Site Logo
Robin O. Brena is a life-long Alaskan who grew up in Skagway, a longtime oil and gas attorney with Brena, Bell & Walker, the former Chair of the Oil and Gas Subcommittee for Gov. Bill Walker’s Transition Team, and the Chair of Vote Yes for Alaska’s Fair Share. (Courtesy Photo | Robin O. Brena)

Opinion

Opinion: Major oil producers thrive, while Southeast suffers

It is time for Alaskans to take back our fair share of revenues.

Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Is ‘We Are All in This Together’ a slogan or reality?

To provide some relief for the property owners in the CBJ, now is the time to reduce property…

Web

Opinion

Have something to say?

Here’s how to add your voice to the conversation.

Opinion: Finding the intrinsic beauty of sadness

Opinion

Opinion: Finding the intrinsic beauty of sadness

Knowing sadness can be a healthy thing.

Fog drifts through the trees in the Tongass National Forest on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: Pressure Perdue to make the right call on the Tongass

Another attack on the integrity of the Tongass National Forest is likely imminent. This will occur when Secretary…

While Alaska reopens, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development is working to get financial resources to Alaskans. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Department of Labor is working to get financial resources out to workers impacted by COVID-19 as quickly as possible

I am confident that the adversity of COVID-19 will not break Alaska’s resolve.

Opinion: Projects like a Lynn Canal Highway will help Alaska get back on its feet

Opinion

Opinion: Projects like a Lynn Canal Highway will help Alaska get back on its feet

Restarting this project should be a priority for our elected officials and our region.

Opinion: Now’s the time for a Civilian Conservation Corp-inspired effort

Opinion

Opinion: Now’s the time for a Civilian Conservation Corp-inspired effort

Federal investment now would allow tour companies and employees to join a CCC-inspired effort.

Patrick Kearney gathers for a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s Juneau office on Tuesday. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: Pebble Mine process should pause to give virus full focus

It is inappropriate in this time to have to be vigilant in following the permitting process.

Opinion: What’s happening to substance abuse amid COVID-19

Opinion

Opinion: What’s happening to substance abuse amid COVID-19

Substance abuse still merits attention.

The University of Alaska Southeast campus on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Small and large, UA campuses need the recall

I witnessed a profound truth during my 25 years as an administrative assistant at the University of Alaska’s…

Opinion: The news media Alaskans trusted

Opinion

Opinion: The news media Alaskans trusted

We’ll be better off continuing to trust Alaska’s news media rather than divisive national voices.

Judy Cavanaugh stands with others at a rally against the Pebble Mine in front of Sen. Lisa Murkowski���s Juneau office on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Bristol Bay fishermen oppose Pebble employee’s nomination to Board of Fish

Alaska’s fisheries belong to the people.

(Courtesy Photo | Cadie Buckley)

Opinion

Opinion: Is the era of big cruise mercifully over?

If we are able to rebuild for all who live here, our community will emerge robust and resilient.

The Alaska State Capitol Building as seen Jan. 9, 2015 in Juneau. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Opinion

Opinion: Here’s why the Legislature should reconvene

A five-step proposal.

In this file photo from May 9, 2019, former Gov. Frank Murkowski speaks on a range of subjects during an interview with the Juneau Empire. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Why we need to rethink where Taiwan fits into the global order

Our policies have not kept pace with the reality that Taiwan is now a free and democratic nation.

Someone holds up an inflatable Alaska Marine Highway ferry at at a rally to support of the Alaska Marine Highway System on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion

Opinion: Ferry service and vetoes are still problems

Pandemic overshadows issues, but they still matter.

Juneau City Hall on Monday, March 30, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion

Opinion: The city should sacrifice more

Living, breathing souls must be sent from CBJ staff to the unemployment office.

Opinion: Here’s why Trump will lose in November

Opinion

Opinion: Here’s why Trump will lose in November

America’s allies across the world must feel sorry for us.

Opinion: Cruise industry continues to work hard toward a safe return to service

Opinion

Opinion: Cruise industry continues to work hard toward a safe return to service

It is important we ensure communities are comfortable opening their ports when the time is right.