Palin replaces Native with Native

Palin names Doyon security exec to lead Public Safety

MASTERS:  He worked 20 years with Troopers, was once deputy director.Gov. Sarah Palin named Joseph Masters to head the state Department of Public Safety on Friday.

"Joe Masters brings more than two decades of Alaska law enforcement experience to the Department of Public Safety," Palin said in a press release. "Both the department and all Alaskans will be well-served by his professionalism and knowledge of all facets of the organization."

Masters, 44, had more than 20 years' experience with the department before joining Doyon Universal Services, where he is security director for petrochemical operations.And:Masters takes over the department from acting commissioner John Glass. Masters is the state's third public safety commissioner in the past two months. Chuck Kopp resigned after 14 days on the job in late July amid accusations of sexual harassment in a previous job.

Kopp succeeded Walt Monegan, whom Palin fired earlier in July. That firing is at the heart of the "Troopergate" investigation.Comment:  I wonder if any subtle stereotyping is involved in Palin's appointing two Natives to the Department of Public Safety. Maybe Natives need more public safety than other Alaskans because they're more crime-minded? Or the Department of Public Safety is a good place to put a Native because it doesn't have much power?

Below:  A schoolmarm, Miss Congeniality, or the leader of the free world?