Opinion

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority needs to catch up to best practices

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is proposing to amend its by-laws. The public is encouraged to comment on the proposed changes prior to or… Continue reading

  • Oct 10, 2017
  • By FAITH MYERS

Clarifications on AEL&P

In a recent My Turn column, Ms. Waring made statements and assumptions about Hydro One’s acquisition of Avista, and implications of this to AEL&P, that… Continue reading

  • Oct 9, 2017
  • By Connie Hulbert

Abuse by prison guards proves need for oversight

Recently, the Ombudsman of the State of Alaska released a report that upheld the allegations of an Alaskan prison inmate at the Spring Creek Correctional… Continue reading

  • Oct 9, 2017
  • By MIGUEL ROHRBACHER

Misplaced priorities are a political disease

Almost immediately, they gave the microphone to a Navy SEAL veteran to state their patriotic position. “We’re the National Rifle Association of America and we… Continue reading

  • Oct 8, 2017
  • By Rich Moniak

Why we haven’t agreed on health care

There are a lot of smart people in America we’d expect could address our health care debacle and show us a way forward. But, like… Continue reading

  • Oct 5, 2017
  • By WIN GRUENING

Pebble Mine should clean up its mess

I submitted, and in early August the Juneau Empire printed, a My Turn column regarding the EPA’s position in the Pebble Mine controversy. The mine… Continue reading

  • Oct 5, 2017
  • By ERIC FORRER

Alaska youths are still fighting for a healthy climate future

On Aug. 28, Alaska Youth for Environmental Action (AYEA) and 15 youths from across Alaska delivered a rulemaking petition to the Alaska Department of Environmental… Continue reading

  • Oct 5, 2017
  • By Jode Sparks

We are continuing to protect Alaska’s transboundary waters

One of the best parts of my job, and one of the most challenging, is to keep working toward Alaska goals that are not easily… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2017
  • By BYRON MALLOTT

Senate Bill 54 is necessary for public safety

Crime is on the rise. We’ve been hearing a lot from Alaskans about their cabins, cars, shops, and homes being broken into. People feel scared… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2017
  • By JAHNA LINDEMUTH

Our election endorsements: Keep the ship steady

When your boat is solid and its crew is firm, the biggest threat in a hurricane is the person behind the wheel. A steady hand… Continue reading

  • Oct 3, 2017
  • By THE JUNEAU EMPIRE EDITORIAL BOARD

AEL&P buyer will spike prices

In 2014, Alaska Electric Light &Power was bought by Avista. Now Avista is in the process of being bought by Hydro One, a Canadian company… Continue reading

  • Oct 2, 2017
  • By MARGO WARING

Proposition 2, explained

Chances are pretty good that most Juneau residents, even those who plan on going to the polls on Tuesday, might not understand what Proposition 2… Continue reading

  • Oct 2, 2017
  • By John MacKinnon

Alaskans say ‘yes’ to ANWR drilling

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) is the largest wildlife refuge in America. Spanning more than 19 million acres, it’s an area larger than 10… Continue reading

  • Oct 1, 2017
  • By Matthew Rexford

Gov. Bill Walker fails Alaska’s environment

Gov. Bill Walker has made some difficult, yet necessary decisions on budgetary and social issues for Alaska. Kudos for that. But on protecting Alaska’s natural… Continue reading

  • Sep 28, 2017
  • By RICK STEINER

Alaska’s economy depends on ocean science and technology

When considering the importance of our national maritime economy, it’s hard to miss the connections between Alaska and the ocean. Alaska has the longest coastline… Continue reading

  • Sep 28, 2017
  • By Jonathan White

Seniors need their continued sales tax break

I am responding to a recent My Turn column written by Debbie White. Please note, first and foremost, Ms. White is trying to retain her… Continue reading

  • Sep 27, 2017
  • By Rosemary Matt

Keep going with the year of kindness

Working in the nonprofit world for the past 13 years has exposed me to the phenomenon of inspirational quotes in people’s email signatures. These quotes… Continue reading

  • Sep 26, 2017
  • By Aaron Surma

Tax cuts for the uninsured are sewage for the swamp

“If you can’t lie, you’ll never go anywhere.” “I was not lying. I said things that later on seemed to be untrue.” Richard Nixon. “Make… Continue reading

  • Sep 26, 2017
  • By Anselm Staack

This election, vote yes on Prop 1, no on Prop 2

Attention to the upcoming City and Borough of Juneau election has mostly been focused on Assembly and School Board races. Two ballot propositions will also… Continue reading

  • Sep 24, 2017
  • By JOSEPH W. GELDHOF

Health care repeal would hurt Alaska youth

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski took a brave stand when she voted against the health care bill earlier this summer that would harm Alaskans by slashing… Continue reading

  • Sep 24, 2017
  • By Susan V. Mangold