Comment:  Read the story below to learn why we are disappointed with Rep. Mike Doogan (NGP Photo).  It would be negligent for the Administration to prepare tax legislation without speaking with those affected–especially if it is attempting to keep those affected from abandoning investment in the state.  Butcher has obviously done his homework by saying that the administration has spoken with ‘virtually’ everyone directly affected.  If it is Doogan’s intent to create speculation that the Governor’s folks communicated inappropriately with those affected by proposed legislation, one might ask if Doogan sicked the AP on to the Administration to draw attention to his request for information.  If so, we are also concerned about AP’s credibility.  One further notes that the ADN — former employer of Doogan — chose to make Doogan’s silly inquisition a lead story after providing a balanced editorial which seemed to weigh in favor of the tax modification Doogan opposes.  -dh   

ADN and AP.  Governor Sean Parnell told The Associated Press he had no discussions with oil companies about specific provisions of the plan. He also said that to his knowledge, the legislation wasn’t shared with oil interests in advance of its public release.  His comments followed a request by state Rep. Mike Doogan, D-Anchorage, to get a list of who the administration met with, and when, as it crafted the bill.  On Thursday, Revenue Commissioner Bryan Butcher (NGP Photo) told the House Finance Committee, of which Doogan is a member, that the administration spoke with "virtually every" company operating on the oil-rich North Slope, as well as with Alaska Native groups.