Opinion

Opinion: The $162M consequences of the cruise ship petitions

The initiatives would permanently extend the crushing economic consequences wrought by the pandemic.

  • Apr 29, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: By-mail election decision needs public input

That seems like an important discussion to me.

  • Apr 29, 2021
  • By Ed King
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: 3 questions about ending America’s ‘Forever War’

Every American should ask themselves three questions

  • Apr 28, 2021
  • By Jeffrey G. Moebus
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Opinion: The tourism pause provides us an opportunity

Let’s give our travelers and our current and future residents reasons to choose us.

  • Apr 28, 2021
  • By Maureen Longworth
The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Alaska needs to clearly define consent

House Bill 5 would do that.

  • Apr 27, 2021
  • By Katie Botz
The U.S. Flag and Alaska state flag fly on the roof of the Alaska State Capitol on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Alaska Electric Light and Power Company Lemon Creek operations center in Juneau. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: AEL&P understands and is committed to Juneau’s energy future

We look forward to continuing the conversation about Juneau’s energy future.

  • Apr 26, 2021
  • By Connie Hulbert
Alaska Electric Light and Power Company Lemon Creek operations center in Juneau. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy shakes hands with Rear Adm. Matthew T. Bell Jr. during a Change of Command and retirement ceremony Friday, April 23, 2021 at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: New Coast Guard cutters belong in Southeast Alaska

Let’s bring all hands on deck and get to work.

  • Apr 26, 2021
  • By Mike Dunleavy
Gov. Mike Dunleavy shakes hands with Rear Adm. Matthew T. Bell Jr. during a Change of Command and retirement ceremony Friday, April 23, 2021 at Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need responsible limits on tourism

Now is the perfect time to rethink before we restart

  • Apr 24, 2021
  • By Sue Schrader
Cruise ship visitors gather for their tours on the Seawalk on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Cruise initiatives risk future of Juneau businesses

By Liz Perry Travel Juneau has one mission: market the community to conventions, groups, and independent travelers. While we’re charged with putting “heads in beds,”… Continue reading

  • Apr 23, 2021
  • By Liz Perry
In this March 2020 photo, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Chief Executive Officer Angela Rodell speaks to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: APFC has a vision for Alaska’s financial anchor

Laud the vision of the past and look forward.

  • Apr 21, 2021
  • By Angela Rodell
In this March 2020 photo, Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation Chief Executive Officer Angela Rodell speaks to the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
Kate Troll (Courtesy Photo / Kate Troll)

Opinion: Juneau’s unique energy situation merits an essential conversation

The conversation may not be easy.

  • Apr 21, 2021
  • By Kate Troll
Kate Troll (Courtesy Photo / Kate Troll)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Liveaboard surcharge increase is too steep

By Matt Leither As a liveaboard resident in the Juneau Harbors system, I am writing to voice my concern regarding the proposed resident surcharge increase… Continue reading

  • Apr 20, 2021
  • By Matt Leither
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Anselm Staack (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: The purposeful Destruction of AMHS and UA

We are clearly not “all in this together.”

  • Apr 19, 2021
  • By Anselm Staack
Anselm Staack (Courtesy Photo)
A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Clearing up For the People Act misconceptions

The For the People Act can help modernize and safeguard our voting processes.

  • Apr 19, 2021
  • By Judy Andree
A voter fills out their ballot in the Thunder Mountain High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Nov. 3. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Proposed surcharge increase for liveaboards is unfair

By Bill Lomax I’m a liveaboard in the Statter Harbor and am writing this in opposition to the city’s plan to double the residence surcharge… Continue reading

  • Apr 16, 2021
  • By Bill Lomax
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Allison Smith, a member of Juneau Nordic Ski Club, oasses another Nordic skiier on her way back toward the Montana Creek Trail trailhead on Dec. 29, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Proposed trail from Montana Creek Trail would create problems

“The current proposal would create safety concerns and displace existing non-motorized users.”

  • Apr 16, 2021
  • By Frankie Pillifant
Allison Smith, a member of Juneau Nordic Ski Club, oasses another Nordic skiier on her way back toward the Montana Creek Trail trailhead on Dec. 29, 2020. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Voter suppression or election integrity?

Georgia’s recently passed voting law addresses perfectly rational concerns about election security.

  • Apr 15, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
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Opinion: We do not have another decade to waste without protecting every Alaskan

Let’s end the cruel, and inhumane legal discrimination against our fellow Alaskans

  • Apr 14, 2021
  • By Beth Kerttula
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(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: A campaign for Alaska

By Sheri Buretta and Cynthia Cartledge The University of Alaska is focused on taking charge of its destiny. On March 25, the university launched its… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2021
  • By Sheri Buretta and Cynthia Cartledge
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: When it comes to voting, easier isn’t always better

This is not for the people.

  • Apr 12, 2021
  • By Judy Ripley