Letters to the Editor

Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes

Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes

Most of us don’t bother to read the fine print. Sometimes, though, it is quite informative. For instance, in the Vote No on 1 ad… Continue reading

Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes
Opinion: Alaska’s leaders are acting antithetical to Native values

Opinion: Alaska’s leaders are acting antithetical to Native values

Alaska has been fighting colonization for generations.

Opinion: Alaska’s leaders are acting antithetical to Native values
AWARE Executive Director Saralynn Tabachnick, left, and Deputy Director Mandy O’Neal Cole talk about the shelter becoming gender inclusive during an interview on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: All In For Saralyn!

Upon entering Wellspring Integrative Medical Center, there is no mistaking our support for Saralyn Tabachnick for mayor. As owner of Wellspring, I believe Tabachnick’s experience,… Continue reading

AWARE Executive Director Saralynn Tabachnick, left, and Deputy Director Mandy O’Neal Cole talk about the shelter becoming gender inclusive during an interview on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room

Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room

The people who are upset over the change in the Permanent Fund Dividend payout need to review the enabling legislation and history of the purpose… Continue reading

Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room
Opinion: Vote Walker out

Opinion: Vote Walker out

Anyone who would take $460 million from the Juneau economy will never receive my vote. That is exactly what Gov. Bill Walker did. This money… Continue reading

Opinion: Vote Walker out
Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’

Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’

The three-way race for governor has brought much hand-wringing among Alaskans. Bill Walker undid nine years of work to protect salmon on the Chuitna and… Continue reading

Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’
Former University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor John Pugh speaks to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need to elect child care proponents

I was stunned when I attended a City and Borough of Juneau Assembly meeting last week and found three Assembly members — Mayor Ken Koelsch,… Continue reading

Former University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor John Pugh speaks to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon

Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon

Ben Brown’s recent piece on Ballot Measure 1 suggests he’s ignorant of the real issues pertaining to protecting Alaska salmon. Perhaps Brown isn’t aware salmon… Continue reading

Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon
Wade Bryson

Opinion: Wade Bryson for Assembly

I am writing to express my immense support for Wade Bryson. I have had the pleasure of working close by his side for two years.… Continue reading

Wade Bryson
Opinion: Drop out, Begich

Opinion: Drop out, Begich

Yes, our generally Democratic-voting family is divided over the issue of Mark Begich’s presence in the race. I keep hearing Begich is a numbers guy,… Continue reading

Opinion: Drop out, Begich
Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos

Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos

As the mayor’s term comes to a close and as I reflect over the last few years, I want to pick up the red pen… Continue reading

Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos
Election signs at the corner of 12th and C streets on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Campaigns are responsible for signs

I am a 45-year-plus Alaskan who has lived in Haines, Juneau, Petersburg, Fairbanks, Delta Junction, Wasilla and now Valdez. My issue, and one that was… Continue reading

  • Sep 4, 2018
Election signs at the corner of 12th and C streets on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need to establish basic protections for salmon

Wild salmon stocks are under attack from all sides: ocean warming, habitat loss, over exploitation and pollution. While Alaska has enjoyed the benefit of good… Continue reading

  • Sep 4, 2018
  • By Joe Mehrkens
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
This March 31, 2018 photo shows an offshore drilling platform in Cook Inlet from a beach in Nikiski, Alaska. (Elizabeth Earl | Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: Oil companies keep us in the dark and pick our pockets

According to Economist Ed King, the oil companies and the state are collecting about the same amount of net revenues for oil production in Alaska.… Continue reading

This March 31, 2018 photo shows an offshore drilling platform in Cook Inlet from a beach in Nikiski, Alaska. (Elizabeth Earl | Peninsula Clarion)
The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

The New JACC — A worthy project, but not now

I’m not in favor of using CBJ property tax monies to fund building the new Juneau Arts and Culture Center. In fact, I do not… Continue reading

  • Sep 3, 2018
The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight

Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight

My name is Cindy Harris and I am a volunteer ambassador in Alaska for the Alzheimer’s Association. I am an advocate for individuals and families… Continue reading

Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight
In this July 28, 2018, photo, Alyse Galvin addresses a group of volunteers in Anchorage, Alaska, before they set out to campaign door-to-door on her behalf. Galvin is one of the candidates running in the Aug. 21 Democratic primary for U.S. House in Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Opinion: Support Alyse Galvin in the primary

I support Alyse Galvin in the Aug. 21 primary and her attempt to unseat U.S. Rep. Don Young as Alaska’s representative to Congress. I like… Continue reading

In this July 28, 2018, photo, Alyse Galvin addresses a group of volunteers in Anchorage, Alaska, before they set out to campaign door-to-door on her behalf. Galvin is one of the candidates running in the Aug. 21 Democratic primary for U.S. House in Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Opinion: Defend the First Amendment

I am disappointed in U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s silence in the wake of this administrations attacks on the Department of Justice, the FBI and the… Continue reading

Walker, Mallott have proven commitment to education

As I head into my 30th year as a teacher in the Juneau School District, I have high hopes that Gov. Bill Walker and Lt.… Continue reading

  • Aug 16, 2018
  • By Amy Jo Meiners

Gov. Walker supports killing bear mothers and cubs in dens

The killing of a mother black bear and her “shrieking” cubs at their snow-covered den in Prince William Sound in April by an Alaska “hunter,”… Continue reading

  • Aug 15, 2018
  • By RICK STEINER