Letters to the Editor

In this Sept. 6, 2018 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)

Opinion: Medicaid expansion is out of control

For less government, Mike Dunleavy is the clear choice for governor.

In this Sept. 6, 2018 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)
(Sharon McCutcheon | Unsplash.com file photo)

Opinion: Nankervis opposes equal rights

As a 25-year Juneau resident, I deeply appreciate that the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly took the forward step in August 2016 by voting… Continue reading

(Sharon McCutcheon | Unsplash.com file photo)
In this June 21, 2017 file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Russian meddling in the election and possible connection to the Trump campaign, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Opinion: Republicans need to back the Russia investigation

Republican support for special council Robert Mueller’s investigation has been disappointingly low. I have been a proud Republican, and one of the central pillars of… Continue reading

In this June 21, 2017 file photo, special counsel Robert Mueller departs after a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about Russian meddling in the election and possible connection to the Trump campaign, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite, File)
Opinion: Fish can’t vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, but you can

Opinion: Fish can’t vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, but you can

Vote for the fish on Nov. 6 because they can’t vote for themselves. The foundation of our ecosystem and our economy is salmon. The seafood… Continue reading

Opinion: Fish can’t vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, but you can
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 File)

Opinion: Vote Sara Hannan, advocate for people and environment

2018 is the year of women in politics.

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 File)
Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)

Letter: We support Andi Story for the House

We support Andi Story for House We have lived in Juneau for more than 40 years, most all of those in the Mendenhall Valley. When… Continue reading

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Why I’m voting yes on Ballot Measure 1

Opinion: Why I’m voting yes on Ballot Measure 1

As a commercial fisherman and Alaska resident, I believe it is my responsibility to vote in the upcoming general election, and to make the most… Continue reading

Opinion: Why I’m voting yes on Ballot Measure 1
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: A few facts on Ballot Measure 1

If you are uncertain about how to vote on our Ballot Measure 1/Stand for Salmon on Nov. 6 because you’ve heard so many conflicting opinions,… Continue reading

Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this July 28, 2018, photo, Alyse Galvin addresses a group of volunteers in Anchorage, Alaska, before they set out to campaign door-to-door on her behalf. Galvin is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Young in the Nov. 6 Election Day. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)

Opinion: Vote Galvin for a new ‘Alyse on life’

Alaska’s population is the most spread out of all the fifty states at one person per square mile. We are diverse, and we are separated… Continue reading

In this July 28, 2018, photo, Alyse Galvin addresses a group of volunteers in Anchorage, Alaska, before they set out to campaign door-to-door on her behalf. Galvin is running against incumbent U.S. Rep. Don Young in the Nov. 6 Election Day. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)
Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Andi Story is the best choice for schools

I met Andi Story the first time my family and I attended Northern Light Church. I chose this church because of its strong commitment to… Continue reading

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Pennn | Juneau Empire)
Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, right, speaks with Marilyn Orr during a “town-hall-style coffee and conversation” at 60 Degrees North Coffee and Tea on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. Galvin is running against Republican incumbent Rep. Don Young. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: We need a change in the US House

I’m voting for Alyse Galvin because of her strengths, her character and the fact that she has not taken a penny of corporate campaign money… Continue reading

Alyse Galvin, indpendent candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, right, speaks with Marilyn Orr during a “town-hall-style coffee and conversation” at 60 Degrees North Coffee and Tea on Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. Galvin is running against Republican incumbent Rep. Don Young. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich is interviewed following his primary victory Tuesday Aug. 21, 2018, in Anchorage, Alaska. Begich, a former U.S. Senator, advances to the general election and is expected to face incumbent Gov. Bill Walker and former state senator Mike Dunleavy. (Michael Dinneen | The Associated Press)

Opinion: Begich supports Ballot Measure 1

I urge Alaskans to vote Mark Begich for governor on Nov. 6. This election will be one of the most important for the people of… Continue reading

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Begich is interviewed following his primary victory Tuesday Aug. 21, 2018, in Anchorage, Alaska. Begich, a former U.S. Senator, advances to the general election and is expected to face incumbent Gov. Bill Walker and former state senator Mike Dunleavy. (Michael Dinneen | The Associated Press)
Chris Dimond, unaffiliated with any politicial party, is running for the Alaska House District 33 seat currently held by Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau.

Opinion: Dimond does his homework

I want someone who will do their homework, not just say they will. I believe Chris Dimond is the best candidate for House District 33… Continue reading

Chris Dimond, unaffiliated with any politicial party, is running for the Alaska House District 33 seat currently held by Rep. Sam Kito III, D-Juneau.
Opinion: Only one candidate promises not to raise taxes

Opinion: Only one candidate promises not to raise taxes

I loved working in Alaska’s tourism industry. I thought it would be a lifetime pursuit. That was not meant to be. My tourism career abruptly… Continue reading

Opinion: Only one candidate promises not to raise taxes
Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality

Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality

Having been in IT for over two decades, I have seen the birth and explosion of the internet. I have run my own website from… Continue reading

Opinion: Begich only gubernatorial candidate to support net neutrality
Election official Jacqueline Fowler, left, hands Becky Dierking her ballot in the Municipal Election at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Good job, Juneau

I am so proud of the recent municipal election process here in Juneau. I was delighted to see new energy and interest in the election… Continue reading

Election official Jacqueline Fowler, left, hands Becky Dierking her ballot in the Municipal Election at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: What has been accomplished?

Opinion: What has been accomplished?

Alaska deserves better. It’s time for a change.

Opinion: What has been accomplished?

How to bomb a job interview

Imagine you were on an interview team hiring for a specific job – it could be a news reporter, teacher, bus driver, waiter, librarian, sales… Continue reading

Opinion: Save us from Mike Dunleavy

Mike Dunleavy will get you Permanent Fund Dividend back, and everything else, balance the budget, and not cut your PFD nor implement an income tax.… Continue reading

Mayoral candidates Saralyn Tabachnick, left, Norton Gregory, 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: I support Beth Weldon for mayor

It is with pleasure that I throw my full political support behind Beth Weldon as candidate for mayor. I am a lifelong Alaskan, 36-year Juneau… Continue reading

Mayoral candidates Saralyn Tabachnick, left, Norton Gregory, 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)