LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Dec. 1, 2005

SPIRIT OF THE SEASON:
As we begin this final month of 2005 my thoughts turn to Christmas celebrations and family. I have much to be thankful for - the health and support of my family, the many Alaskans I’ve had the opportunity to work with and that we live in a nation free of oppression. I also think of those away from home for the holidays and those less fortunate. There are so many ways we can help so I’ll mention just a few. The Salvation Army has volunteer opportunities; and many other organizations offer ways to support our military and veterans. If you are mailing packages overseas here are a few helpful tips (1, 2, 3, 4).

INTEGRITY IN GOVERNMENT:
You’ve likely heard the saying about not picking at the splinter in your friend’s eye until you deal with the “beam” in your own. I know I make mistakes and I try to learn from them. But, I can’t stay silent on this issue of personal integrity. You have likely heard that Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, R-CA, resigned from Congress after confessing to tax evasion and conspiring to take $2.4 million in bribes, including a Rolls-Royce and a yacht. You can probably cite other examples that tarnish the reputations of all who are in public service. Unethical behavior by public officials understandably erodes the trust people have in our governments. I have met and served in office with many highly principled men and women who understand that public service is a privilege that should never be abused. Alaskans deserve no less.

LEGO HOMEBUILDING:
Entrepreneurs Dave Hultquist and Mark Larson opened their Builders Choice, Inc. modular home manufacturing plant in south Anchorage, rolling out their first home this week. They expect this to revolutionize homebuilding by cutting costs and accelerating delivery - while also adding more than 100 new jobs for Alaskans. At Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, I toured their new plant and listened to construction workers describe their roles in the process. Houses manufactured in a controlled environment will be trucked in sections to prepared sites. BCI received financing through the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) and Northrim Bank.

CHARLIE CO. ON THE MOVE:
Tuesday’s deployment ceremony for Charlie Company, 84th Engineer Combat Battalion on Fort Richardson was an opportunity to meet with families and the battalion. These soldiers are well-trained and ready to return to Iraq to help with rebuilding that country. Although their mission is peace, it is also dangerous. Most of the members of this battalion are returning for a second tour in less than a year. I talked with each of them, wished them safety and expressed how much we appreciate them.

SHAREHOLDER SUCCESS:
The new Cook Inlet Tribal Council office building in east Anchorage is beautiful, but as President and CEO Gloria O’Neill agrees, their real mission is people. CITC prepares its shareholders for the workplace and addresses counseling and health care needs. On Monday evening I joined building and program partners as well as shareholders for an Open House for the new building.

KEEPING OUR ROADS SAFE:
Thanks to the police officers, State Trooper posts statewide, and the Alaska State Trooper DUI Enforcement Team for their work in the national “You Drink & Drive. You Lose” campaign. 281 DUI arrests have been made since July. Colonel Julia Grimes, Director of the Alaska State Troopers, reminds us that “holiday drinking and driving don't mix." The campaign will continue through the New Year. Alaska is one of 13 states identified to receive supplemental federal support because of high alcohol-related injuries and fatalities. Please do your part in not driving if you choose to drink alcohol - and by encouraging others to do likewise.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEON:
Longtime family friend Leon Windeler celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday at the Anchorage Senior Center. Many friends joined in wishing him another great year!

FAREWELL TO FRIENDS:
Alvin Osterback, 90, a former State Representative from Sand Point, died last Thursday. A lifelong Alaskan, he served in the U.S. Army, and worked as a commercial fisherman, shipwright, contractor and homebuilder.

Margaret Branson, from Cooper Landing, served in the State House, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, Seward City Council and many government and civic organizations.

Roger Graves, a Navy veteran, served as executive director of the Armed Services YMCA, director of the State Division of Veterans Affairs and worked for the Port of Anchorage. I loved when he led audiences with his deep bass voice in singing “God Bless America.”

Angelene Bunde, wife of Senator Con Bunde for 40 years, died last evening after a long battle with cancer. A friendly woman with a gentle demeanor, and fiercely proud of her Norwegian heritage, she and her husband were a beautiful couple on the dance floor.

Each of these people made a profound impact on Alaska. Carolyn and I offer our condolences to their families and friends.

BIRTHDAY SURPRISE:
Hello, Boss! It’s the Staff! We want to spill the beans to all your readers that your birthday is tomorrow! How old is he? Well, here’s a hint.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next Monday Carolyn and I will be in Ketchikan and then will join the Murkowskis on Tuesday for the annual Open House at the Governor’s residence in Juneau, when we will greet 2,000 to 3,000 people in three hours and serve pastries, cookies and hot cider. Volunteers have done a fabulous job in decorating this beautiful home, which belongs to all Alaskans.