Opinion

Gov. Bill Walker answers a range of questions during an interview with the Empire in his Capitol office on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Walker fails in government transparency

Among Gov. Bill Walker’s many failures, a fundamental one is his failure to govern openly and transparently.

Gov. Bill Walker answers a range of questions during an interview with the Empire in his Capitol office on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Students sit on the front steps of the Alaska Capitol on April 6, 2018. (James Brooks photo | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Candidates must be held accountable on capital issues

We’ve seen it many times. Reporters ask gubernatorial candidates “do you support Juneau as the Capital?” That is met with the perfunctory “yes.” Next question.… Continue reading

Students sit on the front steps of the Alaska Capitol on April 6, 2018. (James Brooks photo | Juneau Empire)
Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)

Opinion: Sen. Murkowski should vote ‘no’ on Kavanaugh

For the sake of Alaska’s workers, I hope they reject his nomination.

Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)
Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Make your vote count.

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem
In this Aug. 10, 2014 file photo, Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, talks during a live televised debate in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Treadwell is best choice in the Republican primary

Aug. 21 is the primary election and Alaskans, particularly Independents and Republics, have a hard choice in front of them. Mark Begich will win the… Continue reading

In this Aug. 10, 2014 file photo, Alaska Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, talks during a live televised debate in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen, File)

Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 threatens TAPS operations

Alaska’s environment The Stand for Salmon movement promises “vital infrastructure will still move forward” if the initiative passes. In reality, it would bring a standstill… Continue reading

In defense of Juneau’s free press

On Monday, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly voted to allocate $361,000 for additional ambulance crew. But the Juneau Best Starts child care funding… Continue reading

Clean up that damn mine

The Tulsequah Chief mine has been polluting the Taku Watershed with acid mine drainage (AMD) for over 60 years now. This pollution is in violation… Continue reading

Opinion: Dunleavy supports Alaska’s fisheries

As a lifelong Alaskan, commercial and subsistence fisherman, I support Mike Dunleavy as our next governor. Recent statements from critics that Dunleavy is not supportive… Continue reading

Countdown to Election 2018: It’s complicated

Editor’s Note: The Empire will be publishing a weekly column from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters leading up to this year’s elections, in the… Continue reading

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Crime rates can’t be linked to SB 91

On July 31, the Juneau Empire posted an opinion piece by Dan Carothers criticizing Alaska’s justice reforms. First off, I want to thank Mr. Carothers… Continue reading

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Opinion: Let’s give our children the best start possible

Whenever there has been a crisis in Juneau, the community has generously stepped in to help, especially when it involves children. The current lack of… Continue reading

Opinion: Fighting for a healthier, safer Alaska

Addiction is a disease that has plagued our state for decades and ranked us at the top for too many undesirable statistics including domestic violence,… Continue reading

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Misrepresentations about Alaska’s SB 91

“Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” That old adage has been quoted by everyone from war generals to philosophy… Continue reading

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Keep Juneau unique and sustainable

Rich Moniak’s column in Sunday’s paper, called “The problem with resurrecting the great road debate,” was spot on. The Road debate sage is on simmer… Continue reading

A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Pebble Mine’s application should not advance

Since the threat of Pebble mine would risk my basic life necessities — food through subsistence harvesting with my family, and the way I get… Continue reading

A spawning chum salmon looks to return to the waters of Salmon Creek on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Juneau residents and visitors crowd into the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff building housing the State Library, State Archives and State Museum during the Grand Opening in 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Demographics show Alaska’s destiny

Alaska’s population fell by about 2,700 people in 2017. It’s not nearly as noticeable as the post-pipeline-construction crash in 1977 or the 1980s recession, but… Continue reading

Juneau residents and visitors crowd into the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff building housing the State Library, State Archives and State Museum during the Grand Opening in 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Kate Troll

Instead of a gas pipeline, why not a power line?

Observers of history and current events like to say nothing is more powerful that an idea that’s time has come.

Kate Troll
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Let’s focus on internet issues Alaska policymakers can fix

Every Alaskan deserves access to a free and open internet. Gov. Bill Walker and the administration passionately agree with this commonly held belief and have… Continue reading

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U.S. Rep. Don Young speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Feb. 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

The MSA and Don Young’s partisan dilemma

Like the breakup of a marriage, there are two sides to this story.

U.S. Rep. Don Young speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Feb. 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)