Alaska official wants hearing, says reputation 'tarnished'

(CNN) -- The public safety director whom Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin fired in July is requesting a fact-finding hearing before the state Personnel Board.

Walter Monegan says his reputation has been "unjustifiably tarnished" by a false accusation of misconduct.

Monegan, a gubernatorial appointee, says Palin fired him because he resisted pressure to sack State Trooper Mike Wooten, who had gone through an acrimonious divorce and custody battle with Palin's sister.

The request for the hearing was filed Monday by Anchorage lawyer Jeff Feldman.

Palin already has asked the board to investigate the firing -- a move she launched after becoming Sen. John McCain's vice presidential running mate -- declaring the agency the proper legal venue for any investigation.

Findings from an investigation commissioned by Alaska's bipartisan Legislative Council were released last week. The lengthy report by former Anchorage prosecutor Stephen Branchflower says it was Palin's prerogative to dismiss Monegan, because Palin appointed him to his job. Follow a timeline of the investigation »

However, the report found that Palin unlawfully abused her authority by pressing for the dismissal of Wooten, who already had been disciplined by the State Patrol for various actions.

"There was nothing unlawful or unethical about replacing a Cabinet member," Palin said after the report was released.

While Branchflower agreed that the governor had the legal authority to fire Monegan, he also concluded that Monegan's refusal to sack Wooten was "likely a contributing factor" in his dismissal.

Documents and statements released by Palin's office show Monegan had clashed with administration officials over budget issues. In September, McCain-Palin campaign officials said Monegan was fired for "insubordination" when he continued to press for programs the governor opposed.

Monegan has said he never received a direct order to fire Wooten. But he told Branchflower that complaints from Sarah Palin's husband, Todd, and administration officials were the "central theme" of his 17-month tenure.

"So obviously, in my mind, the governor wanted me to fire Mike Wooten," he said.

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