Letters to the Editor

This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol.  (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Join me in opposing a constitutional convention

Alaska’s Constitution, when compared to most other states, is held in high esteem. In the 1955 background research leading to development of our constitution much… Continue reading

  • Sep 28, 2022
  • By George Elgee
This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol.  (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Base your Prop 4 vote on legitimate arguments

I have not decided on how to vote on Proposition 4. Both sides make arguments worth considering - with one exception. The Prop 4 proponents… Continue reading

  • Sep 23, 2022
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
A new track and artificial turf field could be on the way to Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park if voters decide to OK $6.6 million in general obligation bond debt to go toward the funding of construction and equipment costs for park improvements at city-located parks. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: A yes vote on Prop 2 is important for Juneau

“A good deed for our family, community and the next generation.”

  • Sep 23, 2022
A new track and artificial turf field could be on the way to Adair-Kennedy Memorial Park if voters decide to OK $6.6 million in general obligation bond debt to go toward the funding of construction and equipment costs for park improvements at city-located parks. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows a return envelope for the upcoming municipal election. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Here’s why I’m voting against funding a new City Hall

City should dedicate resources to housing.

  • Sep 19, 2022
This photo shows a return envelope for the upcoming municipal election. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
This photo shows the top of a City and Borough of Juneau Municipal Election ballot. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Vote no on Prop 4

Absent accurate data, there’s a tendency for high-valued properties to be systemically under-assessed

  • Sep 16, 2022
This photo shows the top of a City and Borough of Juneau Municipal Election ballot. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Vote yes on Prop 2 to support kids and families

With Proposition 2, we can finally catch up to the rest of Alaska.

  • Sep 15, 2022
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I plan to vote no on Prop 4

I want accurate information when my house is assessed.

  • Sep 12, 2022
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A rainy Monday morning marked the first day of fall semester at the University of Alaska Southeast which comes just days before the university announced its search for a new chancellor to begin June 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Support public education, vote against a constitutional convention

I am especially concerned what calling a convention could mean for education in Alaska.

  • Sep 9, 2022
A rainy Monday morning marked the first day of fall semester at the University of Alaska Southeast which comes just days before the university announced its search for a new chancellor to begin June 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire)
Copies of the Alaska State Constitution are available outside the lieutenant governor’s office on the third floor of the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Alaskans should vote against a constitutional convention

Possible disruption to our current local governance is frightening.

  • Sep 7, 2022
  • By Loren Jones
Copies of the Alaska State Constitution are available outside the lieutenant governor’s office on the third floor of the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Have something to say?

Here’s how to add your voice to the conversation.

  • Sep 5, 2022
  • Juneau Empire
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Opinion: Ranked choice voting is not the problem

There is, in fact, no evidence that the result would have been any different under the old system…

  • Sep 2, 2022
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Opinion: A constitutional convention is not necessary

I am voting no on a convention.

  • Aug 16, 2022
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(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Sweeney and Peltola are both good choices for Congress

It is far past time that Alaska be represented in Congress by an Alaska Native representative.

  • Aug 15, 2022
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Mary Peltola, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, speaks at a June campaign event in Juneau. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Vote for Mary Peltola and protect our future

How many of you would tell your children to take shelter from a thunderstorm under a tree? Or shelter during an earthquake in the basement… Continue reading

  • Aug 15, 2022
Mary Peltola, Democratic candidate for the U.S. House, speaks at a June campaign event in Juneau. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: The tourism industry must be held accountable

“All too comfortably numb disregard for the well being of Juneau residents.”

  • Aug 12, 2022
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This July 9 photo shows former Gov. Sarah Palin and former President Donald Trump at a rally held in Anchorage. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Just say no to the pink, dancing bear.

“All ego and puffery, not grit or dedication…”

  • Aug 12, 2022
This July 9 photo shows former Gov. Sarah Palin and former President Donald Trump at a rally held in Anchorage. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: The Senate candidate who shares my views is Chesbro

Alaska has a smart articulate candidate for the U.S. Senate who shares my values…

  • Aug 12, 2022
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This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: A warning about voting for a constitutional convention!

APOC (Alaska Public Office Commission) listed three lobbying firms for 2022. They earned a total of $4,288,820 lobbying this year (monthly fees were not included… Continue reading

  • Aug 3, 2022
This photo shows a stack of pocket constitutions at the Alaska State Capitol. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: A constitutional convention is an uncertain proposition

“Convoluted, expensive and uncertain.”

  • Aug 1, 2022
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This photo shows the Juneau School District headquarters on March 17, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: Grading Juneau School District

Are public school students learning their 3 R’s? The answer surprised me.

  • Jul 20, 2022
This photo shows the Juneau School District headquarters on March 17, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)