On June 9, 1986, more decisions were made to aid Alaska’s budget debacle. After cutting about $45 million from the budget, Gov. Bill Sheffield was expected to sign all three of the budget bills passed through the Alaska Legislature and planned for additional cuts to ensure Alaska’s financial survival.
Along with the state, the City and Borough of Juneau Board of Education deliberated several plans to keep up with its own dwindling budget. Though lacking details, both the state and the board created plans to reduce the number of impending budget-induced problems.
Meanwhile, a porcupine savagely destroyed the interior of a U.S. Postal Service employee’s truck in a fit of revenge avenging its roadkill brethren. The truck’s radiator and multiple cables were found entangled in porcupine quills and toothmarks.
Only a few days prior to these events, a case filed by the Alaska League of Women Voters — stating that legislative decisions made in closed-door caucuses violate Alaskans’ constitutional right to oversee their government — was deliberated once again after a month of dormancy. However, because of Legislative immunity to the Open Meetings Act, the court found it difficult to rule.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire intern Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives. To learn more about the project, click here.
