On Jan. 19, 1987, with revenues half of what they were the year before and an estimated budget deficit ranging from $700-$900 million, the 15th Alaska Legislature began working on the state’s enormous budget deficit. Everyone was present for the Legislature’s first day except for Sen. Frank Ferguson, D-Kotzebue, who resigned shortly after his election because of health problems. Taking his place was Kotzebue businessman and Native leader Willie Hensley, whom Gov. Steve Cowper appointed for the position until the 1988 elections.
Like the newly commenced Legislature, Gov. Cowper worked on more budgetary issues for Alaska, specifically by reviewing the many proposed budget cut plans submitted the week before by state department commissioners. If all proposals were accepted, the state’s operating budget would be lowered by 20 percent.
In Juneau, Mayor Ernie Polley requested the City and Borough of Juneau Harbors Board delay deciding whether they should create a fisheries terminal at Norway Point. The board’s decision to accept the mayor’s appeal and postpone the decision affected the board’s other recent decision to begin negotiating with Douglas Cold Storage for an ice facility.
In celebration of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneau planned an evening of song, dance and a candlelight march. Only two days before the celebration, celebrating marchers in a Georgia county were pelted with rocks and bottles by a crowd of Ku Klux Klanmen and supporters.
“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.
