LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Feb. 17, 2005

IN DEFENSE OF ALASKA:
Monday Lt. Gen. Howie Chandler, Commander of the Alaska Command, briefed me regarding the evolving role of the military in Alaska. In addition to the traditional active duty military, we discussed how the Coast Guard, Reserves and Army and Air National Guards have become a more critical part of our total force structure. The next day, I joined former colleagues at a hearing before the Joint Armed Services Committee of the Legislature. General Chandler and Brig. Gen. Craig Christensen, from the Alaska Army National Guard, gave an in-depth briefing and responded to questions.

BIG VALLEY LEAVES BIG VOID:
On Sunday I was in Kodiak to participate in a memorial service for the captain and crew of the F/V Big Valley, lost in the Bering Sea last month. The vessel was well known in Kodiak. The captain and crew are missed and were appropriately honored. Senator Gary Stevens and Representative Gabrielle LeDoux presented an “In Memoriam” citation from the Legislature and a men’s trio from St. Innocent’s Academy sang a beautiful Italian aria and other music.

LEGISLATURE ACTS:
I have been in Juneau all week working with legislators to advance legislation affecting my office functions, including Senate Bill 62, a supplemental appropriation for the Division of Elections; SB 76 and HB 94, which deal with a variety of election matters. I am focused on protecting voter privacy, while fixing election law. SB 72 and HB 97 update Alaska’s notary public law and improve services to Alaska’s 12,000 notaries and the businesses which employ notaries. The notary statutes haven’t been updated in more than 40 years.

HONORING A HEROINE:
Yesterday I was a keynote speaker at the Native Issues Forum, sponsored by Tlingit and Haida Central Council. The event coincided with Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, honoring a courageous and determined Tlingit civil rights leader on the anniversary of the signing of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.

HEAD START AWARDS:
On Tuesday evening I visited with Alaska Head Start directors, staff, parents and friends at Centennial Hall in Juneau. I had the pleasure of honoring Sarah Keunzli who recently retired after 22 years as the director of the Tanana Chiefs Conference Head Start Program. Congratulations to all award recipients.

OFFERING HOPE:
This afternoon I met with staff and residents from the Mary Magdalene Home Alaska, a non-profit, faith-based organization providing a network of spiritual, mental and physical care to help women leave a life of prostitution. Our therapeutic court and their ministry are providing a valuable service in helping reclaim lives.

GLENN HACKNEY, “NEVER BETTER”:
I read this recent column by Dermot Cole in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner with interest. My friends former Alaska Senator Glenn Hackney and his wife Esther are great Alaskans. They continue to contribute much to their community after more than 50 years in our State.

CITIZENS COME CALLING:
One of my favorite times, both as a legislator and now as Lieutenant Governor, is to meet with citizens who come all the way to Juneau to observe government in action and state their opinions. This week University of Alaska student leaders; members of the Civil Air Patrol; participants in the ConocoPhillips Civic Action Program (CAP); representatives of Future Farmers of America (FFA); members of the Alaska Professional Design Council and board members and staff of electric utilities were among visitors to my Capitol office.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tomorrow morning I visit the Veteran’s Outpatient Facility in Anchorage to thank the veterans for their service. In the evening I will present awards at the Air Force Awards Ceremony at Elmendorf AFB. Carolyn and I will serve at the Volunteers of America chili feed Saturday morning before heading to Kenai in the evening for a Lincoln Day dinner.