Two controversial holdover appointees from the Murkowski administration have ignored Gov. Sarah Palin's advice that they step down. They should listen to her advice. She's right and they are wrong.

University of Alaska Regent Jim Hayes is under federal indictment for theft and money laundering. He is accused of diverting federal grant funds for personal use. The governor told Mr. Hayes she thought he should resign from the Board of Regents, for the good of the university. He declined.

And the governor also asked Ron Somerville, controversial chair of the state Game Board, to resign from the board, or at least to step aside as chair. Gov. Palin tried twice to convince Mr. Somerville to resign, according to her press secretary, and twice Mr. Somerville said no. She asked him to step down as chair. He said no.

Mr. Somerville last October had the extremely poor judgment to make hurtful and insensitive comments about Natives and beer while chairing a board meeting. He later said he didn't mean to offend anyone, and was merely trying to break the tension at the meeting.

Mr. Somerville's comments showed he lacks the judgment to serve on or chair the Game Board. Mr. Hayes' 92-count indictment shows he lacks the judgment and the public's confidence to serve on the university Board of Regents. The governor's advice that they step down shows she has better judgment than both of them. Too bad they declined.

BOTTOM LINE: We hope the governor perseveres.

-- Matt Zencey

http://www.adn.com/opinion/view/story/8608983p-8501554c.html