Opinion

(City and Borough of Juneau photo)

My Turn: Even marginalized people can petition their government

In response to Win Gruening’s latest column (“Juneau taxpayers fight back”), Gruening admits that even “marginalized groups” like those of us who seek to limit… Continue reading

  • Apr 25, 2025
  • By Kimberly Metcalfe
  • Opinion

 

A pro-Russian rally in Yevpatoriya, Crimea, shortly before Crimea was annexed by Russia, March 5, 2014. In Ukraine, memories of Russiaճ annexation are fresh and resentments runs high, leaving the countryճ president few choices on the latest American peace plan. (Sergey Ponomarev/The New York Times)

Opinion: The price of appeasing Trump

Early Thursday morning, Russia fired 70 missiles directly at Kyiv. And sent 70 armed drones toward the Ukrainian capital. It didn’t please President Donald Trump.… Continue reading

 

(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Illegal deportations are a threat to all

Liberty is dead. In the last two months, the federal government has kidnapped hundreds of people and sent them to a foreign prison to serve… Continue reading

 

Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Trump-Dunleavy’s obliteration day

Alaska has overwhelmingly voted twice for President Trump and Gov. Dunleavy. So, you would think they would treat us better. Not so, their economic ideology… Continue reading

  • Apr 21, 2025
  • By Joseph Mehrkens
  • Opinion
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Alaska State Capitol on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: JAHC removing DEI language is a compromise of principles

In regards to the article about the JAHC removing DEI language from their site: I understand that there are, as said in the article, “other… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, March 25, 2025. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

My Turn: Stress and accountability — another letter to Sullivan and Begich

I hesitate to spend my valuable time writing to you again because I have the feeling you never see, never mind consider, my thoughts. Yes,… Continue reading

The U.S. Capitol building in Washington, March 25, 2025. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) walks out of the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 20, 2025. Murkowski, who has routinely broken with her party to criticize President Donald Trump, has made a startling admission about the reality of serving in public office at a time when an unbound leader in the Oval Office is bent on retribution against his political foes. (Haiyun Jiang / The New York Times)

Opinion: Stand with Murkowski

On Monday at a summit for the Foraker Group’s leadership, Sen. Lisa Murkowski was asked, “What do you have to say to people who are… Continue reading

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) walks out of the Senate chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 20, 2025. Murkowski, who has routinely broken with her party to criticize President Donald Trump, has made a startling admission about the reality of serving in public office at a time when an unbound leader in the Oval Office is bent on retribution against his political foes. (Haiyun Jiang / The New York Times)
A black bear sporting numerous lacerations on its face hunts for salmon along Steep Creek at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: State overstepping its boundaries on wildlife predator control

In 2023 the Alaska Department of Fish and Game began a cull of predators, specifically brown bears in western Alaska. This followed a cull of… Continue reading

A black bear sporting numerous lacerations on its face hunts for salmon along Steep Creek at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
(City and Borough of Juneau photo)

Opinion: Juneau taxpayers fight back

The right of the citizenry to directly petition their government is often seen primarily as a way for marginalized groups to air their grievances, potentially… Continue reading

(City and Borough of Juneau photo)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: No local funds for scab labor

Using CBJ funds to help staff the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center and Recreation Area in response to the reckless elimination of Forest Service employees sounded… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Angela Rodell is a member of the Affordable Juneau Coalition and a former Juneau mayoral candidate. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Juneau’s budget needs a common-sense makeover

For too long Juneau’s budgeting approach has started in the wrong place — asking how much revenue the city can raise, rather than how much… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2025
  • By Angela Rodell
  • Opinion
Angela Rodell is a member of the Affordable Juneau Coalition and a former Juneau mayoral candidate. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
(First Things First Alaska Foundation photo)

My Turn: RIP Road Scholars for Juneau Access project

The latest version of the state’s capital budget reappropriates approximately $37 million from designated Juneau Access funds for use as federal match for transportation projects… Continue reading

  • Apr 13, 2025
  • By Paulette Simpson
  • Opinion
(First Things First Alaska Foundation photo)
President Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The administration says foreign governments are racing to the United States to negotiate, but exactly which countries might strike a deal — and over what — remains unclear. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

Opinion: Cheerleading the dumbest trade war ever

In 2018, Sen. Dan Sullivan co-sponsored the STOP Act that he said “focuses on stopping the killer drug fentanyl from coming from places like China… Continue reading

President Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. The administration says foreign governments are racing to the United States to negotiate, but exactly which countries might strike a deal — and over what — remains unclear. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan addresses a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature in the House Chambers on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Sen. Sullivan’s latest blabber — ‘Liberal Judges’

Two bedrock American values — equality under the law and fair elections — are under assault by vast private fortunes. Amplifying the talking points of… Continue reading

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan addresses a joint session of the Alaska State Legislature in the House Chambers on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Elon Musk boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on Friday, March 21, 2025. Musk was traveling with President Donald Trump to Bedminster, N.J. The world’s richest man made inaccurate claims about entitlement fraud, how a government payment system works and government survey costs. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)

My Turn: Is it time to impeach Elon Musk?

The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery,… Continue reading

Elon Musk boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on Friday, March 21, 2025. Musk was traveling with President Donald Trump to Bedminster, N.J. The world’s richest man made inaccurate claims about entitlement fraud, how a government payment system works and government survey costs. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
(Juneau Empire file photo)

Letter: Sen. Sullivan should have a voice, not just nod along with Trump

I echo the concerns expressed by Diane DeSloover in her letter in the March 29, 2025. Understanding that Sen. Sullivan agrees with many of the… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Multiple vehicles line up at the entrance of Waste Management’s Capitol Disposal Landfill in Lemon Creek on Jan. 30, 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)

Opinion: CBJ budget challenges mount

Borough budget challenges just got bigger — and messier A recent news story warned residents that Juneau’s landfill will be at capacity in the next… Continue reading

Multiple vehicles line up at the entrance of Waste Management’s Capitol Disposal Landfill in Lemon Creek on Jan. 30, 2023. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Jane Hale is a longtime Juneau resident. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Fight fascism — shop local

There’s an uncommon sight on Seward Street these days: a bra shop with cajones. The owners of Bustin’ Out Boutique have put out a sandwich… Continue reading

Jane Hale is a longtime Juneau resident. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
KTOO’s public broadcasting building in Juneau. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Public broadcasting needs support as its elimination is considered by Trump administration

Like many of us I know that public broadcasting is in the sights of the Trump administration for massive cuts and perhaps elimination. This very… Continue reading

  • Mar 31, 2025
  • By Douglas Mertz
  • Opinion
KTOO’s public broadcasting building in Juneau. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire file photo)
People tour the garden plots during the 30th Annual Juneau Community Garden Harvest Fair on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)

My Turn: Increasing food security without a state agriculture department

There is a path to increasing food security without an Alaska Department of Agriculture this legislative session. Gov. Mike Dunleavy should hire an aide in… Continue reading

  • Mar 31, 2025
  • By Rodger Painter
  • Opinion
People tour the garden plots during the 30th Annual Juneau Community Garden Harvest Fair on Saturday, Aug 24, 2024. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)