Letters to the Editor

Opinion: Andi Story is steady, strong and reliable

Opinion: Andi Story is steady, strong and reliable

I am writing to support Andi Story for the state House of Representatives. I met Story back in the 1980s when I was a Juneau… Continue reading

Opinion: Andi Story is steady, strong and reliable
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Opinion: Hannan stands with Democrats, unlike Dimond

I suppose I wasn’t surprised to see the endorsement by Gov. Bill Walker of candidate Chris Dimond. Although both Walker and Dimond profess to be… Continue reading

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Opinion: the Republican Women of Juneau should be ashamed of anti-Semitic ad

Opinion: the Republican Women of Juneau should be ashamed of anti-Semitic ad

Shame on the Republican Women of Juneau for using an anti-Semitic trope in their recent mailer against Jesse Kiehl. The advertisement depicts a man, meant… Continue reading

Opinion: the Republican Women of Juneau should be ashamed of anti-Semitic ad
Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: I trust Sara Hannan

With national politics being so explosive, it’s easy to think all politics are oppositional in nature. However, in Alaska and in our Southeast District 33… Continue reading

Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Jesse Kiehl, running as an Democrat for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Join me in voting for Jesse Kiehl

I have known Jesse Kiehl for over 20 years. Throughout that time, he has been not just my neighbor and customer, but also a staunch… Continue reading

Jesse Kiehl, running as an Democrat for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Let’s elect Andi Story

Working for 20 years in banking and housing afforded me a “hands-on” understanding of our regional economy and the struggles created by massive state budget… Continue reading

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)
A crane stands by for module and facility installation on the ConocoPhillips GMT-1 drilling pad. First oil from the project flowed on Oct. 5, and royalty revenue from the project could mean hundreds of millions in new funding for affected North Slope communities. (Courtesy Photo | Judy Patrick, ConocoPhillips)
A crane stands by for module and facility installation on the ConocoPhillips GMT-1 drilling pad. First oil from the project flowed on Oct. 5, and royalty revenue from the project could mean hundreds of millions in new funding for affected North Slope communities. (Courtesy Photo | Judy Patrick, ConocoPhillips)
Opinion: Stand for Extinction

Opinion: Stand for Extinction

Salmon were once abundant all over the world. Rivers and streams from Spain to Scandinavia were filled with them, as were Japan and Russia. North… Continue reading

Opinion: Stand for Extinction
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: Vote Nankervis (but at least vote)

My Uncle Frank was a submariner during World War II. He often opined that the sacrifices of those who have died for our freedoms obligate… 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)
Opinion: ‘Yes’ for Story

Opinion: ‘Yes’ for Story

As a Marine Corps veteran, I look for someone with strength of character and values to represent me in the Legislature, not someone stuck in… Continue reading

Opinion: ‘Yes’ for Story
Don Etheridge, running as an independent for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Etheridge for Senate race

I would like to express my support for Don Etheridge for the District Q Senate Seat. Etheridge came from a hard-working blue collar family and… Continue reading

Don Etheridge, running as an independent for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: Kiehl is the real deal on education

It’s easy to say, “I support education.” Every politician in this hemisphere shouts it from the rooftops — and most of the time, all they… Continue reading

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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: I’m voting Alyse Galvin for real change

Time is running short. We have a chance to make a real change in Alaska by electing independent candidate Alyse Galvin for U.S. House. Her… 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)

Opinion: Mike Dunleavy can’t be trusted

I find it disturbing that Mike Dunleavy’s campaign promises are the exact opposite of his record. Before he quit the legislature, he voted for the… Continue reading

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: Vote no on Ballot Measure 1

Opinion: Vote no on Ballot Measure 1

Alaska does not have a problem with salmon habitat in its streams and rivers.

Opinion: Vote no on Ballot Measure 1
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)
Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Vote Hannan for HD 33

I’m voting for Sara Hannan because she is the most qualified candidate to serve our long-time democratic district. Hannan has trained for this job all… Continue reading

Sara Hannan, running as an Democrat for state House District 33, talks about her campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Friday, Oct. 19, 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)
Jesse Kiehl, running as an Democrat for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Kiehl’s experience makes him a strong candidate

I’m supporting Jesse Kiehl for Senate for a couple reasons. At a time when our Juneau delegation is all new, Kiehl brings the experience of… Continue reading

Jesse Kiehl, running as an Democrat for state Senate District Q, talks about his campaign during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)