On Nov. 25, 1986, Gov.-elect Steve Cowper announced former Rep. Hugh Malone of Kenai as the commissioner of Revenue and Mayor Rocky Gutierrez of Sitka as commissioner of Transportation and Public Facilities for his cabinet. The pair were the first two members officially named by Gov.-elect Cowper and were already on Cowper’s transitional team before being chosen for their respective positions.
As Cowper readied to assume office, Gov. Bill Sheffield explored different ways to close the budget deficit. Sheffield’s plan included multiple new cuts, such as to state workers’ salaries, longer work weeks, and less government aid to local communities. However, Cowper was dissatisfied with Sheffield’s plan, and instead proposed his own. Cowper’s plan included a limit of $1.768 billion to run the state government in the fiscal year starting on July 1, 1987, which was about $215 million less than what was being spent at the time.
Locally, the City and Borough of Juneau was looking to hire a lobbyist to represent the city during the upcoming legislative session. The Assembly planned to meet the following day to talk more about a prospective lobbyist.
“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.
