LT. GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Loren Leman
State of Alaska Lt. Governor

Juneau, AK
Sep. 29, 2005

INVESTING WISELY:
The Southeast Conference, one of Alaska’s most active regional economic development associations, met in Wrangell this week. At the meeting I discussed how fishing and tourism have been solid this season, metal prices are encouraging, the marine repair business in Southeast continues to grow, and that Alaska fared well in the federal highway appropriation bill. But, while high fuel prices are good news for the State and Permanent Fund, they hurt consumers and communities. We must be careful about spending our windfall, to be prepared when oil prices eventually drop.

WHAT’S IN A SCHOOL?:
Last week, with several other Lieutenant Governors, I attended an education symposium in Asheville, North Carolina sponsored by the Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy. Experts from education, science and medicine presented their data and analysis from studies of public education. Their conclusions support what many Alaskans have known for a long time – parental involvement, accountability and safety in schools really matter—and are reflected in better student output. I am impressed with the quality of teachers I see in our public and private schools, and am particularly awed by the investment by parents of Alaska’s 10,000 homeschooled children.

KEEP ‘EM COMING!:
For Alaska’s travel and hospitality industries, 2005 has been another good year. Experts are projecting 1.8 million visitors will visit our State this year, a new record! While in Wrangell on Monday and Juneau on Tuesday, I talked with the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) and the Alaska Tourism Industry Association (ATIA) about how marketing can expand Alaska’s market share and how additional communities might participate in the growth. The AMHS announced its special rates for this winter—a 30 percent reduction on round-trip fares and the driver of a vehicle goes free!

STORMS IN ALASKA:
The powerful storm that rocked western Alaska last week damaged 34 communities. Winds in Nome gusted to 60 mph and drove the storm surge nine feet above normal high tides, with waves even higher. State emergency personnel and local people in coastal villages are assessing damages. This storm is a reminder of how important it is to be prepared.

VOTE NEXT TUESDAY:
On Tuesday, October 4, several local governments and school boards across Alaska will hold elections. Who we elect in local elections affects schools, property and sales taxes and public safety. I encourage you to vote if you reside in one of these areas.

CLEAN WATER:
Congratulations to Valdez on having the best tasting water in Alaska, as determined at the Alaska Rural Water Association (ARWA) meeting in Anchorage! Last year’s State winner, Kipnuk, went on to win a national award. We got a philosophy lesson Wednesday from Ouzinkie Water Utility’s manager, Thomas Quick, by cell phone as he accepted his “Sustainability” award. Seldovia was also honored with the same award. Rayna Swanson, the RurAL CAP representative to the Denali Commission, presented Alexey Kalugin of Nikolaevsk the same award, which honors a utility for maintaining its system and collecting on its billings. After those special awards, I talked about the importance of investments in facilities and training, as well as using local knowledge to help craft appropriate solutions for local challenges. It may be easy to take for granted the clean water flowing from our faucets, but designers and operators work hard to make this happen.

DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS:
This week the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association is meeting in Anchorage. This is an historic occasion—its first board meeting in Alaska and one of only a few held outside the Washington, D.C. area. Carolyn and I joined several members of the Board, their staff and many Alaskans to discuss second amendment rights and responsibilities—as well as Alaska’s resources. You might remember that Alaskans voted to clarify our rights to keep and bear arms in 1994 with a constitutional amendment. This was one of the more important issues I was associated with in the Legislature.

THE PEARSONS DEPART:
Robert Pearson has been on my staff for nearly five years but is moving on to a university job in Reno, NV next week with his wife, Dee, and their young son, Thomas. Robert’s extensive knowledge and warm personality will be sorely missed. I thank him for his hard work and dedication, and wish Robert and his family well in their new endeavors.

FAREWELL HELEN BEIRNE:
Dr. Helen Beirne, 83, died on September 19 in Anchorage. Beirne was a soldier, State legislator, commissioner, and strong advocate for children with disabilities. I remember well her offer of a ride from the Prospector Hotel to the Capitol, on a windy morning in the early 1980s when I was in Juneau for business. That started a friendship that lasted for years. Carolyn and I offer our condolences to Dr. Beirne’s family and friends.

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Next week I will be in Washington, D.C. to chair the meeting of the Aerospace States Association. When I return I will give opening remarks at a “Permitting Strategies in Alaska” workshop.