Election 2018

Why young people should vote

Why young people should vote

If you care about what happens in your life, go vote!

Why young people should vote
Chum salmon attempt to swim up Gold Creek as thousands more wait their turn on Monday, August 8, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Alaskans will not be fooled on Ballot Measure 1

Alaskans will vote on the Stand For Salmon initiative on Nov. 6. The opposition to this measure has used trickery, deception, exaggeration and now outright… Continue reading

Chum salmon attempt to swim up Gold Creek as thousands more wait their turn on Monday, August 8, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau Empire file. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Analysis: Minor permits under Ballot Measure 1

Ballot Measure 1, up for a vote during the statewide election Nov. 6, provides three tracks for development projects on salmon habitat in Alaska. Some… Continue reading

Juneau Empire file. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)

West Coast fishermen back ballot measure

The largest commercial fishing trade organization on the West Coast announced Monday its support for Ballot Measure 1, which would change how the State of… Continue reading

Seine boats wait in line to set their nets at Amalga Harbor in July. (Kevin Gullufsen | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Vote for who’s working for our future

Opinion: Vote for who’s working for our future

Thanks to Gov. Bill Walker for his four years of service. He really did his best to put Alaska first under some tough circumstances. On… Continue reading

Opinion: Vote for who’s working for our future
Opinion: Walker failed as governor

Opinion: Walker failed as governor

Walker’s PFD “tax” has hit those in the lower income range hardest.

Opinion: Walker failed as governor
In this Sept. 6 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)

Walker’s support for Begich is ‘narrow’

When he gave a speech announcing his withdrawal from the election, Gov. Bill Walker told his audience that they should support Democratic candidate Mark Begich.… Continue reading

In this Sept. 6 file photo, Democratic nominee for governor of Alaska Mark Begich, right, speaks as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a chamber of commerce gubernatorial candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, in Juneau, Alaska, On Friday, Oct. 19, Walker announced he was dropping his bid for re-election, though his name remains on the ballot. He threw his support behind Begich, who will face Republican Mike Dunleavy in November. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File)
Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, speaks to his amendment to the state’s operating budget to inflation-proof the Alaska Permanent Fund in the Senate at the Capitol on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Democratic Anchorage senator declaims pro-Dunleavy ads

A Democratic senator from Anchorage is asking a campaign backing Republican governor candidate Mike Dunleavy to stop using his voice and picture in pro-Dunleavy ads.… Continue reading

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, speaks to his amendment to the state’s operating budget to inflation-proof the Alaska Permanent Fund in the Senate at the Capitol on Thursday, April 12, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
In this Oct. 2, 2018, file photo, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, during The Atlantic Festival, in Washington. On Monday via Twitter, Clinton endorsed 17 Democratic governor candidates, including Alaska’s Mark Begich (Alex Brandon | The Associated Press)

Hillary Clinton endorses Begich for governor

Hillary Clinton has endorsed Mark Begich for governor. In an announcement Monday morning on Twitter, Clinton announced her support for a slate of Democratic governor… Continue reading

In this Oct. 2, 2018, file photo, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton talks with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, during The Atlantic Festival, in Washington. On Monday via Twitter, Clinton endorsed 17 Democratic governor candidates, including Alaska’s Mark Begich (Alex Brandon | The Associated Press)
Alyse Galvin, Alaska’s independent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, holds a town hall-style meeting to an overflowing room at Centennial Hall on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Galvin is the change we need

I am so very proud and appreciative of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, for acting on principle rather than partisanship. She is a sharp contrast… Continue reading

Alyse Galvin, Alaska’s independent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, holds a town hall-style meeting to an overflowing room at Centennial Hall on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Assembly member and legislative candidate Jerry Nankervis chairs a public safety committee meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why I support Jerry Nankervis for House

As a 30-year Juneau resident, I have always shied away from publicly voicing my political opinions. However for the first time ever, I’m openly supporting… Continue reading

Assembly member and legislative candidate Jerry Nankervis chairs a public safety committee meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The real deal named Andi Story

I see Story’s approach as a strength, not a weakness.

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Speak for the salmon

Opinion: Speak for the salmon

It is our turn now to speak to future Alaskans and speak for the salmon we hope to entrust to them.

Opinion: Speak for the salmon
Newly designed stickers by local artist Pat Race wait for voters during early voting at the State Office Building on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

In first two days, Juneau leads Alaska in early voting

Juneau is leading the state in early voting, according to preliminary figures from the Alaska Division of Election. According to the division, 240 registered voters… Continue reading

Newly designed stickers by local artist Pat Race wait for voters during early voting at the State Office Building on Monday, Oct. 22, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Democratis gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich watches as Thunder Mountain High School senior students Tristan Weissmuller, center, and Briannah Letter work on a candidate voter page during their government class on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Fog leads to slimmer Juneau campaign stop for Mark Begich

Mark Begich is trying to defeat Mike Dunleavy, but he first had to beat Juneau’s morning fog. Alaska’s Democratic governor candidate arrived in Juneau Friday… Continue reading

Democratis gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich watches as Thunder Mountain High School senior students Tristan Weissmuller, center, and Briannah Letter work on a candidate voter page during their government class on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2018 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy, second from left, stands near his campaign table at a meet-and-greet event in the lobby of Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage, Alaska. As a kid growing up on the East Coast, Mike Dunleavy dreamed of coming to Alaska, of hunting caribou, fishing in wild streams and losing himself in the state’s vast, open spaces. Now, after nearly 35 years in his adopted state, the conservative Republican is vying to become Alaska’s next governor. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File) In this Aug. 19 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy, second from left, stands near his campaign table at a meet-and-greet event in the lobby of Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage. (Becky Bohrer | The Associated Press File)

Arctic Slope Regional Corporation endorses Dunleavy

Republican governor candidate Mike Dunleavy picked up the endorsement of another major regional Native corporation on Friday when Arctic Slope Regional Corporation announced its endorsement.… Continue reading

FILE - In this Aug. 19, 2018 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy, second from left, stands near his campaign table at a meet-and-greet event in the lobby of Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage, Alaska. As a kid growing up on the East Coast, Mike Dunleavy dreamed of coming to Alaska, of hunting caribou, fishing in wild streams and losing himself in the state’s vast, open spaces. Now, after nearly 35 years in his adopted state, the conservative Republican is vying to become Alaska’s next governor. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer, File) In this Aug. 19 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Dunleavy, second from left, stands near his campaign table at a meet-and-greet event in the lobby of Anchorage Baptist Temple in Anchorage. (Becky Bohrer | The Associated Press File)
Opinion: Alaska, the most dangerous place to live. How did we let this happen?

Opinion: Alaska, the most dangerous place to live. How did we let this happen?

My journey with the effects of crime began in November 2016 when our Juneau car was stolen and spray painted red. The response from the… Continue reading

Opinion: Alaska, the most dangerous place to live. How did we let this happen?
In this screenshot from a video stream provided by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Gov. Bill Walker waves to the crowd on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 after announcing that he has suspended his bid for re-election and is supporting the Democratic candidate, Mark Begich. (Screenshot)

Opinion: Elect Mark Begich as governor

I attended the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention on Friday and watched with great sadness as Gov. Bill Walker announced the suspension of his campaign.… Continue reading

In this screenshot from a video stream provided by the Alaska Federation of Natives, Gov. Bill Walker waves to the crowd on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 after announcing that he has suspended his bid for re-election and is supporting the Democratic candidate, Mark Begich. (Screenshot)
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEWLocal 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Begich to visit Juneau, Dunleavy gets Trump endorsement

The latest from the campaign trail.

Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEWLocal 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Sealaska Plaza and the Sealaska Heritage Institute are seen during a dedication ceremony Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Sealaska Corp., the regional Native Corporation for Southeast Alaska, says it is not making an endorsement in the new-look governor’s race. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Tlingit & Haida, Sealaska Corp. decline to endorse gov candidate

Sealaska Corp. will not make an endorsement in the new-look Alaska governor’s race.

Sealaska Plaza and the Sealaska Heritage Institute are seen during a dedication ceremony Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018. Sealaska Corp., the regional Native Corporation for Southeast Alaska, says it is not making an endorsement in the new-look governor’s race. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)