Opinion

The Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: US government is accountable for repaying our tribe for the theft of our land

State bill wouldn’t change how tribal governments operate.

  • Mar 13, 2020
  • By George Suckinaw James Jr.
The Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
A Capital City Fire/Rescue ambulance splashes through a flooding area of Riverside Drive on their way to a call in this January 2015 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Juneau responders are well prepared for COVID-19

With the spread of COVID-19 into Juneau feeling imminent, I think we are all wondering how bad it might get. Years will pass before all… Continue reading

  • Mar 12, 2020
A Capital City Fire/Rescue ambulance splashes through a flooding area of Riverside Drive on their way to a call in this January 2015 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The view from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as seen in late February. The center was the site of an open house to draw public comment on a proposed overhaul of the recreation area. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We can do better at the glacier

Tell the Forest Service.

  • Mar 12, 2020
The view from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as seen in late February. The center was the site of an open house to draw public comment on a proposed overhaul of the recreation area. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways

Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways

Comment period ends March 19.

  • Mar 10, 2020
  • By John Neary
Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways
A Wings of Alaska floatplane lands as the Zaandam, right, and Ryndam cruise ships pull into the Juneau’s downtown harbor 2009. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I hope Ocean Rangers are brought back to cruise ships

In 2006 when Alaska voters, including myself, passed the citizen’s initiative establishing the Ocean Ranger program, we enacted a program that included onboard monitoring of… Continue reading

  • Mar 10, 2020
  • By John Clifton Passmore
A Wings of Alaska floatplane lands as the Zaandam, right, and Ryndam cruise ships pull into the Juneau’s downtown harbor 2009. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion

Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion

By enacting a constitutional amendment, the state would be playing into the hands of the leftists.

  • Mar 9, 2020
Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion
Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival

Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival

“We are safer interacting with this group of people than many others.”

  • Mar 7, 2020
Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival
President Donald Trump talks to members of the media before leaving the White House, Monday, March 2, 2020 in Washington, to attend a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Opinion: Trump’s lawsuits may be a campaign strategy

He’s sowing seeds of doubt.

  • Mar 7, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
President Donald Trump talks to members of the media before leaving the White House, Monday, March 2, 2020 in Washington, to attend a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The MV Matanuska tied up at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Roads don’t rust

“A boat is a hole in the water into which you throw money.”

The MV Matanuska tied up at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Cruise ship decision should be tabled by the Assembly

Prudence and levelheadedness are called for.

  • Mar 5, 2020
  • By Jack Fargnoli
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference at the Baranoff Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Dunleavy is the sanity that needed to happen

We need to get spending under control.

  • Mar 3, 2020
  • By Larry Wood
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference at the Baranoff Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Nordic Ski Team members Erin Wallace, front, leads Aaron Blust and Anna Iverson in a pole-less skiing drill through fresh snow on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at the Mendenhall Campgrounds. (Nolin Ainsworth | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: It makes sense to develop outdoor recreation

Alaska leads the nation in outdoor participation.

  • Mar 2, 2020
Juneau Nordic Ski Team members Erin Wallace, front, leads Aaron Blust and Anna Iverson in a pole-less skiing drill through fresh snow on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at the Mendenhall Campgrounds. (Nolin Ainsworth | Juneau Empire File)
Someone holds up an inflatable Alaska Marine Highway ferry at at a rally to support of the Alaska Marine Highway System on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Incompetence turns inefficiency into failure for ferries and Real IDs

Welcome to the Gov. Mike Dunleavy era of efficient government.

  • Feb 29, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Someone holds up an inflatable Alaska Marine Highway ferry at at a rally to support of the Alaska Marine Highway System on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Sonia Nagorski, assistant professor of Geology Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska Southeast, investigates the broken oxbow along the Mendenhall River in this October 2018 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: It should be easier to protect Alaskan water

Our waters are routinely used as cheap sewers for industry whose only goal is to maximizing profits.

  • Feb 26, 2020
  • Guy Archibald
Sonia Nagorski, assistant professor of Geology Arts and Sciences at the University of Alaska Southeast, investigates the broken oxbow along the Mendenhall River in this October 2018 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: We still need the visitor industry

Opinion: We still need the visitor industry

We’re lucky to live where people want to visit.

  • Feb 25, 2020
  • By Ben Brown
Opinion: We still need the visitor industry
Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Direct democracy won’t fix the budget

Not knowing isn’t a matter of ignorance of apathy. It’s not our job.

  • Feb 23, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Gov. Mike Dunleavy holds a press conference at the Capitol on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Open minds can open mines

Opinion: Open minds can open mines

No more short-term band aids — we need long-term solutions.

  • Feb 21, 2020
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Open minds can open mines

Opinion: Let’s learn from Australia

My Turn.

  • Feb 20, 2020
  • By Steve Bowhay
Opinion: The salmon way is worth fighting for

Opinion: The salmon way is worth fighting for

Alaska is our country’s last salmon state.

Opinion: The salmon way is worth fighting for
This Toxics Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock. (Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency)

Opinion: Red Dog has strong environmental track record

Every year the EPA issues its annual Toxic Release (TRI) Inventory, and every year it creates confusion and misinformation regarding the Red Dog zinc mine… Continue reading

This Toxics Release Inventory map included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual TRI analysis shows facilities throughout the state that reported the release of toxic chemicals to the EPA. Releases include permitted releases and movement of waste rock. (Courtesy Photo | Environmental Protection Agency)