Opinion

Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input

Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input

We will weather these unprecedented times, using tools available to do right for our university.

  • Mar 25, 2020
  • By Jim Johnsen and University of Alaska chancellors
Opinion: COVID-19 adds new pressure to university’s plan, UA seeks public input
Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best

Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best

Let’s help those who are taking a bigger hit than we are.

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Ken Koelsch
Opinion: The worst of times bring out our best
Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now

Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now

Alaska is at a critical point. Oil prices have tanked. The threat from the COVID-19 virus is obvious. Our state’s fiscal and budgetary situation is… Continue reading

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Joe Geldhof and the Permanent Fund Defenders Board
Opinion: Alaskans Need the PFD now
Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina

Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina

A viral storm is coming.

  • Mar 21, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: Coronavirus could be our collective Katrina
Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing

Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing

We need to work together, not blame each other for a problem that’s nearly as old as our state.

  • Mar 20, 2020
  • By Bill Thomas
Opinion: Ferry solutions require cooperation, not finger-pointing
Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy

Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy

Economic burden of flattening coronavirus curve shouldn’t be shouldered solely by private businesses.

  • Mar 19, 2020
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Flattening the curve will flatten the economy
Juneau residents line up outside of the Planet Alaska Gallery to sign an application petition to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Policy decisions are not cause for recall

How about an honest assessment of the reasons behind the effort for the recall of Governor Dunleavy? The recall folks tell us that the reasons… Continue reading

  • Mar 17, 2020
Juneau residents line up outside of the Planet Alaska Gallery to sign an application petition to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion

Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion

That’s the principle that informed my family’s decision to cancel our mother’s 90th birthday party.

  • Mar 14, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: We should respond to coronavirus with compassion
The Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: US government is accountable for repaying our tribe for the theft of our land

State bill wouldn’t change how tribal governments operate.

  • Mar 13, 2020
  • By George Suckinaw James Jr.
The Alaska State Capitol on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
A Capital City Fire/Rescue ambulance splashes through a flooding area of Riverside Drive on their way to a call in this January 2015 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Juneau responders are well prepared for COVID-19

With the spread of COVID-19 into Juneau feeling imminent, I think we are all wondering how bad it might get. Years will pass before all… Continue reading

  • Mar 12, 2020
A Capital City Fire/Rescue ambulance splashes through a flooding area of Riverside Drive on their way to a call in this January 2015 photo. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The view from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as seen in late February. The center was the site of an open house to draw public comment on a proposed overhaul of the recreation area. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We can do better at the glacier

Tell the Forest Service.

  • Mar 12, 2020
The view from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center as seen in late February. The center was the site of an open house to draw public comment on a proposed overhaul of the recreation area. (Ben Hohenstatt | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways

Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways

Comment period ends March 19.

  • Mar 10, 2020
  • By John Neary
Opinion: Forest Service proposal falls short in several ways
A Wings of Alaska floatplane lands as the Zaandam, right, and Ryndam cruise ships pull into the Juneau’s downtown harbor 2009. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I hope Ocean Rangers are brought back to cruise ships

In 2006 when Alaska voters, including myself, passed the citizen’s initiative establishing the Ocean Ranger program, we enacted a program that included onboard monitoring of… Continue reading

  • Mar 10, 2020
  • By John Clifton Passmore
A Wings of Alaska floatplane lands as the Zaandam, right, and Ryndam cruise ships pull into the Juneau’s downtown harbor 2009. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion

Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion

By enacting a constitutional amendment, the state would be playing into the hands of the leftists.

  • Mar 9, 2020
Opinion: Proposed amendment shows Republicans aren’t serious about stopping abortion
Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival

Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival

“We are safer interacting with this group of people than many others.”

  • Mar 7, 2020
Opinion: I look forward to the Westerdam’s arrival
President Donald Trump talks to members of the media before leaving the White House, Monday, March 2, 2020 in Washington, to attend a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Opinion: Trump’s lawsuits may be a campaign strategy

He’s sowing seeds of doubt.

  • Mar 7, 2020
  • By Rich Moniak
President Donald Trump talks to members of the media before leaving the White House, Monday, March 2, 2020 in Washington, to attend a campaign rally in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
The MV Matanuska tied up at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Roads don’t rust

“A boat is a hole in the water into which you throw money.”

The MV Matanuska tied up at the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire File)
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Cruise ship decision should be tabled by the Assembly

Prudence and levelheadedness are called for.

  • Mar 5, 2020
  • By Jack Fargnoli
Juneau’s City Hall on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference at the Baranoff Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Dunleavy is the sanity that needed to happen

We need to get spending under control.

  • Mar 3, 2020
  • By Larry Wood
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to local leaders at the Alaska Municipal League’s legislative conference at the Baranoff Hotel on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020. (Peter Segall | Juneau Empire)
Juneau Nordic Ski Team members Erin Wallace, front, leads Aaron Blust and Anna Iverson in a pole-less skiing drill through fresh snow on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at the Mendenhall Campgrounds. (Nolin Ainsworth | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: It makes sense to develop outdoor recreation

Alaska leads the nation in outdoor participation.

  • Mar 2, 2020
Juneau Nordic Ski Team members Erin Wallace, front, leads Aaron Blust and Anna Iverson in a pole-less skiing drill through fresh snow on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at the Mendenhall Campgrounds. (Nolin Ainsworth | Juneau Empire File)