Opinion

Former Democratic state Rep. Beth Kerttula holds up a sign reading “Vote No Con Con,” during a recent rally at the Dimond Courthouse Plaza in Juneau. Opposition to a constitutional convention, which could alter the Alaska State Constitution to allow for banning abortions was a frequent topic during the protest. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

A constitutional convention would be doomed to fail

Principled compromise has given way to the unyielding demands of performative politicians

  • Jul 1, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
Former Democratic state Rep. Beth Kerttula holds up a sign reading “Vote No Con Con,” during a recent rally at the Dimond Courthouse Plaza in Juneau. Opposition to a constitutional convention, which could alter the Alaska State Constitution to allow for banning abortions was a frequent topic during the protest. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
In this May 31, 2018 photo Sen. Dennis Egan, D-Juneau, speaks to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce during its weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge. (Michael Penn/ Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Remembering the man I called ‘boss’

Dennis Egan was able to make me laugh out loud from beyond the grave.

  • Jul 1, 2022
  • By Chester Carson
In this May 31, 2018 photo Sen. Dennis Egan, D-Juneau, speaks to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce during its weekly luncheon at the Moose Lodge. (Michael Penn/ Juneau Empire File)
Alexander B. Dolitsky

Opinion: We make our choices and our choices make us

All Americans must be courageous and stand strong against this radical madness…

  • Jun 30, 2022
  • By Alexander B. Dolitsky
Alexander B. Dolitsky
Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Cleaning up Tulsequah Chief would improve salmon habitat

Two decades of pressure is finally showing some result.

  • Jun 29, 2022
  • By Brian Lynch
Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We’re at risk of losing our well-crafted constitution

Vote no for a constitutional convention in November.

  • Jun 28, 2022
  • By Meilani Schijvens
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: The latest gun regulation bill is nothing to cheer about

The legislation resembles the timid movements of a couple of 6-month old children…

  • Jun 27, 2022
  • By Rodger Painter
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Opinion: Here’s what I expect of lawmakers in a post-Roe America

I urge lawmakers to codify abortion rights at the state and federal levels.

  • Jun 24, 2022
  • By Katie Miller
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Opinion: I want an Ambler Road, but not the one that’s been proposed

I do want an Ambler Road from Nome to Ambler.

  • Jun 24, 2022
  • By Adeline Raboff
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Capitol

Opinion: The Alaskans with the power to defend America’s democracy

By Rich Moniak In the weeks following the 2020 presidential election, Arizona House Speaker Rusty Bowers, a Republican, asked Donald Trump’s attorneys for evidence of… Continue reading

  • Jun 24, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
Capitol
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Opinion: Bali G20 summit may be our last best chance to solve the climate crisis

Governments need to address three significant issues this November.

  • Jun 23, 2022
  • By Rick Steiner
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Opinion: Confusion over ranked choice voting persists

Voter confusion over ballot procedures will continue.

  • Jun 23, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. King salmon in the Taku River have been on the decline in recent years. The cause of the decline remains undetermined. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: A pessimist’s view of Taku River king salmon

How serious is the problem on the Taku, you ask?

  • Jun 23, 2022
  • By Larry Edfelt
A king salmon is laid out for inspection by Alaska Department of Fish and Game at the Mike Pusich Douglas Harbor officials at the Golden North Salmon Derby on Aug. 25, 2019. King salmon in the Taku River have been on the decline in recent years. The cause of the decline remains undetermined. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Constitutional law scholar failed to do his homework

Recent My Turn missed the mark.

  • Jun 21, 2022
  • By Bruce Botelho
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
Travel Juneau CEO and President Liz Perry, Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl, City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon, and Ironman regional director Dave Christen hold a sign for the 2022 Juneau Ironman event as they announce the race’s Alaska debut on the University of Alaska- Southeast campus on Aug. 9, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Answers to your Ironman questions

Here’s a brief Q&A to the event

  • Jun 17, 2022
  • By Liz Perry
Travel Juneau CEO and President Liz Perry, Sealaska Heritage Institute President Rosita Worl, City and Borough of Juneau Mayor Beth Weldon, and Ironman regional director Dave Christen hold a sign for the 2022 Juneau Ironman event as they announce the race’s Alaska debut on the University of Alaska- Southeast campus on Aug. 9, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
The Juneau School District, it’s headquarters seen here in this Juneau Empire file photo, will receive a portion of Alaska’s more than $358 million in federal relief money for schools. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: Reality matters

Juneau needs creative, resourceful leaders who respond to the changing needs of the community.

  • Jun 15, 2022
  • By Paulette Simpson
The Juneau School District, it’s headquarters seen here in this Juneau Empire file photo, will receive a portion of Alaska’s more than $358 million in federal relief money for schools. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
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Opinion: You cannot fix stupid

But we can help ourselves by understanding its pathology.

  • Jun 14, 2022
  • By Joe Mehrkens
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This photo shows former Gov. Bill Walker at a recent fundraising event. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Bill Walker did more to improve the health of Alaskans than any politician I know

Please join me in supporting Walker-Drygas!

  • Jun 13, 2022
  • By Dr. Lindy Jones
This photo shows former Gov. Bill Walker at a recent fundraising event. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The many reasons I’m voting for Les Gara for governor

By Dr. Emily Kane We need a governor who respects the legitimate needs of all people to reach their potential. Les Gara worked hard for… Continue reading

  • Jun 13, 2022
  • By Dr. Emily Kane
This photo shows a ballot and return envelope for the special primary election for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ballots must be postmarked by June 11. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: How the Second Amendment informed my special election primary vote

By Rich Moniak Jeff Lowenfels was at the bottom of my short list in the special primary election to complete Congressman Don Young’s term. Then… Continue reading

  • Jun 11, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
This photo shows a ballot and return envelope for the special primary election for Alaska's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ballots must be postmarked by June 11. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Giving our kids a sporting chance

This project deserves a chance to succeed.

  • Jun 9, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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