Opinion

Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Déjà vu all over again?

The Democratic mantra demonizing Republicans as racist misogynists doesn’t bring us closer — it only divides us further.

Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Empire file.

Opinion: I stand for salmon

Alaska is the last bastion for Pacific salmon.

Juneau Empire file.
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Opinion: Vote no on 1

A yes vote is a vote for mob rule.

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Demonstrators march in the Violence Against Women Awareness Rally near Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Friday, April 20, 2018. (Richard McGrail | Juneau Empire File)                                 Demonstrators march in the Violence Against Women Awareness Rally near Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Friday, April 20, 2018. (Richard McGrail | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Do whatever it takes to make a safer Alaska

Alaska is the least safe place for women in the nation.

Demonstrators march in the Violence Against Women Awareness Rally near Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Friday, April 20, 2018. (Richard McGrail | Juneau Empire File)                                 Demonstrators march in the Violence Against Women Awareness Rally near Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Friday, April 20, 2018. (Richard McGrail | Juneau Empire File)
In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Walker values tribal sovereignty

The Walker-Mallott administration ushered in a new era of tribal-state relations.

In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 In this file photo from April 2016, President Richard Peterson addresses delegates to the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska during the 81st Annual Tribal Assembly in Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Chart a better course for salmon

A yes on Ballot Measure 1 is the answer Alaska’s salmon, and the people who rely on them, need.

A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Mayoral candidates Saralyn Tabachnick, left, Gregory Norton, center, and Beth Weldon answers questions during a Special Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Thank you, Juneau, for this opportunity

Campaigning was new to me, and I learned a lot.

Mayoral candidates Saralyn Tabachnick, left, Gregory Norton, center, and Beth Weldon answers questions during a Special Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: National Arts & Humanities Month

Opinion: National Arts & Humanities Month

With many challenges and opportunities, from hurricanes to elections to personal happenings, affecting our lives, sometimes we overlook two important fields of human spirit that… Continue reading

  • Oct 14, 2018
  • By Benjamin Brown
Opinion: National Arts & Humanities Month
Opinion: Opening the pandora’s box to America’s history

Opinion: Opening the pandora’s box to America’s history

Most of us remember when Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant was crippled by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Some probably recall the concern… Continue reading

  • Oct 14, 2018
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: Opening the pandora’s box to America’s history
Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November

Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November

I’m concerned about the gubernatorial race and the course it may set us on. I know Mike Dunleavy is the tallest and we’re supposed to… Continue reading

Opinion: Decision time is now, not in November
Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics

Compromise is essential for governance; gerrymandering makes that compromise less likely to happen.

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: Redistricting basics
Opinion: Dunleavy’s voting record

Opinion: Dunleavy’s voting record

The governor’s race should be decided on facts, not misleading campaign ads. You deserve the truth. That’s different than what the slick ads paid for… Continue reading

Opinion: Dunleavy’s voting record

Opinion: Innovations in newborn bloodspot screening save babies, improve lives

Newborn bloodspot screening is a successful public health tool that improves outcomes for children born with congenital health threats and has saved thousands of lives.… Continue reading

Opinion: Walker/Mallott are the only candidates who are honest with the numbers
Opinion: Walker/Mallott are the only candidates who are honest with the numbers
Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Why I’m voting for Chris Dimond

This is my first time voting in a state election.

Legislative candidates answers questions during the Native Issues Forum at the Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. From left: Moderator Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau, House District 33 candidates Chris Dimond and Sara Hannan, House District 34 candidates Jerry Nankervis and Andi Story, and Senate District Q candidates Don Etheridge and Jesse Kiehl. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Tracking the Outside money in Alaska politics

Since its inception, the Alaska Policy Forum has been guided by a vision of continuously growing prosperity in Alaska. Our work is to support policy… Continue reading

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Opinion: Walker is the best choice for Alaska’s Students

As a teacher and president of Alaska’s largest professional union, my highest priority is student learning. We, who think first and foremost about our students… Continue reading

  • Oct 8, 2018
  • By Tim Parker
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Opinion: American karma - the past due notice for inequality

Opinion: American karma – the past due notice for inequality

Women are demanding an American future with full equality.

Opinion: American karma - the past due notice for inequality
Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need a governor who will stick to his word on reproductive rights

Whom we choose for governor is more important than ever.

Former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich debate during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Strangulation: A deadly tactic

Strangulation: A deadly tactic

Strangulation is a violent and effective tactic that is misunderstood, deadly and consistently downplayed.

  • Oct 4, 2018
  • By Carmen Lowry and Dr. Tracey Wiese
Strangulation: A deadly tactic