Opinion

My Turn: The path forward is a broad-based sustainable budget plan

We all know Alaska is in a bind: oil prices are currently stabilized, but at a relatively low level, and our state income from oil… Continue reading

  • May 31, 2016
  • By REP. SAM KITO III

My Turn: Who’s in charge of our oil?

Earlier this month, Alaska’s House of Representatives passed a bipartisan oil and gas tax credit reform bill by a 2-1 margin. The story here isn’t… Continue reading

  • May 29, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

My Turn: Getting to ‘yes’ in tough times

This session I had the opportunity to speak with different groups about the state’s fiscal situation and the proposals before us to reduce the budget… Continue reading

  • May 29, 2016
  • By SEN. ANNA MACKINNON

My Turn: Don’t let the need for health insurance stop you from leaving

Domestic violence is found across all socioeconomic groups — in fact, more than one in three women and one in four men have been victims… Continue reading

  • May 27, 2016
  • By SUSAN JOHNSON

My Turn: Juneau Ocean Center a model for the future

Plans for the proposed Juneau Ocean Center (JOC) continue to progress. The project is being designed as a world-class facility to educate the public on… Continue reading

  • May 27, 2016
  • By WIN GRUENING

Alaska Editorial: Burn with caution

The following editorial first appeared in the Peninsula Clarion:Weekend showers have brought some much needed moisture to the Kenai Peninsula, knocking down some of the… Continue reading

  • May 26, 2016

Empire Readers’ Council Editorial: Adult leadership missing in Alaska

When, exactly, should concerns about Alaska’s fiscal and economic future give way to fear? When the general fund fiscal shortfall hits $5 billion each year?… Continue reading

  • May 25, 2016
  • By EMPIRE READERS' COUNCIL

Alaska Editorial: Treat ferry system like a business

The following editorial first appeared in the Ketchikan Daily News: The Alaska Marine Highway System should become — at least in part — a private… Continue reading

  • May 25, 2016
A screengrab from Domino's website

My Turn: Make it count on menu labeling

Many consumers have heard of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the national healthcare law that was enacted by President Barack Obama back in… Continue reading

  • May 24, 2016
  • By BRYAN DOBB
A screengrab from Domino's website

Alaska Editorial: No room for error in special legislative session

The following editorial first appeared in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner:After a frustrating regular session, extended session and two special sessions last year in which legislators… Continue reading

  • May 24, 2016

My Turn: Psychiatric patient mistreatment in Alaska

While the Alaska legislators spent their time earlier this session on what their new office space will look like, the furniture and the décor, the… Continue reading

  • May 24, 2016
  • By FAITH MYERS and DORRANCE COLLINS

My Turn: Saving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: A sacred part of our collective story

I have never been to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and yet, it is a part of me, and I a part of it. I… Continue reading

  • May 23, 2016
  • By BONNIE DEMERJIAN

Empire Editorial: In Pederson Hill dispute, both sides are right

Developers and city officials will square off Monday over the future of housing development in Juneau’s capital city. Both sides need to keep in mind… Continue reading

  • May 22, 2016

My Turn: Stop wasteful spending during a fiscal crisis

As the newest member of Alaska’s Legislature, there have been a lot of things that have surprised me about our political process. One of the… Continue reading

  • May 22, 2016
  • By IVY SPOHNHOLZ

My Turn: The Orwellian trials of Obamacare

When it’s wrong it must be right.That oxymoron embodies the six-year history of Obamacare. Everything from the law’s formal title, to the court rulings upholding… Continue reading

  • May 20, 2016
  • By Rich Moniak

My Turn: Demise of Denali’s East Fork wolf family group a loss to science, tourism and Alaska

One of the two remaining East Fork wolves of Denali National Park was shot this past weekend by a trophy hunter at a bear baiting… Continue reading

  • May 19, 2016
  • By MARYBETH HOLLEMAN

My Turn: A vote away from helping Alaska’s foster children

As a mother and grandmother and through my work with foster youth and the Alaska Children’s Trust, I have realized that few things are of… Continue reading

  • May 18, 2016
  • By DONNA WALKER
Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage

My Turn: Raiding the Permanent Fund threatens the economy and our future

Sometimes shortcuts don’t work. You run into road construction, traffic is backed up or you get lost. The leadership in the Senate Majority Caucus has… Continue reading

  • May 18, 2016
  • By HARRIET DRUMMOND
Rep. Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage

Empire Editorial: No end in sight for Legislature

Today is Day 121 of the Legislature’s regular session.We don’t know when the Legislature will finish its work, but it won’t be today. It may… Continue reading

  • May 17, 2016

My Turn: Alaska’s environment and economy depend on each other

For the past couple of months, the phrase “budget deficit” has been everywhere. In late March, I spent a week in our state’s capitol with… Continue reading

  • May 17, 2016
  • By ELVIE UNDERWOOD