Opinion

Apayauq Reitan, the first transgender woman to participate in the Iditarod, tells the House Education Committee on March 30, 2023, why she opposes a bill restricting transgender rights. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: The imaginary transgender sports crisis

“To the parents of the children of Alaska, know we will fight,” Rep. Jamie Allard (R-Anchorage) said in defense of her bill to ban transgender… Continue reading

Apayauq Reitan, the first transgender woman to participate in the Iditarod, tells the House Education Committee on March 30, 2023, why she opposes a bill restricting transgender rights. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire file photo)
The Delong Mountain Transportation System port, which delivers zinc from the Red Dog mine. (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority photo)

My Turn: The state’s economic development agency may be reined in

While the complexion of the next Legislature may be different, indications seem to suggest a transformation of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA)… Continue reading

The Delong Mountain Transportation System port, which delivers zinc from the Red Dog mine. (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority photo)
(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Tourism has destroyed the Juneau I grew up in

Following Paul Fuhs letter May 6, I would say this: I don’t know where in Alaska he grew up, but I can say with complete… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Moving boxes in the Thunder Mountain High School library. (Photo provided by Jenny Thomas)

My Turn: School district should reevaluate hidden costs, rethink consolidation

Imagine that our school district was not being dismantled by a superintendent whose primary residence is listed in Anchorage, that community input was valued, and… Continue reading

Moving boxes in the Thunder Mountain High School library. (Photo provided by Jenny Thomas)
Kurt Vonnegut in 1965. (Photo from U.S. Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division)

My Turn: Kurt Vonnegut and the business of educating our children

Yesterday, I was looking over the usual Facebook stuff to see what was happening with my many Facebook friends as I do from time to… Continue reading

Kurt Vonnegut in 1965. (Photo from U.S. Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division)
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Deena Bishop and Gov. Mike Dunleavy discuss his veto of an education bill during a press conference March 15 at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: On inflation aid for schools, Dunleavy is still kicking the can

Not quite a year ago, Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed more than $87 million in one-time public education funding approved by the legislature. Two months ago,… Continue reading

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Deena Bishop and Gov. Mike Dunleavy discuss his veto of an education bill during a press conference March 15 at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Cruise ship passengers walk around in downtown Juneau in late May of 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Rejecting the cruise ban is essential for keeping Juneau a viable place to live

Another bad policy is being floated as a softer, gentler version of the cruise ship ban petition that failed two years ago. Don’t fall for… Continue reading

Cruise ship passengers walk around in downtown Juneau in late May of 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau Assembly members and city administrators meet to discuss budget matters involving the Juneau School District on Feb. 7. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: Assembly ignores voters, ramps up spending and taxes

Capital City citizens and businesses have endured double-digit increases in property taxes over the last several years, yet the Juneau Assembly is doubling down on… Continue reading

Juneau Assembly members and city administrators meet to discuss budget matters involving the Juneau School District on Feb. 7. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Mount Redoubt can be seen across Cook Inlet from North Kenai Beach on Thursday, July 2, 2022. (Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion file photo)

Opinion: Alaska might as well embrace the past

One proposal to solve the impending energy shortage for Alaska’s population centers is to go back in time. To the 1970s, when coal was king… Continue reading

Mount Redoubt can be seen across Cook Inlet from North Kenai Beach on Thursday, July 2, 2022. (Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion file photo)
A crowd overflows the library at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Feb. 22 as school board members meet to consider proposals to address the Juneau School District’s budget crisis. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Opportunity and time still exist to alter Juneau School District’s consolidation model

Community Advocates for Responsible Education (CARE) is a nonprofit focused on ensuring all students have access to a quality education. Families must choose between private,… Continue reading

A crowd overflows the library at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé on Feb. 22 as school board members meet to consider proposals to address the Juneau School District’s budget crisis. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: People seeking Saturday cruise ship ban sending unfriendly message to visitors

I flew in on the midday flight this Saturday to do some work with the Legislature. Beautiful view of the Mendenhall Glacier coming in. The… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Take time to reflect and reach out during Mental Health Awareness Month

Upon reflection of growing up in the household that I did, I want to be mad at my father for the climate he created. But… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
(Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)

Opinion: The Alaska Marine Highway System’s battered reputation

“Before you can make a decision, you need information” Craig Tornga said while avoiding speculation about the future of the MV Matanuska. It’s been out… Continue reading

(Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities photo)
A crowd gathers at the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, May 5, 2023, for a rally and march to recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: A call to action during Missing and Murdered Indigenous People month

Hello, my name is Patricia Graham. May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/People Month. Sunday, May 5, is the National Awareness Walk — here in… Continue reading

A crowd gathers at the steps of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, May 5, 2023, for a rally and march to recognize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Paul Kelly is an areawide member of the Juneau Assembly. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)

An explanation and apologies for failed Assembly resolution calling for bilateral peace agreement

I owe a couple of apologies and an explanation of what happened at the April 29 Assembly meeting with the resolution for a bilateral peace… Continue reading

Paul Kelly is an areawide member of the Juneau Assembly. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser addresses the Board of Education during a meeting Dec. 12, 2023, at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)

My Turn: Juneau School District repositioned for the future

I wrote the following back in January: “This district must make both immediate and long-term financial changes. All our jobs, together, will be to look… Continue reading

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser addresses the Board of Education during a meeting Dec. 12, 2023, at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Kim Kiefer, a former city manager and Parks and Director for the City and Borough of Juneau, uses a shovel to clear vegetation from the Kingfisher Pond Loop Trail on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Mark Sabatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Exploring Juneau’s wealth of trails as Walk Southeast begins

Liam Nyssen is a Trail Mix veteran who began working for the Juneau nonprofit at age 16. My wife Sandy and I have known him… Continue reading

Kim Kiefer, a former city manager and Parks and Director for the City and Borough of Juneau, uses a shovel to clear vegetation from the Kingfisher Pond Loop Trail on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Mark Sabatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser provides an overview of restructuring options being considered during a Community Budget Input Session at Thunder Mountain High School on Jan. 31. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: School district budget revisions raise questions about revising consolidation decisions

I am responding to the Juneau Empire article (April 24, 2024): “The Juneau School District had a $9.5M projected deficit this year. It is now… Continue reading

Juneau School District Superintendent Frank Hauser provides an overview of restructuring options being considered during a Community Budget Input Session at Thunder Mountain High School on Jan. 31. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Fond memories and a sad farewell to Thunder Mountain High School

The closing of Thunder Mountain High School is the closing of a home for many. I feel like a part of myself, my upbringing, and… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance Board Chair JoLynn Shriber reads a list the names of killed transgender people as Thunder Mountain High School students Kyla Stevens, center, and Laila Williams hold flags in the wind during a transgender remembrance at Marine Park on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: The toxic debate about transgender care

There are three bills related to transgender issues in public schools that are working their way through the state House. It’s an understatement to say… Continue reading

Southeast Alaska LGBTQ+ Alliance Board Chair JoLynn Shriber reads a list the names of killed transgender people as Thunder Mountain High School students Kyla Stevens, center, and Laila Williams hold flags in the wind during a transgender remembrance at Marine Park on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)