LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
June 10, 2004

REMEMBERING RONALD REAGAN:
Each of us who knew him likely has a personal anecdote or story about our memory of President Ronald Reagan, who died last Saturday. He certainly made a big impression on me.

A boundless optimist, President Reagan helped us believe again in the greatness of America. I remember realizing how proud I was to be an American when he was President—and saluted the flag with extra enthusiasm. He believed in the entrepreneurial skills of the individual—and worked to encourage them. He also believed in investing in our military—and helped restore its people and equipment strength…(More of my tribute to President Reagan is on my website)

President Bush has declared Friday, June 11, as a National Day of Mourning. Governor Murkowski has also declared it a day of Mourning and Remembrance. Most Federal and State offices will be closed. Tomorrow at 10:00 am at Abbott Loop Community Church in Anchorage, friends will gather for a community memorial service. I have been asked to share brief thoughts about Ronald Reagan’s life. A condolence book is available to sign at the KENI studio at the Dimond Center from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm tomorrow, and there will be a military salute at noon at the flag in the Dimond Center parking lot.

ARRESTED IN THE GULF OF ALASKA:
On Wednesday I joined business and civic leaders for an onsite review of the Northern Edge military exercises in the Gulf of Alaska between Kodiak and Yakutat. This exercise combines Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel. We were flown from Elmendorf AFB by a Navy C2 aircraft that landed on the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis. The C2 tailhook caught the arresting wire on the very short landing strip and brought us to a sudden stop! Our catapult launch on leaving was even more impressive. This day, including climbing up and down twenty flights of stairs several times, was not for the faint-of-heart! I was very impressed with the caliber of young men and women we have in our U.S. Navy who operate this floating city of 6,000 people. Our group was able to observe the launching and recovery (landing) of several different Navy aircraft.

MILITARY APPRECIATION WEEK:
This week is Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Week, a time for the community to recognize the benefits of the military in Alaska. Tomorrow my staff and I will volunteer at the Chamber's military appreciation picnics at Elmendorf AFB and Fort Richardson. Take a moment to say thank you to the men and women who proudly serve our country.

DEVELOPING YOUNG LEADERS:
Girls State, sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, and Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, are unique training programs that teach young people the basic principles of our State government. I have been pleased to assist with both programs almost every year since I was first elected to office as a legislator. On Tuesday evening I spoke to this year’s Girls State participants at a camp near Wasilla, answered their questions and in turn listened to their campaign speeches. Next week I will assist with Boys State. Following my junior year in high school, I attended the first Alaska Boys State in 1967. I made lifetime friends and learned from notables such as then State Representative Ted Stevens and Anchorage Mayor Elmer Rasmuson. That experience helped encourage me to run for elected office.

SPECIAL SESSION SET:
Governor Murkowski announced last Friday that the special session of the Legislature will begin June 22 in Juneau. The Governor wants the Legislature to address additional fiscal issues. His proclamation also allows for consideration of a tobacco tax increase, workers’ compensation improvements and a transportation bond package.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
This weekend I am serving as a judge at the Miss Alaska Pageant. On Saturday I will also attend the 35th Special Olympics Summer Games at West High School in Anchorage. On Monday I will join the Alaska Oil and Gas Association for their annual report at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce luncheon. That evening I will speak at a community reception in Kenai for Northern Dynasty Mines. This company is proposing a major gold and copper mine at their Pebble deposit near Iliamna.