Anchorage Daily News

In a four-sentence letter to the city clerk, Mark Begich resigned at 11 a.m. Saturday from the mayoral post that he fought so hard to attain, winning in 2003 on his third try.

Matt Claman, an attorney who has been chairman of the Anchorage Assembly, was sworn in as acting mayor.

Begich admitted it's hard to let go, with some big projects still in the works, like the museum expansion, and some that didn't work out, like an effort to extend the Coastal Trail.

But much was done, he said. Road projects that ease congestion. A new community center and library in Girdwood. An effort to address street crime that he credits with last year's dramatically lower homicide numbers.

It's not the new Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center that he's most proud of, or the additional police officers on the street, or a foundation for parks.

It's how Anchorage voters agreed in April to tax themselves for improvements to schools, renovations to pools, new library roofs and more -- approving every single bond referendum on the ballot.

"The fact the community sees its future and is willing to invest in it," Begich told reporters.

He heads to Washington, D.C., today to be sworn in on Tuesday as U.S. senator, replacing Ted Stevens.

Saturday's transfer of power was a short and simple ceremony on the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood. No mayor of the municipality has ever resigned the office until now.

Just before things kicked off in the eighth floor conference room, Begich's son, Jacob, 6, poked his head in.

"Whoah! It's packed!" he announced. Assembly members, mayor hopefuls, neighborhood activists and top aides filled the room. Begich's wife, Deborah Bonito, and son took a seat in the back. Claman's wife, Lisa Rieger, and children, Maia, 15, and Benjamin, 13, watched from a conference table.

Begich's aides handed out copies of a nearly 100-page transition report that mainly detailed what his administration has accomplished.

The report highlights some "issues requiring immediate attention." Among them:

• Public inebriates, as evidenced by panhandling, trespassing and homelessness.

• A cramped and inadequate police headquarters.

• The aging People Mover fleet of public buses.

• "Public intoxication, gang activity and drug use" at the Sixth Avenue parking garage and public transit center.

Claman said he had just gotten the report and hadn't had a chance to sort through it. He has taken a leave of absence from the law firm where he works, Lane Powell, to concentrate on city duties. He will be acting mayor until July 1, when the winner of an election in April is sworn in.

Claman is considering running for mayor in April and said he will make his announcement by month's end. He plans to announce three key staff positions on Monday for his role as acting mayor.

His mission, he said, will be the same thing he and his wife tell their children: "Do the best that you can with what you have."

Begich called Claman a quick study with the ability to moderate among diverse groups.

As Begich finished up with reporters, his son popped back in and asked if he could watch TV. Begich the dad answered it's not his TV anymore -- it's Matt's. But it probably would be OK one last time.

His advice to the next mayor?

Begich had a ready answer: Have a long-term vision, lots of patience and the ability to listen.

"They need to engage with the public and not be stuck in this office," Begich said. And don't be afraid to go on seemingly hostile conservative talk radio.

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