Dunleavy administration silent on leadership of Permanent Fund

Ethan Schutt’s four-year term on the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation board of trustees, one of the most important positions in Alaska, expired Monday.

There’s been no word from Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s publicity office about whether he has reappointed Schutt or replaced him. His publicity man has refused to reply to multiple requests for information.

Schutt, who is executive vice president of the Bristol Bay Native Corporation and its general counsel, says he has heard not a word from Dunleavy. This is not the right way to treat anyone, let alone someone who has served on a major state board in a responsible manner.

Perhaps Dunleavy is still looking within the circle of political supporters he relies upon for almost every appointment. State law says a trustee has to have “recognized competence and wide experience in finance, investments, or other business management-related fields.”:

On Monday, Dunleavy did announce that July is BBQ month and he encourages “all Alaskans to appreciate the friendships and festivities that can take place around barbecues all over the state.”

Dunleavy also announced that July is ATV safety month and he encourages “Alaskans of all ages and skill levels to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and travel by equipping themselves with proper safety equipment and information.”

But nothing about a key policy position in managing the largest source of state revenue.

State law gives the governor the power to appoint all the trustees of the Permanent Fund. No legislative confirmation is required. The law requires that the revenue commissioner serve as a trustee, along with one other department head.

In addition to those two employees of the governor, there are four “public” members.

Jason Brune, a former Dunleavy employee, is one of the public members. Craig Richards, who has a contract as Dunleavy’s statehood defense coordinator/consultant, is another public member.

Gabrielle Rubenstein, the daughter of billionaire David Rubenstein and Alice Rogoff, is a public member. Dunleavy recruited her to serve on the board. She did not apply.

The fourth public member was Schutt, the chairman of the trustees.

Rubenstein, a political ally of Dunleavy’s, privately told staff members of the corporation in February that Dunleavy would not reappoint Schutt for a second term on the trustees.

“Trustee Rubenstein told me that I should know that Chair Schutt will not be reappointed by the governor when his term is up this June,” Frampton wrote in an internal email later leaked to the Alaska Landmine.

The corporation later released the documents in response to a public records request.

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