On Aug. 22, 1986, incumbent Gov. Bill Sheffield defended himself against three other gubernatorial candidates including Fairbanks attorney Steve Cowper during the Democratic party’s debate. Alaskan Senate candidates did the same in a televised showing.
Meanwhile, because of budget cuts, Juneau school unions were encouraged to defer their annual pay raise despite the rising cost of living. Without the pay raise, the City and Borough of Juneau Board of Education would be able to satisfy part of its deficit. A decision from the unions was to be announced in early September.
Within the deluge of bad news, there was a bit of gold. The Alaska Division of Tourism predicted a 5 percent increase in tourist turnout, meaning more revenue for the cash-strapped state.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
