Palin shook up 'old boy's network'

— -- Long before a legislative investigation into the firing of Alaska's public safety director began, Gov. Sarah Palin faced controversy for her management style.

Supporters — including the man who picked her to be his running mate, Republican presidential candidate John McCain — cite Palin as a leader willing to shake up the establishment. Others say she has been unnecessarily abrupt and dismissive of employees.

"Certainly, she had every right … to fire who she wants to and keep who she wants," said Irl Stambaugh, the former Wasilla police chief who was fired soon after Palin was elected mayor in 1996. "But it was not an appropriate way to handle everything."

As mayor, Palin asked department heads to resign and reapply for their jobs, said Taylor Griffin, a spokesman for the McCain campaign. She fired two department heads, including Stambaugh, and allowed others to resign — causing controversy in Wasilla, where elections are non-partisan.

Stambaugh said he was fired after having discussions with Palin to "iron out" their differences on policy issues, including a proposal that would have closed local bars before 5 a.m., which he supported and she did not.

Palin chose a replacement who agreed with her on the last-call issue and who told the Anchorage Daily News that, "I have a philosophy that every time there's a new law or new ordinance we lose a little more of our freedom."

Stambaugh filed a federal lawsuit in 1997 against Palin for wrongful termination that was dismissed.

Not afraid 'to break glass'

As governor, she has dealt with high-profile resignations since taking office in December 2006.

This past May, the head of the state Department of Health and Social Services, Karleen Jackson, resigned from Palin's administration, citing policy differences with the governor.

Democratic state Sen. Bill Wielechowski worked with Jackson on several health policy issues, including unsuccessful legislation to expand Alaska's State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).