November 20, 2006

Anchorage (AL) held its first-ever public regional summit on gangs November 15 at the Anchorage Downtown Marriott. Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich says the summit is the latest in a series of steps being taken to combat the growing problem of youth and gang violence. The goal of the summit is to coordinate practical solutions to gang violence in south-central Alaska. It will bring together representatives from Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley and Kenai Peninsula.

Oklahoma City officials celebrated the completion of a five-year, $110 million expansion and renovation to Will Rogers World Airport on November 14, where a new terminal opened November 15. Mayor Mick Cornett says the air terminal, with stone-accented walls designed to provide a rustic feel, reflects the spirit of Oklahoma and will help benefit commerce in the area. The project, funded by revenue bonds, began in 2001 and increased the overall size of the airport by about 283-thousand square feet.

Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper and Operation HOPE Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant launched Banking on Our Future Denver, a financial empowerment program for Denver’s youth November 1 at the Challenges, Choices and Images Charter School. “Financially stable individuals and families are crucial components of strong, healthy communities and local economies,” said Hickenlooper. “Providing financial literacy tools and education to students – while they are young – creates a strong foundation for their future success and that of our entire community. We are excited about this public-private-nonprofit partnership and the difference it will make in Denver.”

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann presented a check for $14, 000 to the Waialua Community Association during the last day of the three-day The Op North Shore Makahiki Festival November 12. The first day of the event was celebrated with a blessing given by Butch Helemano, North Shore’s ancient Hawaiian culture expert and minister, and followed by two movies. The second day was a great mix of traditional Hawaiian culture, hula demonstrations and modern music and was well received by the local community. Finishing off the weekend extravaganza, Sunday’s schedule included more hula presentations, musical performances by popular local bands, The Surfrider Foundation’s Oahu Chapter presented their fourth Annual John Kelly Environmental Achievement Awards to pro surfer Poncho Sullivan, local business Schnitzer Steel Hawaii Corporation, and legendary big wave rider, Peter Cole.

“Although I am humbled by the incredible encouragement from people throughout the Commonwealth to run for governor, the time that I spent recently on the campaign trail reinforced my love for my hometown. Therefore, I am announcing today that I will not run for governor next year. It’s an exciting and pivotal time in Louisville, and I want to continue the progress that we’re making. We have much work to do to achieve our ambitious goals. Many of the challenges facing our city and communities around the Commonwealth depend heavily on decisions made in Frankfort and Washington. I will continue to work diligently with our elected leaders – including those who run for governor next year – to encourage decisions that provide more opportunities for Louisville and Kentucky to succeed.”