Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich introduces several initiatives while Candidate Begich releases a short statement regarding his rival's indictment

When news of the grand jury indictment of Ted Stevens hit the fan, the first person everyone...and I do mean EVERYONE...wanted to talk to was Demo candidate for Stevens seat, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich.

We would have a brief opportunity, we were told. He was exercising his mayorly duties at 1:00 PM at the under-construction wing of the Art Museum. We would have an opportunity to ask questions afterwards.

It was a clever way to get everyone to cover more of that excellent (but not-very-exciting) "green stuff."

Efficient Buildings, New Streetlights Save Taxpayers Money. The Begich administration this week introduces two energy-saving initiatives to improve the city’s bottom line and create a healthier environment. A Sustainable Building Ordinance will move the city to more energy efficient buildings by requiring “green” city buildings and incentives for private sector builders. The other initiative upgrades city streetlights with high-efficiency LED fixtures. The fixtures will replace 16,000 roadway lights and use 50 percent less energy, saving the city $360,000 annually.

First, however, he released a very brief statement regarding Stevens (per his campaign blog):

U.S. Senate candidate Mark Begich today released the following statement regarding the indictment of Sen. Ted Stevens:

“The indictment of Senator Ted Stevens is a sad day for Alaska and for the senator after his 40 years of service to our state. The people of Alaska are resilient and strong.

I have great faith in our state and our people, and we will continue to move forward.”

After he was done, he briefly answered questions. He said he felt his statement spoke for itself and that "...at the end of the day, we are resilient, we are Alaskans, we have a pioneering spirit and we'll keep moving forward." He didn't feel that it was "appropriate" to talk about the campaign, "It's an issue that Senator Stevens will have to go through."

The Sustainable Building Ordinance will be introduced to the Assembly today and should be up for public comment sometime in August.