Opinion

Opinion: Assembly gets an ‘A’ for cost of living

Opinion: Assembly gets an ‘A’ for cost of living

Alaska is the seventh most expensive state to live in.

Opinion: Assembly gets an ‘A’ for cost of living
Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)

Opinion: Sen. Murkowski should vote ‘no’ on Kavanaugh

For the sake of Alaska’s workers, I hope they reject his nomination.

Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, leaves the Senate Judiciary Committee room for a short break on the third day of his confirmation hearing, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite | The Associated Press)
In this Aug. 7, 2018, photo. President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, officiates at the swearing-in of Judge Britt Grant to take a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta at the U.S. District Courthouse in Washington. America is about to get its first extended look at Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)

Opinion: America needs a centrist judge, not Kavanaugh

This happened to a dear friend of mine. She was ardent advocate of abortion rights. She is dead now, but I will tell you what… Continue reading

In this Aug. 7, 2018, photo. President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, officiates at the swearing-in of Judge Britt Grant to take a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta at the U.S. District Courthouse in Washington. America is about to get its first extended look at Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)
Opinion: Recovery is a path, but not an easy one

Opinion: Recovery is a path, but not an easy one

A lot has changed in regards to the way we talk about addiction within our society.

Opinion: Recovery is a path, but not an easy one
Opinion: Drop out, Begich

Opinion: Drop out, Begich

Yes, our generally Democratic-voting family is divided over the issue of Mark Begich’s presence in the race. I keep hearing Begich is a numbers guy,… Continue reading

Opinion: Drop out, Begich
Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos

Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos

As the mayor’s term comes to a close and as I reflect over the last few years, I want to pick up the red pen… Continue reading

Opinion: Outgoing mayor deserves kudos
In this Aug. 31, 2018 photo, President Donald Trump holds up a list of his administration’s accomplishments while speaking at a Republican fundraiser at the Carmel Country Club in in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo | Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Opinion: We have ourselves to blame for Trump’s rise

I was making breakfast and packing my kid’s lunch the other day, listening to the news on public radio, and I was surprised to hear… Continue reading

In this Aug. 31, 2018 photo, President Donald Trump holds up a list of his administration’s accomplishments while speaking at a Republican fundraiser at the Carmel Country Club in in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo | Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: We need to establish basic protections for salmon

Wild salmon stocks are under attack from all sides: ocean warming, habitat loss, over exploitation and pollution. While Alaska has enjoyed the benefit of good… Continue reading

  • Sep 4, 2018
  • By Joe Mehrkens
Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
This March 31, 2018 photo shows an offshore drilling platform in Cook Inlet from a beach in Nikiski, Alaska. (Elizabeth Earl | Peninsula Clarion)

Opinion: Oil companies keep us in the dark and pick our pockets

According to Economist Ed King, the oil companies and the state are collecting about the same amount of net revenues for oil production in Alaska.… Continue reading

This March 31, 2018 photo shows an offshore drilling platform in Cook Inlet from a beach in Nikiski, Alaska. (Elizabeth Earl | Peninsula Clarion)
The Alaska State Capitol is seen on May 10, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: PFD must be constitutionally protected

I moved to Alaska in 1979. As a place, Alaska was awesome. Big mountains, vast distances, awesome wildlife, deep fjords, huge glaciers and enormous rivers… Continue reading

  • Sep 3, 2018
  • By Joseph Geldhof
The Alaska State Capitol is seen on May 10, 2018. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Let’s get our priorities straight, NOAA

Opinion: Let’s get our priorities straight, NOAA

Threats to the ocean are putting Alaskans right at ground zero.

Opinion: Let’s get our priorities straight, NOAA

Opinion: Oil companies aren’t stealing your PFD

I hear it all the time: “The oil tax giveaway created our budget problems;” “We wouldn’t have a budget problem if the oil companies weren’t… Continue reading

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem

Make your vote count.

Opinion: Alaska’s potential pension problem
Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight

Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight

My name is Cindy Harris and I am a volunteer ambassador in Alaska for the Alzheimer’s Association. I am an advocate for individuals and families… Continue reading

Opinion: Alaska’s Congressional delegation joins Alzheimer’s fight
Opinion: Please vote ‘yes’ on Ballot Measure 1

Opinion: Please vote ‘yes’ on Ballot Measure 1

This year’s Stand for Salmon initiative, Ballot Measure 1, is a long-overdue measure that will help restore balance between development of Alaska’s natural resources and… Continue reading

Opinion: Please vote ‘yes’ on Ballot Measure 1
Opinion: Making primary elections more than a tribal contest

Opinion: Making primary elections more than a tribal contest

What we don’t know is why so many Alaskans didn’t care enough to vote.

Opinion: Making primary elections more than a tribal contest

Sustainable Permanent Fund plan a necessary tool to manage Alaska’s fiscal house

This piece is in response to a recent editorial submitted by a local teacher on Aug. 16, discussing Gov. Bill Walker’s stance on the forward… Continue reading

  • Aug 23, 2018
  • By CATHY Muñoz
Opinion: Hatcheries support strong science and abundance for Alaskans

Opinion: Hatcheries support strong science and abundance for Alaskans

Few things define Alaskans more than our love of salmon.

  • Aug 23, 2018
  • By Clay Koplin
Opinion: Hatcheries support strong science and abundance for Alaskans
Buchanan Willoughby votes with his son, Paxton, 7, at Bartlett Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Countdown to Election 2018: Whose side are you on?

Editor’s Note: The Empire will be publishing a weekly column from the nonpartisan League of Women Voters leading up to this year’s municipal election, in… Continue reading

  • Aug 22, 2018
  • By PAT WATT
Buchanan Willoughby votes with his son, Paxton, 7, at Bartlett Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Mark Begich should step aside this year

Bill Walker and Byron Mallott have steered us through one of the most challenging periods of our recent history. Walker and Mallott are running for… Continue reading

  • Aug 21, 2018
  • By Don Gray
Former Alaska U.S. Senator Mark Begich greets and speaks to Juneau residents interested in his campaign for governor at the IBEW Local 1547 Union office on Thursday, June 29, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)