On Aug. 26, 1986, elections are the talk of the town. After the past year’s fiscal crisis, voter turnout for the gubernatorial, legislative, and local primary elections are expected to be at its strongest today, with the Alaska Division of Elections estimating a 50% turnout statewide. Early voting works to support this estimate.
One of the most contested causes for increased voter turnout are the layoffs Gov. Bill Sheffield has tried to avoid during his tenuous tenure under Alaska’s financial instability. Recently, the Juneau Superior Court decided to postpone its ruling on a case filed against the state by the National Education Association-Alaska regarding these recent employee layoffs.
Although many staff positions are being cut, the spot for Juneau-Douglas High School principal has not. Juneau-Douglas High School has taken on a new principal after its former one moved away in pursuit of a new job.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
