Opinion

A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Local business — Use it or lose it forever.

There may be more federal funding, but what our local businesses now need most is customers.

  • Oct 19, 2020
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This photo of a by-mail ballot sent to an Alaska voter in October shows Ballot Measure 2. The League of Women Voters of Alaska supports the election reform measure. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

League of Women Voters of Alaska supports Ballot Measure 2 — here’s why

The league did not make the decision to support Ballot Measure 2 lightly

  • Oct 19, 2020
  • By Judy Andree
This photo of a by-mail ballot sent to an Alaska voter in October shows Ballot Measure 2. The League of Women Voters of Alaska supports the election reform measure. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Alaskans should support economic development by Rejecting Ballot Measure 1

It’s not the first time an oil tax hike has been considered, but it is the worst time.

  • Oct 17, 2020
  • By Leah Vukmir
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Vote no on Ballot Measure 1

It is ambiguous and almost certainly will lead to instability and litigation in the oil industry.

  • Oct 16, 2020
  • By David Marquez
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Opinion: Join me in voting yes on Ballot Measure 1 for a sustainable future

Paying out $7 in tax credits for every dollar we gain in revenue is madness…

  • Oct 16, 2020
  • By John White
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Ballot Measure 1, which would raise taxes on certain North Slope oil fields, is on the ballot for Alaska’s general election in November. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The Fair Share Act will help avert the looming economic meltdown

By Merrick Peirce The $20 million propaganda campaign underway argues that Alaskans are better off, somehow, getting less for our oil, and also paying billions… Continue reading

  • Oct 16, 2020
Ballot Measure 1, which would raise taxes on certain North Slope oil fields, is on the ballot for Alaska’s general election in November. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
Joel Jackson speaks for members of Kake during memorial service for the Guardian Flight crew held at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Friday, June 7, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

The future of Alaska belongs to the people of Alaska

Timber jobs have dried up, but the forest, animal populations, and salmon streams haven’t recovered.

  • Oct 15, 2020
  • By Joel Jackson
Joel Jackson speaks for members of Kake during memorial service for the Guardian Flight crew held at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Friday, June 7, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Juneau School District building. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: When will Juneau schools reopen?

“It’s time to question Juneau’s educational priorities.”

  • Oct 15, 2020
  • By Win Gruenning
This photo shows the Juneau School District building. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file)
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Opinion: I voted for Ballot Measure 1

Here’s why.

  • Oct 14, 2020
  • Gary Miller
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Opinion: What part does science play in voting for our next president?

Regardless of political leanings, consider the science in November.

  • Oct 14, 2020
  • By Nils Dihle
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U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview with the Juneau Empire at the Capitol in February 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Sullivan is a leader and getting my vote

“Senator Sullivan has an outstanding record of military and national security service.”

  • Oct 13, 2020
  • Merrill Sanford
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview with the Juneau Empire at the Capitol in February 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Sullivan has fought hard for Alaskan visitor industry businesses

Thankfully, Dan Sullivan understands the importance of the industry.

  • Oct 12, 2020
  • By Dennis McDonnell and Ethan Berto
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In this July 13, 2007, file photo, workers with the Pebble Mine project test drill in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, near the village of Iliamma. A proposed gold and copper mine at the headwaters of the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery in Alaska would cause “unavoidable adverse impacts,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a letter to the developer released Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. The corps is asking the backers of Pebble Mine to come up with a mitigation plan within 90 days for nearly 3,000 acres of land and nearly 200 miles of streams it says could be affected if the controversial mine moves forward. (AP Photo / Al Grillo)

Opinion: Alaska is an exceptional place for the minerals industry

The minerals industry, too, has been drawn to our state for its abundant resources…

  • Oct 11, 2020
  • By Sarah Davidson
In this July 13, 2007, file photo, workers with the Pebble Mine project test drill in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, near the village of Iliamma. A proposed gold and copper mine at the headwaters of the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery in Alaska would cause “unavoidable adverse impacts,” the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said in a letter to the developer released Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. The corps is asking the backers of Pebble Mine to come up with a mitigation plan within 90 days for nearly 3,000 acres of land and nearly 200 miles of streams it says could be affected if the controversial mine moves forward. (AP Photo / Al Grillo)
A group protests the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in the White House, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, outside the White House in Washington. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)

Opinion: The lucky Republicans being led by incompetence

“Into the Wild” tourists and Rose Garden attendees have commonalities.

  • Oct 11, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
A group protests the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in the White House, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, outside the White House in Washington. (AP Photo / Jacquelyn Martin)
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Opinion: Southeast Alaskans, finish the ballot

This year voters in Southeast have it easyonly two judicial officers are on the retention ballot.

  • Oct 10, 2020
  • By Retired Southeast Alaska judges
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Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Corri A. Feige.

Opinion: Thank-you, wildland firefighters

I join the president in conveying my deepest appreciation to all those who fight wildland fires.

  • Oct 9, 2020
Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Corri A. Feige.
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Opinion: Ballot Measure 2 puts voters first

This is a law creating transparency.

  • Oct 8, 2020
  • By Jonathon Taylor
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Opinion: Rapid tests must be implemented to save travel industry

The war we must fight now is COVID-19.

  • Oct 8, 2020
  • By Mark Roye
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Opinion: Nuclear launch ‘football’ must immediately be taken from Trump

We are at another moment of grave threat from an erratic, delusional, self-destructive megalomaniac

  • Oct 8, 2020
  • By Rick Steiner
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In this May 7, 2020 photo, Sen. Dan Sullivan wears a mask at a hearing in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch / Pool)

Opinion: Alaska is fortunate to have Dan Sullivan

The stakes have never been so important.

  • Oct 7, 2020
  • By Bob Jacobsen
In this May 7, 2020 photo, Sen. Dan Sullivan wears a mask at a hearing in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch / Pool)