LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Mar. 3, 2005

COMBATING HOMELESSNESS:
On Tuesday I joined fellow members of the Alaska Interagency Council on Homelessness in Juneau to review our draft report. A primary focus is on housing stock availability, but also includes financial counseling and work opportunities. According to an Alaska Housing Finance Corporation survey, 3500 Alaskans are experiencing homelessness. The charge of the Council is to develop strategies to address this challenge. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft report at our next meeting in early May. The final report will go to the Governor by June 30.

SALUTING THE MILITARY:
Last week was Military Appreciation Week, which culminated with the Salute to the Military on Friday at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. This event, organized by the Armed Services YMCA, annually highlights Alaska’s strong support for our military community. Carolyn and I were joined by Mrs. Alaska Whitney Brewster, my deputy chief of staff, and her husband David. During the award ceremony, Whitney escorted Eric Przbylski, Army Serviceman of the Year. I congratulate Eric and all the award winners.

ENGINEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
On Saturday I spoke at the Engineers Week banquet in Juneau on the theme of how engineers “Make a world of difference.” I noted the role of engineers in developing Alaska throughout our history. I also noted the presence of engineer and former Speaker of the House Joe Hayes who has been an important influence on my life. In good news for academics, UAA will soon offer mechanical, electrical and computer systems engineering. The new program will help meet growing needs in Alaska and will likely double enrollment in the school's engineering program. It will be a boost to engineering students who want to study in Anchorage.

FESTIVE FUNCTIONS:
Anchorage police chief Walt Monegan and I were guests at the first multi-church Samoan community worship service in Anchorage last Sunday afternoon. In my keynote address I talked about Alaska’s Faith-Based & Community Initiatives, the impact of Pacific Islanders in our State and the importance of community involvement. The Pacific Island people demonstrated the hospitality they are famous for and even though I did not understand the Samoan words, their music was beautiful. I followed this event with a Gospel Music Fest at Shiloh Baptist Church, hosted by the Anchorage chapter of the NAACP, led by Rev. Dr. William Greene. This service featured wonderful music, historical presentations by youth and a candlelight tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King.

VISITING WITH VETERANS:
On Monday I visited some of Alaska’s military heroes as well as staff at the Veterans’ outpatient facility in Anchorage. It was a wonderful opportunity to say, “Thank You.” This excellent facility is providing primary health care, dentistry and work counseling services to many of Alaska’s 70,000+ veterans.

COMMUNITY IS THE KEY:
This week the Key Campaign, for people experiencing disabilities, came to Juneau. I enjoyed meeting with them and their families to learn about the challenges they face. They are interested in making the delivery of services as efficient as possible, so waiting lists will be reduced. Tuesday night’s Unity Dinner at Centennial Hall was fun for all, complete with music by Lizette Stiehr and the KeyTones!

A READING CHALLENGE:
The Dr. Seuss hat wasn’t a perfect fit, but I still managed to help out Jennifer Ryznar’s 1st Grade Montessori class at Juneau’s Harborview Elementary School as they participated in the school-wide Reading Challenge. I read Cat in the Hat to the students and enjoyed a tasty cup of tea the children prepared. The class presented me with a beautiful book about Alaska’s whales.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS:
I enjoy hearing about successful results from our efforts to create opportunities for young Alaskans. This week Stephen & Jennifer Ludwig and their son Gabriel visited me to share their good news that Stephen has been accepted into rigorous pilot training for the HC-130 aircraft (commonly known as the Herc or Hercules) for the Alaska Air National Guard. Stephen formerly played hockey for the UAA Seawolves, graduated from UAA’s aviation program and has been instructing pilots.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
It is Iditarod time again! Carolyn and I will be at tonight’s opening banquet at Sullivan Arena. We will also be at the starting line Saturday. We wish safety and a fast trail to all the mushers. Tomorrow morning I will attend the Alaska Military Youth Academy graduation at Fort Richardson. On Saturday morning I will represent Governor Murkowski at the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Hotel Captain Cook. Call 566-1916 if you still need a ticket ($15). Later that evening Carolyn and I will be in Soldotna for the 2006 Kenai Peninsula Arctic Winter Games “One Year to Go” dinner and auction.