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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S REPORT
Loren Leman
GOVERNOR PUTS ON A PICNIC:
CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE:
I had a busy and enjoyable Fourth of July in Seldovia and Homer.
Naturally, parades played a big role. "Seldovia, Just Another Day in Paradise," was the theme there, and I don't disagree. Former Governor Jay Hammond and his wife Bella were very special guests. Mid-afternoon it was off by plane to Homer, where their parade started at 5:30 pm. This time I enjoyed being the Grand Marshall and riding right behind the Color Guard. Having grown up in nearby Ninilchik, I think that "Another Day in Paradise" might be applied to the whole Kenai Peninsula -- and not just on Independence Day.
STREAMLINING WORKFORCE INVESTMENT:
The Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) had its initial meeting with new board appointees on Wednesday, July 16 in Anchorage. I opened the meeting by outlining our Administration's goals for AWIB, to train people for careers, including some that are just over the horizon. The new board agreed that economic development, education, healthy communities and workforce development depend on each other for success. The most significant board business included approving the proposed plan to unify the State of Alaska’s workforce investment system into one board rather than three. To read more about AWIB and its responsibilities visit the Alaska Department of Labor
website.
DENALI COMMISSION IN THE NEWS:
The draft Denali Commission Investment Policy was recently in the news. The draft policy outlines indicators of sustainability that the Commission uses to guide investments throughout Alaska, and will allow communities to indicate how we might provide assistance under specific conditions, including natural and economic factors. We owe it to communities on the waiting lists to apply prudent judgment and community-based plans to make decisions. Public comment on the draft policy is welcome. It can be viewed online at www.denali.gov .
DAYS OF THUNDER:
Armed with earplugs and sun block, record numbers of Alaskans turned out June 28-29 for the Arctic Thunder 2003 Air Show at Elmendorf Air Force Base. It was a high-speed weekend packed with static displays, aerial acrobatics and airborne asset demonstrations. The Air Force Thunderbirds celebrated their 50th anniversary in style, roaring past the deck in their red, white and blue F-16 Fighting Falcons, reminding us who aims high -- and aims well.
ANCHORAGE CELEBRATES STANLEY CUP:
MEETING ISRAEL’S CONSUL GENERAL:
On July 2, I met with Consul General Amrani of Israel to discuss current events related to the Israeli and Palestinian peace process. I was fascinated by his first hand accounts of life in Israel and colorful stories of his homeland. We also discussed friends we have in common who now live in Alaska after emigrating from the Middle East. It was a pleasant cultural exchange and reaffirmed my hope to someday visit Israel with my family. I look forward to the Consul General's next visit to our State.
TALKING TO TAIPEI:
On July 9 I did a phone interview with ICRT Radio in Taipei, Taiwan, and had a chance to tell the Taiwanese people the importance of our mutual business and commercial relationships, and why wild Alaska salmon is so much better than farmed! I also told them to "Come to Alaska"’ in Chinese (Da jia hao. Qing dao Alaska lai!) and was informed that my pronunciation was good enough for them to understand me. They'll never know how much practicing I did.
I'VE GOT GAME:
Yesterday I played one-on-one basketball with Thurl Bailey, the 6’ 11" retired Utah Jazz player, at Ft. Richardson's Buckner Field House in front of the cadets of the Alaska Military Youth Academy. I did make a couple of baskets -- but not surprisingly had a lot of shots blocked. Thurl traveled to Alaska to coach mini basketball camps in Nome and Anchorage, emphasizing a drug-free and sober lifestyle for youths. Thank you to Thurl and his LDS Church sponsors for bringing this important message to the youth of the Last Frontier!
SELECTED FOR AN AWARD:
This morning in Juneau I received an award from United States Selective Service representatives for my work last year in passing a bill that requires eligible young men to register to receive State benefits. Charlie Smith and Gus Gonzales of Selective Service presented the handsome plaque and medal, and we spoke about the importance of young men fulfilling their obligation to register to avoid losing State and Federal employment and educational opportunities.
WHIRLWIND TOUR OF THE NORTH SLOPE:
Last Friday I joined Undersecretary of Energy Bob Card, a longtime friend and former engineering coworker, for a tour of drilling and production facilities at Kuparuk and Alpine. We also were hosted by the community of Kaktovik, adjacent to ANWR. Although clear and beautiful, it was a very windy day on the Slope. Thank you Conoco/Phillips for arranging travel and facilities tours.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
On Saturday, July 26 I am scheduled to speak to participants from the ACT-SO program at their barbecue in Anchorage. This program encourages high standards and achievement among African-American high school students. On Sunday, July 27 at 1:00 pm I will attend a Korean War Armistice Day Memorial Service at Delaney Park Strip commemorating the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended combat in which more than 136,000 Americans were killed or wounded. I will read the Governor's Proclamation, then with Colonel Charlie Huggins of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs present a wreath on behalf of the State of Alaska. At 2:00 pm I will speak at the Alaska Parents' Day Celebration and Barbecue, also at the Park Strip, and then at 6:00 pm I will speak at the Charter College commencement ceremonies at the Hotel Captain Cook. July 29 at 10:00 am it’s a fundraising brunch for Project GRAD at the Timber Wolf Lodge in Soldotna. Learn more about Project GRAD here.
At 4:00 pm that day I’ll be back in Anchorage to help celebrate the arrival of new ships and state-of-the-art facilities at the Port.
I will visit Southeast Alaska August 6-7, including a speech to the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce at noon on Wednesday, August 6, and will also be visiting Saxman and Hydaburg that day. I will attend the Metlakatla Founders' Day celebration on August 7.
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The sun and people came out for the Governor's Annual Picnic on July 19 in Anchorage. An estimated 8,000 enjoyed music and entertainment, free food and more on the Delaney Park Strip. Special events included tours of a Blackhawk helicopter. There was also a ribbon cutting ceremony for a mobile classroom designed to travel the state to teach young Alaskans about aquatic science. Protected by my favorite "Dad" apron, I dished out hot dogs and sloppy joes for three hours and enjoyed meeting lots of happy Alaskans. Thank you to those who donated time, money or materials, including Whitney Brewster and Janine Smith from my staff. Volunteers were key in making this event a success.
