Opinion

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Now is the time to improve psychiatric patient care

May is Mental Health Awareness month.

  • May 5, 2021
  • By Faith Myers
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Les Gara is a former state representative and former foster youth. Amanda Metivier is associate director of the Child Welfare Academy, Co-founder of Facing Foster Care in Alaska, a Social Worker, and also a former foster youth. (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: Alaska is in dire need of caring foster families

COVID has possibly made you more important to foster youth than ever.

  • May 4, 2021
  • Les Gara and Amanda Metivier
Les Gara is a former state representative and former foster youth. Amanda Metivier is associate director of the Child Welfare Academy, Co-founder of Facing Foster Care in Alaska, a Social Worker, and also a former foster youth. (Courtesy Photo)
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Reports show value of UA workforce development programs

The economic value of training and education is abundantly clear

  • May 4, 2021
  • By Teri Cothren
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(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Cruise initiatives are only way toward reasonable change

“It’s not going to happen any other way.”

  • May 4, 2021
  • By Kimberly Metcalfe
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Let’s continue the clean-energy conversation

We strongly agree that our energy security and delivering clean, low-cost power is a public interest

  • May 3, 2021
  • By Kriss Hart
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
The MV Matanuska awaits repairs at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday as lawmakers at the state Capitol debated whether the Alaska Marine Highway System was actually a highway. A bill that would shape long-term planning for the system passed out of committee. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The feigning champions of the ferry system

Token improvements aren’t anything to brag about.

  • May 1, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
The MV Matanuska awaits repairs at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday as lawmakers at the state Capitol debated whether the Alaska Marine Highway System was actually a highway. A bill that would shape long-term planning for the system passed out of committee. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Please don’t sign tourism initiatives

What will happen to our economy if we lose say $200 million in tourism spending?

  • Apr 30, 2021
  • By Max Mertz and Linda Thomas
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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)