LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
May 20, 2004

REMEMBERING FALLEN OFFICERS:
Last Friday was a day set aside across America to remember police and other peace officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Forty-two have died in Alaska since statehood. Governor Murkowski and I spoke at the outdoor memorial service held on the grounds of the State Museum in Juneau. I was touched by the remarks by Alisha Sell, daughter of fallen Trooper Bruce Heck.

UFFDA IN PETERSBURG:
Governor Frank and Nancy Murkowski, Commissioner Joel and Sarah Gilbertson and Carolyn and I participated in community meetings at Petersburg’s Little Norway Festival last weekend. The costumes, music and food were great. The people of Petersburg showed their wonderful Nordic hospitality and I even managed to win first place in my age group in the 4.5 mile “Lop the Loop” walking race. It pays to be getting older!

RECOGNIZING OUR ARMED FORCES:
Saturday, May 15, was Armed Forces Day. On Sunday Carolyn and I were at Clover Pass Community Church in Ketchikan for their special program to recognize our military and the many United States Coast Guard personnel who have had an essential role in protecting us. I was asked to make brief remarks recognizing our uniformed personnel and in particular, Ketchikan’s contributions to our State and nation’s security.

DIGITAL DRIVERS LICENSE No. 1:
On Monday at the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Anchorage, I helped Director Duane Bannock unveil the new Digital Drivers License, perhaps the most significant change since I got my Alaska drivers license more than 30 years ago. A bar code and security devices within the card will help prevent alteration, assist businesses, law enforcement and parents of minors. I believe in the integrity of this new card and led off in obtaining the first official new license.

CRIME DOESN’T PAY—BUT IT COSTS:
The Alaska Peace Officers Association is meeting in Juneau this week to learn about new security techniques and technology and how law enforcement agencies can better work together. I was joined by Coast Guard Admiral Jim Underwood, Juneau Mayor Bruce Botehlo, and Public Safety Commissioner Bill Tandeske when I greeted them on Wednesday.

HELPING OTHERS LEARN:
Yesterday, I visited the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) Juneau office. Their regional adult education programs provide students with basic skills instruction, GED preparation and testing, computer literacy, family literacy programs, job search assistance, and employment training programs. I presented instructor Betsy Smith with an Alaska State Community Service Award for her instructional leadership at SERRC.

MY INTERVIEW WITH RED:
The television interview I taped recently with former Lieutenant Governor and Representative Red Boucher will air on the Statewide ARCS satellite network Friday at 8:00 pm and on KUAC/Alaska One on Sunday at 4:30 pm.

FREE AT LAST:
The M/V LeConte, grounded in Peril Strait near Sitka for more than a week, has been freed from the rocks and was towed to Ketchikan for repairs. Information on the grounding and preliminary findings are available at the Alaska Marine Highway System.

MEETING MY PEERS:
I spoke to the 10th Annual North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, a group of engineers and scientists, when they convened in Anchorage on Monday. Alaska has several working mines—and several more ready to start development. Safety in mining is vitally important. Also, I spoke to the Anchorage chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers on Administration priorities and how engineers can be more involved in the public process.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
I will speak to the Lumen Christi High School graduating class this evening and to the Frontier Charter School graduates on Friday. Next Monday I will be in Talkeetna and speak at the Alaska National Guard Joint Forces Commanders' Dinner there. Next Wednesday I will attend the change of command ceremony for Alaska’s 17th Coast Guard District, as Admiral Jim Underwood gives over his Command to Admiral James Olson.