MAYOR'S REPORT

Mayor George Wuerch
Anchorage, AK
Feb. 7, 2003

City on heightened alert status-new citizen call-in number in place

Following reports from National Intelligence sources, that the Al-Qaeda terrorist network maintains an ongoing interest in attacking the United States, the new Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General ordered that Federal, State and Local agencies heighten their alert status from elevated level (Yellow) to a high level (Orange) of security.

Responding, the Municipality of Anchorage has implemented several increased security measures and put in place a new 24-hour citizen call-in number to report any suspicious or questionable sightings. That number is 565-8600. Please do not call this number for emergencies, dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

While we are on heightened alert, there is no cause for panic. Citizens should continue with their regularly scheduled events, vacations and every-day routine. Anchorage is the most prepared city in the nation. To fight terrorism, our best defense will be our combined eyes and ears helping to report any suspicious activity.

Astronauts remembered

On Wednesday, at the Veterans' Memorial on the Park Strip, the Anchorage Firefighters Honor Guard raised the city's Park Strip flag to full-staff in honor of the seven Astronauts who lost their lives this past weekend. Rabbi Yosef Y. Greenberg, Reverend Connie Jones and I said a few words in observance of the men and women aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia who will always be remembered as heroes.

Muni website wins award

In its sixth year of recognizing outstanding web sites, MuniNet Guide & Review has selected Anchorage as one of its sixteen "Top Picks" among government web sites in the country. The City's site at www.muni.org was cited for online services such as property tax payments, account information, and its Yahoo-like main page that organizes information by category. MuniNet also touted the featured links, which highlight unique or notable pages within the site, such as the interactive Bus Route Generator.

Emergency Property Locators

Michelle Forman with the Eagle River volunteer group, Emergency Property Locators (EPL), says that their house number sign Give-Away Program in the area is already helping emergency responders. Michelle told us that a South Fork volunteer fireman called to thank her group for their work because an emergency call to a house on Riverview was easily located due to the improved signage in the area. Chugiak/Eagle River residents can call 688-3755 to reach EPL if they would like the group to install a free house number sign at their residence.

MUNIversity

Next week's MUNIversity program will focus on the Department of Health and Human Services. This department oversees a wide range of aspects of community health and wellness including clean air and water, safe food, immunizations, and family planning. Find out how local government is administering these programs, where the funding comes from, and what kind of impact these programs can make on crime, domestic violence, disease, literacy and welfare dependency. The program is at the Loussac Library, noon - 1pm on Tuesday, Feb 11. These free, lunchtime lectures are designed to inform the public about how their local government works. For more information visit here.

To RSVP call 343-6114.

Please be ALERT and AWARE,