind bars.
Case closed.
I happened to be acquainted with a grant writer >coffcoff< who alluded to this situation when addressing ethnicity and accountability during a seminar I had participated in. The names weren't dropped, but if you weren't oblivious you knew what was going on.
And yes, they stole from us- the community who trusted them. If the judge is lenient, I will contribute to removing that individual from the bench.
OR-- give Hayes his 3 years AND sell his house to recoup losses and put them back into the community's United Way programs, where it should've been directed.
Thou Shalt Not STEAL-- what part did they ignore?
My worthless plugged nickels.
I am sorry about the whole mess.
Sure glad my scorecard won't be on public display.
As a Christian you better not as much as put a paperclip in your pocket, if you do they will never forget it.
Judging this man for his mistakes may be easy for some of you, especially since youve already filed your taxes, eh?
To all that want leniency for Jim and Chris Hayes.
Let's make some things Crystal clear.
1. They stole a large sum of money.
2. There is no proof left in this city to prove they have done anything for anyone.
3. They spent money on the church; however, they spent a lot of money on themselves.
4. The church they left behind is broke and barely surviving.
5. The majority of the church members have left the church permanently.
6. The Hayes no longer speak to their immediate family that resides here in Fairbanks. Yes, this includes his own daughter because she testified. Oh wait, she was subpoenaed by the government.
7. They forged their own daughters name on numerous checks.
8. They paid for their son's wedding reception.
They stole from the very children they were supposed to help. These children are still in need. And to top it off, many of you want him to spend 5 minutes in jail.
Read on......
This man asked for and received a higher level of trust than the people who were fleeced. So he should be held to a higher standard for abusing that trust. This was not simple theft, or a one-time mistake. This was a systematic effort to steal from those people to support a high-and-mighty lifestyle. He apparently fooled a lot of people. But not the feds. They have put him under the microscope and found him sorely lacking in character. Let him preach to the prisoners and in some way serve those he would probably consider beneath his dignity.
Not only is he to be scrutized more closely by us, but check this out:
James 3:1-2
.....let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things.
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How many of you feel sorry for their family? How many of you feel sorry for the other Non-profit organizations that have lost a lot of money because of Jim and Chris Hayes? How many of you feel sorry for the Parham legacy they destroyed?
Congress intends to do away with earmarks because of people like them. The children these earmarks may have helped will ultimately end up at your house while you're at work. Yes, your house, my house too.
Chris and Jim are supposedly poor in health; however, the last time they were at church, they were yelling at people. Matter of fact, Chris put her cane down and yelled at Elders of the church like they were a pack of dogs because they said Jim needed to "step down". Let's see, was that on the news too? You bet!
Are they sick, or sick because they were caught? You know that sick to your stomach feeling you had as a kid when you knew you were in trouble...Smile. Their sickness is just longer because they don't want to go to jail.
Stealing is stealing in the eyes of man and God. God says obey the laws of the land. Jim stated numerous times, from the pulpit, "I never wanted to be the pastor and I'm only doing it because Elder Parham asked me to". You see, he never wanted to be in the church anyway.
For each time he spewed this statement, I cringed. Now, Fairbanks is cringing due to embarrassment.
Everyone should be treated equal in life. What did they do that was so positive that we should ignore the penalty of law when it is broken?
Lastly, Jim Hayes was voted into power primarily by white people (not enough black voters to make him Mayor). So, I was literally shocked when the trial was set to begin because... Jim and his lawyer stated they want to eliminate racial discrimination from the jury pool. That means, we don't want anyone that dislikes black people. let's see now, the very people that brought him into power are the same people he didn't want to judge him.
READ people. If you are going to judge him, read about the crimes completely. All of this information is in the newsminer. All of this information was provided during the trial.
Are you ready to judge him now?
Will you feel sorry for them when one of the youth they were supposed to help steals your car with your child in the back seat?
I will not judge them because the courts will. According to law, all people should be treated equally and fairly. The truth came out and so shall the sentence. Equally and fairly, what a novel idea.
God is in charge and God has the last word!
Truth!
I have news for them. They both are headed for prison. The prosecutors are asking for a very reasonable amount of time for this level of betrayal. Not jail, mind you, but prison. As in, don't drop the soap, prison. The good thing is that he won't be in danger personally, and he will have plenty of opportunity to help others in there. As will she. They may yet redeem themselves and become the true Christians people seem to think they already are.
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They stole from the federal government!
They stole from the tax payers!
And the closest people they stole from are the very ones asking for leniency?
If they had stolen the money right out of their (those seeking leniency) bank accounts I doubt they would feel the same way!
If a man who is entrusted with the spending of our money misuses that trust, should he not pay the consequences? I believe that a leader who leads both religiously and socially should be held to a higher standard. It is shameful that this guy calls himself a Christian and disgraces the name of Christ with his lies and theft.
I believe Clint Eastwood said it best in Unforgiven......"Deserves got nothing to do with it"
Three years for $450,000? Where do I sign up?
Dont forget the tar and feathers.
Did you reread the updated article?
Andrew Lundquist is probably a good guy to have on your side; he's become pretty influential behind the scenes.
He was Frank Murkowski's right-hand-man for years in DC, and an arrogant...person.
As usual, from that he is now a big dog back east with his hands in the energy pie big time.
I know from experience that his interests back in the day were entirely self-serving.
Curmudgeon, I totally agree. That is what I was trying to say before. This crap goes on, "town fathers," self-annointed or otherwise, labor to benefit themselves and their buddies, and life in Fairbanks goes on with the status-quo well entrenched.
Give the man 20 years, he peddled and laundered over $3 million from the Gov't. Stop with the ol he was a good man. Good men don't rob, steal and lie, especially if was a Man of God, preacher. He did the crime and tried to pass the blame on wife, so he should get a double portion, that's what is due him, have him research his bible, pastors should get a double portion. so 18 to 20 sounds about right.
Would someone please tell me where the REST of the money went ? Has anyone came foward and said the were helped by Love.... what ever? Did anyone ever actualy see children in the so called " tutoring and mentoring center" I dont think so because the whole thing was a "FRAUD: from the start.
22 letters from "pastors, and elected officials, did anyone check the post marks on those letters? HOw many came for a prison ? Think of "all that Jim did for the comunity" every time you pay your utlity bill. I have know Jim longer than most people, what did he do before he became a "preacher" ask the people that knew him then, that will show his true colors. 20 years would be about right..
I think a sentence of 8 years is too much for a white collar crime of this nature. Let's get past the emotions of a local nature and look at true justice. I've read in this very paper of criminals convicted of manslaughter, armed robbery, and theft of millions of dollars in ponzi schemes that received less than 8 years. I think a sentence of 6 years with 3 suspended is more appropriate. Wouldn't you agree?
Jim and his thieving wife should go to prison longer. How can him and his wife not admit to their wrong doing and thievery. How horrible. I can only hope the two of them are out on the street asking for handouts from the people they stole our tax dollars from. I hope to find Jim and his wife sleeping in a card board box under a bridge on south cushman in the near future!
Embarrassment over what they did is not punishment! Set an example with these 2, and maybe someone will learn from it.
There are people I have been waiting to hear from back in the day when Hayes was mayor. The main one I'd like to hear is Mike Pulice. I bet he could tell us a lot worse then what we are hearing here.
He also made the religious community look bad. Not only his church, but all of them.
Oh well, I think we all know church is just about money anymore. All a tithe does is make your pastor rich....So, really, he had been stealing all along. Sorry, but I've heard 1 too many preachers brag about what their members have bought for them.
OMG is right. They think they are good ppl but come on. If it were you or me, we would get the book slammed at us. Jim didn't do anything as far as I am concern to the City of Fairbanks. He sold us out when he sold the utilities. Now ppl are complaining of higher electric, water n sewer n phone bills. WELL THANKS JIM HAYES FOR THAT. He's a preacher, well he should be ashamed of himself. He's a fake n so is Chris. I can't believe what they have done. Chris getting her daughter n nephew involved, WELL SHAME ON YOU.
I hope the judge does us all a favor n give the punishment they deserve. Forget the letter's supporting them. They are probably ppl who listen to him every sunday at church.
Judge, I hope you do the right thing. When you do sentence them you sentence them the years n don't take any off.
hey JUDGE do us all a favor and set an example of these two low life pieces of fecal matter....I can only hope their family members that participated in their thievery find themselves used and abused in life as they have done to so many people in our community....Make them ROT!
who's got a fork.i think the hayes pie in the sky is done.
I was told by some of the people who submitted letters, they want to recall them. They stated they didn't mind sending in letters; however, they felt they were wronged when Jim Hayes stated after the trial, "I didn't do a thing" in front of his church body. Unfortunately, these letters will be read and considered in his sentencing.
Jim and Chris Hayes, I hope it was worth it to blame your nephew, Church Deacons, forge your daughters signature on several checks, take your son to London, quit talking to your own family, destroy the church and reputation your own father built, and pay your tithes with government money. Yes, they paid their tithes with the money. It's all in the court documents. I think that's a "Super Sin". You are horrible people.
The truth is now your reality check. Cash that!
Truth
Three successful terms as Mayor, 30 plus years of successful public service, serving the community, helping those in need against the last "recent" 4 yrs of abuse of funds, in which Jim Hayes had no prior history of anti-social behavior by far out weighs against the "evil" position some of the comments seemingly place him in.
I do not view this man as the "whipping boy". The punishment shoud fit the crime; in fashioning his sentence the court has a duty to look at his past record well. 33 months is more then enough certainly given his age and prospects of rehabilitation.
Society should not give up on this one time offender who has given so much to the community; and can continue to do so in the future.
From the past year, we have all seen the corruption in Alaska Politics.
This is just another member of the "Corrupt Bastards" in Juneau.
- I would give him 4 years with 2 years suspended. 2 years in a Federal penitentiary would be no walk in the park. Good luck Jim.
Remember: your only bad if you get caught.
This man and his wife stole from the Federal Government PERIOD. He was the Mayor of Fairbanks. He new what he was doing was wrong. He would of never received these grants if it wasn't for his political connections. He should also be punished for giving away all of the Fairbanks utilities. He basically gave that away. It is now worth over $100+ million. I think a Federal prison for 10 years should give him time to think about what he did. I hope he has a gentle cell mate.(ha)
"district Judge John Sedwick" Remember that name. It's not what you know it's who you know. My guess is that he will get a slap on the wrist and the judge will be watching the superbowl on his new plasma TV next winter.
Sure, he WAS a great leader, but even if the sentence was shorter...I don't know if I'd want him involved in community events. There's really no more trust to have with someone who steals thousands of dollars for personal agendas. Maybe he could get a job in the movie theater tearing ticket stubs or something, if paroled.
I believe the sentence given was definitely fair, though, especially when looking at the amount, the lies he told, and the duration of time it took. This wasn't just a one time pinch. It also serves as a deterrence for those still in power today, of what could happen... Well, what could happen if they were caught, anyway.
OK, my last posting was removed (potentially libelous?), so I'll just summarize: history has shown that if you are in with the right people in this town, you won't pay the same price for your misdeeds as Joe Sixpack does. If the Hayeses get treated with kid gloves, we will know that this is still the case. The question is, how long do we, the people, put up with it? The reason our "leaders" keep getting away with more than they should is because we allow it to happen. On the state level the culprits are finally getting what they deserve. Let us demand that the same applies in our little town. Enough is enough. Good people don't suddenly turn bad. Bad people do a good job of fooling others into believing that they are good. It's called a smokescreen.
Burke,
Obviously, you are out of touch with right and wrong. They broke the law. Your wisdom says it's alright to spend the money illegally if nobody is watching. Where the heck is trust? We the government, we the children, trust you to use the money for children.
GOD does not tolerate stealing. You cannot say, oh, it's ok because it was used for the church. Heck, I go to the church where some of the money was illegally used. Stealing is stealing no matter what the reason.
Is it ok if I am visiting you and take $100 out of your purse? According to you, it should be fair game if YOU are not monitoring it.
Get back to reality. BTW, we should simply have them pay back a portion of the money and let them go free? I'm a good person that has not committed any crimes too. If I knew I could steal $450,000 and get nothing more than a slap on my wrist (heck, you can slap my face too), I'll be in line with everyone else waiting to steal my portion.
Have you committed a crime? Do you think you will be busted soon? Are you hoping we will remember your message and feel sorry when you are convicted?
GOD commands us to obey the laws of the land. There is nothing written about hanging scarlet letters around peoples neck. Can you remember the woman who was turned into salt by God for failing to do what God said?
Are you Jim Hayes Girlfriend???
Truth
Different editor today.
We wouldn't want to mention names or actions of our fearless leaders--especially when they happen to be FACTS that apparently some don't want the people to remember.
I said nothing libelious, off topic, vulgar, or against the user rules as far as I can tell.
Curmudgeon you are correct about being in with the "right people" in this town, and indeed, state. Nepotism, quid-pro-quo...it's all here.
Except, how can we be allowing it when we don't know about it? Then if and when we find out, there is little we can do because, well, as you and I said, the "right people" hold the cards.
I think few believe people those at the state level are getting what they deserve. As has been pointed out above, just who got caught and for what they could get pinned with.
burke, i agree that politicians and administrators (bureaucrats) should be more closely scrutinized and held accountable. For example, Ted Stevens and his money-getting for his son's and his son's business partner (Stevens' former aide).
It still doesn't excuse what the Hayes' did, or justify a sentence that would be less than what a regular Joe without a past record would get.
Never, ever, in a million years did I ever think I'd say this, but for once--at least on Alaska corruption issues--I'm glad the Feds are here.
"There is no man so good, who, were he to submit all his thoughts and actions to the laws, would not deserve hanging 10 times in his life".- Michel de Montaigne, French Philospher (1533-1592).
I disagree with Sherry 29. For this man, the embarrassment IS enough. His whole life as he knew it is gone. He has already received a life sentence.
Corinne, I have to agree with you about being glad for federal intrusion in this case, as well as the trials of officials in Juneau. It probably is the mere tip of the iceberg, but it's also a start. Alaskan citizens, as well as the state courts, have a long record of refusing to fight the corruption that has run rampant in this state for decades. If the feds will do what we won't, more power to them.
I, too, have been appalled as I've watched local officials get away with actions I would be prosecuted for. Our state judiciary is in severe need of an overhaul. There should be one standard of justice to which everyone is held to. I don't support excessive punishment for elected officials, but letting them off (as has happened more than once here in town) is likewise unacceptable.
I'm hoping our current governor will take steps to repair this situation. She's willing to stand up to the old boys, and the state government has plenty of houses that need cleaning.
The House in DC needs cleaning as well, and I look forward to voting for Sean Parnell in the upcoming primary. For once I'll feel like I'm voting for someone for our lone representative, rather than merely casting a futile vote against the one in office.
We can only hope that since it's federal court instead of state, the judge will do the right thing.
The buddy system in the state courts does need scrutiny. I have experienced it first-hand as a "victim" (I still don't like that word), and as the representative of the other victims of the crime perpetrated (and continuing) against us.
I do not agree with election of judges, though. Too much politics in that. Bad plan.
However, better coverage of the judges, and more complete coverage of more than just the titillating and/or sensationalized cases by the media would help.
Then, putting the judges on the ballot for retention more often might help.
At any rate, as with so many issues, unless one works for the "right" agency, the "right" non-profit, has the "right" connections, etc., it is very difficult to be seriously considered in this town and state even when one has rational, sound, and valid suggestions/ideas. Even if they aren't "radical."
Editor, this may be a bit off-topic, but to many of us, that is part of the wonderfulness of this excellent forum.
As Imusuallyright said the other day:
"We're always off topic to some degree."
This persons deceptive ways have finally caught up to him. I've known Jimmy since he and his mother came to Fairbanks in the early 1950's he was 9 and I was 10 he deserves every day he gets plus resitution. I know Jimmy Hayes to be a cheat, a sneak, liar, bully and thief and now to try to blame all of this on your wife and others, how about taking a look at youself. You finally got caugth Jimmy, Justice has truly been served.
Emerlon
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