She is thrifty, maybe not perfect

The following is my knowledge, could be wrong.

There are three 'big cities' in Alaska.

Anchorage area (Including Wasilla, Palmer), total population about 400k.

Fairbanks/NorthPole, about 90k.

Juneau (about 35k). Juneau is the state capital, but there are also a lot of government branches in Anchorage.

Overall, my personal feeling is she is thrifty.
1. She sold the business jet (bought by her predecessor), Alaska Governor needs plane to travel within state, the governor used to have propellor planes, her predecessor bought a 20-year old jet. After she was elected, she sold that jet, stick to the propeller airplane;

2. She drove to work from home Wasilla to Anchorage, without chaufer.

Another reason for her to work at home is, in Alaska, there have been disputes for long time on whether the State Capital should be in Juneau or in a place like Wasilla. She is probably in favor of Wasilla (or Willow).

Whether she should claim per diem, I do not know.