Lieutenant Governor's Report
By Loren Leman
Lieutenant Governor
July 1, 2004INTERIOR FIRES: Governor Murkowski headed to Fairbanks last night to meet with state officials and local leaders regarding the fires threatening areas of the Interior. There are currently 60 fires burning and 711 firefighters committed to fighting the fires. Evacuations are occurring as needed north of Chatanika and near Chena Hot Springs. Current information is available at the Bureau of Land Management's website.
PROGRESS IN IRAQ: On Monday the new Iraqi government officially accepted the transfer of power from the Coalition Provisional Authority. This is a historic moment for the people of Iraq and for all freedom-loving citizens of the world. I recognize the tremendous sacrifices of our men and women in the Armed Forces, and their families at home. Without their courageous efforts, Iraq would still be languishing under the rule of a vicious dictator, instead of planning free elections in seven months. Who would have imagined such progress in just over a year? As President Bush said, "America's men and women in uniform have been unrelenting in the performance of their duty." Our soldiers, sailors and airmen, many Alaskans among them, have left their families, friends and jobs to answer the call of freedom. Carolyn and I are thankful for their dedication to service.
CONCOURSE C IMPRESSES: I was pleased to be invited to the opening of the new Concourse "C" at Anchorage International Airport on Tuesday. The many enthusiastic Alaskans who drove to the event produced a big traffic jam in the Airport area, but those who persevered and made it to the building were very impressed. The new concourse helps maintain and improve the airport's place as an important crossroads in U.S. and international travel and commerce.
COAST GUARD AUXILIARY TURNS 65: June marked the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the civilian volunteer arm of the United States Coast Guard. The 36,000 members of this organization, including more than 400 in Alaska, provide assistance and support for search and rescue missions, boating safety and other missions of the Coast Guard. They are a "force multiplier" for the invaluable service the Coast Guard renders in Alaska. Remember their contributions when you are on the water this summer.
FBCI LEADERSHIP FORUM: Scott Merriner, Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (FBCI) Task Force chairman, Dr. Judith Kleinfeld, FBCI Task Force member, and I had the opportunity to lead a seminar at the Leadership Forum on Tuesday devoted to exploring innovative cultural approaches to poverty reduction and sustainable development. We reviewed Alaska's FBCI accomplishments and ways to encourage investment in our communities by non-governmental entities.
SEAFOOD WORKERS NEEDED: The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development reports that 600 seafood processing jobs in the state need to be filled as soon as possible. Details and locations can be found at the Department website.
IN MEMORIAM: I was saddened yesterday to hear of the death of Dave Adams, a fellow engineer who worked at AMC Engineers, one of the design teams for the new concourse at Anchorage International Airport. Last Friday Sean McAlpine, son of former Lieutenant Governor Stephen McAlpine, died in an accident on the Parks Highway. Carolyn's and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of both men.
CELEBRATE YOUR INDEPENDENCE, SAFELY: Happy Independence Day Sunday, July 4. Celebrate our freedoms, but handle fireworks legally and safely, and please, don't drink and drive.