LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR'S REPORT

Lt. Governor Loren Leman
Juneau, AK
Feb. 19, 2004

PROMOTING OIL AND GAS:

Last Friday I chaired a natural gas panel discussion at the National Lieutenant Governor's Association meeting in Washington, D.C. Gas demand in the U.S. is growing and prices are elevated, improving opportunities for commercialization of Alaska's North Slope gas. The Alaska Support Industry Alliance was well represented in Juneau this week by members who support wise use of our oil and gas resources. I joined them for two events. Today I addressed the Pacific Rim Construction, Oil and Mining (PAC COM) Conference at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage about Alaska's role in providing resources. Tomorrow I will accompany the keynote speaker Jane Liao, General Manager of LNG Purchase Division, Chinese Petroleum Corporation, for a tour of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities in Nikiski. They recognize that our resources are world-class.

"LETS TALK" COMES TO THE CAPITOL:

Tami English, Cyndi Saunders and Joneen Krauth presented their "Let's Talk" Healthy Relationships program this week to legislators and our Administration. This program teaches youth about building healthy dating relationships and abstaining from sexual activity until marriage. This constructive message has been taught in Anchorage schools for 14 years, with measurable results--and is now going statewide with help from a federal grant. I am glad to see this program gain such wide acceptance, particularly in the face of the destructive messages our youth are receiving on a daily basis

SENATOR STEVENS SPEAKS:

On Monday, Senator Ted Stevens addressed a joint session of the Alaska Legislature in Juneau. I was able to listen from the gallery. He covered a number of topics, including his role in appropriations, our national defense, fisheries and funding for access projects through the Denali Commission.

YUKON LEGISLATORS IN JUNEAU:

A delegation of legislators from Canada's Yukon Territory arrived in Juneau yesterday morning and we greeted them with a small reception at my office. We talked about some of the differences between our systems of government, and the common challenges of large Northern areas and widespread populations, especially those distant from their national capital.

JUNEAU ELECTIONS OFFICE RELOCATES:

I enjoyed attending an open house at the relocated Division of Elections Region 1 office in Juneau on Tuesday evening. The new office, located at the Mendenhall Mall Annex, provides better parking, convenience and accessibility for those with disabilities. Pamela Crowe, the Region Director, and her staff serve Southeast Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula and Kodiak.

RADIO ROUNDUP:

I'll be on two Anchorage radio shows next week. On Wednesday, February 25, I'll be a guest at 5:00 pm on the "Mike Porcaro Show" on KENI (650 AM), and on Thursday I'll do KFQD's (750 AM) "Newsday PM" with Dan Fagin. Both programs welcome listener participation so if you'd like to discuss issues with me, please call in.

WEDDING BELLS AT MY OFFICE:

Janine Smith, my scheduling aide, will be married to Ryan Wilkinson at Juneau's Chapel by the Lake this Saturday. I wish them a long and happy life together.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Tonight I will attend the 11th Air Force reception and awards banquet at Elmendorf AFB. Friday I will be on the Kenai Peninsula, meet with Mayor Bagley and tour the Nikiski LNG and GTL plants. On Monday, February 23, I will be in Juneau for a Faith-Based and Community Initiatives presentation to legislators. On Tuesday I will speak to the Society of Human Resource Managers. That afternoon I will observe the Northern Command unified defense exercise in Juneau. On Wednesday I will speak to the Wasilla Rotary. On Thursday, February 26, I will attend a military breakfast at U.S. Army Alaska headquarters and that evening the "Salute to the Military" dinner, where the speaker will be General Peter Schoomaker, Army Chief of Staff.

Friday, February 27, Carolyn and I will be in Fairbanks for several events including the History Day competition at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, a stop at the Division of Elections office and a visit to Ft. Wainwright.