LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
Lieutenant Governor
Juneau, AK
June 26, 2003

FBCI FORCE TAKES UP TASK:

I announced 18 members of the Faith-based and Community Initiatives Task Force on June 17 at a gathering of representatives from Anchorage churches and congregations. Scott Merriner, an administrative pastor at ChangePoint <> (formerly Grace Community Church) will serve as chairman. Names and resumes for the members from across Alaska are posted on my FBCI web page. The text of my remarks welcoming them and recognizing the good work being done by our volunteer communities is available here. If you would like to be added to the FBCI email list please email me at Lt_Governor@gov.state.ak.us and just write "FBCI" in the subject line.

TRANSPORTATION GETS MOVING:

On June 12 I was present at the Port of Anchorage as Governor Murkowski signed several bills into law. Anchorage Mayor George Weurch, Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Cowdery and Port Director and former Governor Bill Sheffield were among those attending. One of the bills was SB 213, which creates the Knik Arm Bridge and Toll Authority to advance the long-anticipated bridge between Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. With this legislation and continuing efforts of our Congressional delegation, especially Rep. Don Young as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, our State can make real progress toward this project.

BUDGET FEEDBACK:

Many Alaskans have shared constructive thoughts on Alaska's budget and the Governor's actions to preserve our Constitutional Budget Reserve. We again see that Alaskans are not shy! I have met with several civic and business groups recently to discuss the budget. You can read my comments on my website. Governor Murkowski, Budget Director Cheryl Frasca and several commissioners are also "hitting the road."

ALASKA IS A BOYS AND GIRLS STATE:

During the past two weeks I met with participants in the Boys and Girls State programs and spoke at their inauguration ceremonies near Wasilla. Sponsored by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, these programs in mock government are a valuable experience for young people. I attended the first Alaska Boys State near Glennallen many years ago and this experience was an encouragement to me to serve in elected office.

THE 210th DEPLOYS:

On June 15 I was back at Kulis Air National Guard Base in Anchorage to address and encourage members of the 210th Air Rescue Squadron, a group of achievers deploying to a location in the Middle East to support freedom. After my I spoke with them, they departed in two HC-130 aircraft. I have recently learned that they have safely arrived and are accomplishing their mission. Our hopes and prayers are with them.

Families waiting for their return have a new place to go for support--the National Guard Family Assistance Center at 505 W. Northern Lights Blvd in Anchorage. The Center will be staffed by a military chaplain, senior enlisted personnel and local volunteers.

99s HOST MODERN DAY AMELIA EARHART:

Carolyn and I joined our daughters and The Ninety-Nines <> , Alaska's chapter of a women pilots organization, at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum to meet Polly Vacher, a British pilot who is flying around the world, over both poles. This is a very unusual routing and takes incredible planning and patience. Through this effort Vacher is raising money to enable people with disabilities to be able to fly. You can go to www.worldwings.org to learn more about Vacher's organization.

STRIKING SILVER:

Last week Carolyn and I reached a major milestone in our marriage. After visiting Alyeska Resort, the site of our honeymoon, our three children surprised us with a reception attended by some of the participants and several of our friends who watched us say, "I do" at Chapel-by-the-Sea in Anchorage 25 years ago.

MATCHED WITH LOVE:

Congratulations to our staff member, Nona Wilson, on her recent engagement to Michael Love of Juneau. Nona works in my office as the special assistant for communications. Michael is the son of Frank and Diane Love of Juneau and serves our country in the Coast Guard. We wish them many years of happiness.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

On June 28 at 2:30 I meet with the United Cook Inlet Drift Association in Kenai at the Elk’s Lodge, and the following day observe our military's finest in the annual Arctic Thunder Air Show at Elmendorf AFB. On July 2 at 9:00 am at the Anchorage Marriott I will speak to the Institute for Youth Development, part of an educational conference on federal funding for faith-based and community groups, and later that day meet Yossi Amrani, the Consul General of Israel.