Fellow Juneau citizens, you do not have to be a brain surgeon to understand how important it is to Juneau’s economy to keep the capital of Alaska in Juneau. It is clear that our Juneau legislative delegation is committed to this purpose. However the actions of one speak louder than words. See the Jan. 25 article in the Juneau Empire called, “Capital move fears stoked by bill” story. Some of you may not know that Rep.

Jaeleen Araujo, Sealaska vice-president and general counsel recently denied in a Juneau Empire opinion article that the other 11 regional corporations could use their proposed legislation as precedent to reopen land claims in Alaska. Sealaska is “perplexed” that this remains an issue. However, her comments in various public forums tell a different story.

An important community meeting will take place on Monday from 7–9 p.m. at the City Assembly Chambers.

Should the city municipality opt-out of the existing Alaska Public Offices Commission (APOC) requirements of financial disclosure for public officials? In its place the city proposes an Ordinance that will replace the current APOC regulations. Whether the new city ordinance will provide the equivalent, more, or less protection for the public is among the issues to be discussed.

Sealaska Corporation wants to make their remaining land selections from areas that will support continued forestry operations. The Alaska Forest Association wants that too. The lack of access to timber from federal lands has already cost us too many jobs in this region; we can’t afford to lose the Sealaska jobs as well. I have reviewed the areas that are available for selection within the original ANCSA guidelines and I agree that the legislation is necessary because the remaining timberlands in these areas will not sustain long-term, economic operations.