Lieutenant Governor's Report
By Loren Leman
Lieutenant Governor
July 15, 2004FIRE DANGER HIGH: Large wildfires continue to burn in Alaska, with Anchorage recently announcing dangerous fire conditions. To keep up with the statewide situation click here. To learn about how to protect your property, evacuation procedures and other vital information check out this wildfire page and links.
ELECTIONS UPDATE: Voters to choose from three ballots in the Primary.
Voters have until July 25 to register to vote or change their registration to be eligible to vote the ballot of their choosing. Elections offices in Nome, Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks will be open Sunday, July 25 from noon until 4 pm.
The Alaska Superior Court recently ruled that political parties may decide if they want to appear on a "combined party ballot." Parties can specify which voters can have access to their ballots. This will change the number of ballots available in the August 24 Primary and who has access to them.
All voters registered Republican, non-partisan and undeclared have access to the Republican ballot. The Alaska Libertarian Party, Alaskan Independence Party and the Green Party of Alaska are on a combined ballot available to all registered voters. The Alaska Democratic Party is on a separate combined ballot with the Alaska Libertarian Party, the Alaska Independence Party and the Green Party of Alaska. However, this ballot is not accessible to Republicans.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SERVE: I recently received this email message:
Just want to let you know I am following your activities and reading your news. Thanks for everything and sir, more power to you. This is to let you know that I am one of many Alaskans among them as mentioned and likewise served in Iraq with the US Army Corps of Engineers, working in the capacity of Engineers, Architects, etc. rebuilding the infrastructure and other damages of conflicts...I am Nez Danguilan from the Filipino American Community of Anchorage.In addition to our great combat forces, many other Alaskans also risk their lives to rebuild the liberated Iraq. Nez will be welcomed home from Iraq with a community celebration this weekend.
COUNCIL ON THE HOMELESS: Last week the Alaska Council on the Homeless held its inaugural meeting in Juneau. Dan Fauske, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director, serves as chairman, and Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness gave opening remarks. "Our work is not to preserve the status quo, no matter how well intentioned," Mangano said. "Our mission is to end homelessness." The Council will present an action plan to the Governor by June 30, 2005. I serve on the Council and represent the Faith-Based & Community Initiatives Task Force which has identified homelessness as its highest priority.
HONORING THE FLAG: Last Friday I served as the honorary chairman of the 13th annual Alaska Flag Day celebration at the Jesse Lee Campus in Anchorage. This event sponsored by Alaska Children's Services honors the Alaska Flag and its designer, Benny Benson. The weather was beautiful, food great and songs and messages were inspirational.
DOUBLE LOSS: In my last Report I noted the death of my friend Dave Adams of AMC Engineers. Also killed in the same auto accident was Brian Hill of Anchorage. Brian was active with youth shooting sports. His memorial service was at my home church, Anchorage Grace Church. Carolyn and I offer condolences to his widow, Robin, and their family.
FAREWELL AL SWALLING: Last Friday I joined family and friends in honoring the life of my good friend Al Swalling, a leader in Alaska construction since territorial days. Al died at age 93. Among his many accolades, he was recently recognized as Alaskan of the Year. I first met Al Swalling when I was a boy and his company, Swalling Construction, constructed the Ninilchik Boat Harbor around 1960. I offer my condolences to Minnie Swalling, Al's wife of 66 years, as well as their three children and many other family members.
CONGRATULATIONS MRS. ALASKA!: Last Saturday, at the Hotel Captain Cook, Whitney Brewster was crowned as the new Mrs. Alaska. I was pleased to attend and watch the judges make the tough decisions among 15 outstanding contestants. If I appeared biased toward the winner, it's understandable. Whitney is my deputy chief-of-staff and manages my Anchorage office. She first came to work in my office as a University of Alaska intern in January 2000, and has since completed her Masters in Public Administration degree. Whitney is married to David Brewster, they have a daughter, ElleMarie, and reside in Eagle River. She will represent Alaska at the national pageant in Palm Springs in September. Go Whitney!
UPCOMING EVENTS: On Thursday, July 22 at 1:00 pm the City of Kenai will dedicate the Kenai Police Department building to the memory of Officer John Patrick Watson, who was killed in the line of duty on Christmas Day 2003. I will make brief remarks. Saturday, July 24 I will serve food and talk to Alaskans at the Governor's Annual Picnics at Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage and on Sunday, July 25 in Fairbanks at Pioneer Park and in North Pole at 2515 Mission Rd. On July 27, I will join former NBA great Thurl Bailey in speaking to the current class of the Alaska Military Youth Academy at Fort Richardson. I will share comments at the awards luncheon of the AT&T Alascom Golf Tournament, a fundraiser for Alaska Public Radio and National Native News, on Wednesday, July 28, at O'Malley's on the Green in Anchorage.