Lieutenant Governor's Report - May 19, 2005

TALKING BACK TO BRAC: I was disappointed and somewhat surprised by the Department of Defense’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations last week, particularly the near abandonment of Eielson AFB near North Pole. During my travels through the Fairbanks area on Monday and Tuesday and again this weekend, I am learning how much of an impact this will have—and how folks in the Interior are handling this proposal. On Sunday morning I will meet with key members of the State's BRAC Task Force including Mayors Jim Whitaker, Jeff Jacobson, Steve Thompson, FNSB School Superintendent Ann Shortt and Billie Blanchard.

ELECTION BILL PASSES: Although dogged by a bit of controversy near the end, I am pleased the Legislature passed HB 94 unanimously on Sunday. Prepared by my office and the Division of Elections, this bill updates statutes to reflect current elections practices, improves processing of initiatives and brings the State into compliance with recent court decisions and federal law.

HAVA GREAT DAY: Today we received the first installment of $4.15 million in federal funds to upgrade our elections process. The federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) requires states to meet certain goals by the 2006 election and this funding will help Alaska do that. One of the largest purchases this year will be an upgraded data management system. The current system was installed 20 years ago and is technologically archaic. The Division of Elections has complied with all of its HAVA progress requirements and continues to be a leader in conducting elections.

FORT YUKON WELCOME: As the commencement speaker at Fort Yukon School on Monday I encouraged the students to challenge themselves and resolve to make good decisions. In addition to the high school graduates the school graduated kindergarten and 8th grade students. City Councilman Paul Shewfelt was helpful in arranging my trip and managing details. He took me out on the nearby Sucker River Tuesday morning to check his subsistence net. He caught four whitefish, a sheefish and a pike and we had fresh fish for lunch. He also introduced me to his parents-in-law, Tom & Nellie Carroll. Tom is a delightful World War II veteran. Local CATG President Craig Fleenor discussed issues of concern to residents of the Yukon Flats when he interviewed me on the local radio station. Grafton and Hanne Bergman provided housing and warm hospitality.

THE GENERAL'S FINAL FLIGHT: I was on hand at Elmendorf AFB last Friday morning to welcome Brig. Gen. Mike Snodgrass back to the tarmac after his last F-15 flight as 3rd Wing Commander. His wife Bobbie and I “doused” him with a fire hose as he stepped off the aircraft, an Air Force tradition. Carolyn and I appreciate this couple who have become our friends and wish them well as they head to Germany for an assignment with Headquarters Air Force Europe.

REMEMBERING PEACE OFFICERS: Last Friday I joined Governor Murkowski and Nancy at the Police Memorial Day ceremony in Anchorage. I was moved as I was again reminded of those who have sacrificed their lives to protect us. One of the more recent officers lost was John Watson of the Kenai Police Department. My good friend and Kenai’s Police Chief Chuck Kopp placed a red rose and saluted the memorial in honor of this dedicated policeman in a touching tribute. Thank you to all of the men and women who serve in public safety and daily put their lives on the line for us.

ENGINEERS MEET IN ANCHORAGE: I provided welcoming comments to the Environmental & Water Resource Institute (EWRI) Congress on Monday. This conference of 900 international engineers and environmental professionals is discussing the impact of global climate change on our environment and water resources. In my comments as the honorary chairman of the Congress, I encouraged attendees to advance sound science, not flawed politics, as we respond to global climate change.

FIND THE FORCE: On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department. Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 21. Click these links to recognize those who are on the front lines for us, and for information on how to help their supportive families at home.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Tomorrow morning in Anchorage I will welcome the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to Alaska, then will swear in new Americorps members. In the afternoon Gen. Snodgrass will relinquish command of the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB to Col. Herbert Carlisle. On Saturday Carolyn and I will be at Fort Greely where I will speak at their military ball. On Sunday we will return for the Eagle River Heart to Heart Pregnancy & Family Resource Center tea where I will offer words of support for this wonderful service to women. Next Tuesday I will be in Kenai to address the Alaska Peace Officer Association conference.

You can email me at Lt_Governor@gov.state.ak.us, call 269-7460 or 465-3520 or write to: PO Box 110015, Juneau, AK 99811. My web site is ltgov.state.ak.us. To subscribe or unsubscribe please email or visit the subscription page.