Letters to the Editor

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)
Opinion: Vote for Schoenberger

Opinion: Vote for Schoenberger

Juneau needs a change in direction with leaders who support child care and early childhood education, as well as someone with strategies to expand opportunities… Continue reading

Opinion: Vote for Schoenberger
Opinion: Weldon cares about kids

Opinion: Weldon cares about kids

Beth Weldon knows about the challenges of raising children in Juneau – from finding child care for her preschool age children, especially when she worked… Continue reading

Opinion: Weldon cares about kids
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: Economy should be next mayor’s top priority

I am having a difficult time deciding who to vote for among the candidates for mayor. These are some of the things they should be… 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)
Alyse Galvin, independent 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: Send Alyse Galvin to Congress

I would like to share my enthusiastic support for Alyse Galvin for Congress. We definitely need a change in our representation in Washington, D.C. and… Continue reading

Alyse Galvin, independent 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)
A king salmon during the 67th annual Golden North Salmon Derby at the Don D. Statter Memorial Boat Harbor in August 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
A king salmon during the 67th annual Golden North Salmon Derby at the Don D. Statter Memorial Boat Harbor in August 2013. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: As a former mayor, I am voting for Weldon’s experience

Opinion: As a former mayor, I am voting for Weldon’s experience

I was very surprised to receive a campaign brochure from Saralynn Tabachnick in which she measures her previous fiscal experience in terms of increasing the… Continue reading

Opinion: As a former mayor, I am voting for Weldon’s experience
Opinion: Tackle tobacco this Recovery Month
Opinion: Tackle tobacco this Recovery Month
Opinion: Medicaid Expansion is a fiscal trap for Alaskans

Opinion: Medicaid Expansion is a fiscal trap for Alaskans

Since Gov. Bill Walker unilaterally expanded Obamacare in Alaska, enrollment has skyrocketed and is providing needed health care coverage to vulnerable Alaskans and bringing additional… Continue reading

Opinion: Medicaid Expansion is a fiscal trap for Alaskans
Opinion: Murkowski and Sullivan should vote against Kavanaugh

Opinion: Murkowski and Sullivan should vote against Kavanaugh

I am a lifelong Alaska resident, born and raised in Juneau. I’m very concerned about the current Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. His remarks in… Continue reading

Opinion: Murkowski and Sullivan should vote against Kavanaugh
Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes

Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes

Most of us don’t bother to read the fine print. Sometimes, though, it is quite informative. For instance, in the Vote No on 1 ad… Continue reading

Opinion: Oil-company opposition to Ballot Measure 1 is a reason to vote yes
Opinion: Alaska’s leaders are acting antithetical to Native values
Opinion: Alaska’s leaders are acting antithetical to Native values
AWARE Executive Director Saralynn Tabachnick, left, and Deputy Director Mandy O’Neal Cole talk about the shelter becoming gender inclusive during an interview on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: All In For Saralyn!

Upon entering Wellspring Integrative Medical Center, there is no mistaking our support for Saralyn Tabachnick for mayor. As owner of Wellspring, I believe Tabachnick’s experience,… Continue reading

AWARE Executive Director Saralynn Tabachnick, left, and Deputy Director Mandy O’Neal Cole talk about the shelter becoming gender inclusive during an interview on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room

Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room

The people who are upset over the change in the Permanent Fund Dividend payout need to review the enabling legislation and history of the purpose… Continue reading

Opinion: Three cheers for governor, the adult in the room
Opinion: Vote Walker out

Opinion: Vote Walker out

Anyone who would take $460 million from the Juneau economy will never receive my vote. That is exactly what Gov. Bill Walker did. This money… Continue reading

Opinion: Vote Walker out
Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards

Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards

No, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska is not fighting to allow billboards along Alaska’s scenic highways. It’s understandable that many Alaskans may have… Continue reading

Opinion: ACLU fight is not about billboards
Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’

Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’

The three-way race for governor has brought much hand-wringing among Alaskans. Bill Walker undid nine years of work to protect salmon on the Chuitna and… Continue reading

Opinion: Walker is ‘Dunleavy light’
Former University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor John Pugh speaks to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need to elect child care proponents

I was stunned when I attended a City and Borough of Juneau Assembly meeting last week and found three Assembly members — Mayor Ken Koelsch,… Continue reading

Former University of Alaska Southeast Chancellor John Pugh speaks to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly Committee of the Whole on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. (Alex McCarthy | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon

Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon

Ben Brown’s recent piece on Ballot Measure 1 suggests he’s ignorant of the real issues pertaining to protecting Alaska salmon. Perhaps Brown isn’t aware salmon… Continue reading

Opinion: Ignorance to protecting Alaska’s salmon
Wade Bryson

Opinion: Wade Bryson for Assembly

I am writing to express my immense support for Wade Bryson. I have had the pleasure of working close by his side for two years.… Continue reading

Wade Bryson