Opinion

Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Yes on 1: Alaska’s 56-year-old salmon protections need an updated

There are several reasons why the international mining and oil industries are happy with the 56-year-old statute salmon habitat protection statute AS.16.05.871-896, known as the… Continue reading

Chum salmon swim beneath the surface of Salmon Creek on Aug. 3, 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Former state Senator Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich shake hands after a debate at a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Begich would tax, Dunleavy, cut. Whoever wins will have to act fast.

The two major candidates for governor, Mark Begich and Mike Dunleavy, have different philosophies on how to tackle our structural budget deficit. Begich would draw… Continue reading

Former state Senator Mike Dunleavy, left, Gov. Bill Walker, center, and former U.S. Senator Mark Begich shake hands after a debate at a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
People hold candles as they gather for a vigil in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Opinion: They were us

In the recent commemoration for the Princess Sophia sinking of 100 years ago, in describing the Sophia’s passengers the speaker repeatedly used the phrase, “They… Continue reading

People hold candles as they gather for a vigil in the aftermath of a deadly shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation, in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Former U.S. Senator Mark Begich, right, directs a question at former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon debate at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: I like Mike, but I’m not endorsing him for governor

I like Mike Dunleavy. I’ve considered him a friend. But Dunleavy for Alaska is running an ad that makes it seem I’m supporting him. I… Continue reading

Former U.S. Senator Mark Begich, right, directs a question at former state Senate Mike Dunleavy, left, as Gov. Bill Walker listens during a Juneau Chamber of Commerce luncheon debate at Centennial Hall on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Gov. Bill Walker speaks during an interview in his Capitol office on April 13, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Opinion: The last Alaskan first governor

Bill Walker embodied the true spirit of the last frontier.

Gov. Bill Walker speaks during an interview in his Capitol office on April 13, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)
Opinion: Yes for salmon and jobs

Opinion: Yes for salmon and jobs

The parade of oil, mining and timber advocates and prominent politicians who decry Ballot Measure 1, the initiative that addresses salmon-producing freshwater habitat, is impressive… Continue reading

Opinion: Yes for salmon and jobs
Activists, protesting the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, hold a candlelight vigil outside Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. The poster reads in Arabic:’ Khashoggi’s Friends Around the World’. A group of Arab and international public, political and media figures are establishing a global association called “Khashoggi’s Friends Around the World”; “to achieve justice for the freedom martyr”. (Lefteris Pitarakis | The Associated Press)

Opinion: A free press means freedom

The press is not “the enemy of the people.”

Activists, protesting the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, hold a candlelight vigil outside Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. The poster reads in Arabic:’ Khashoggi’s Friends Around the World’. A group of Arab and international public, political and media figures are establishing a global association called “Khashoggi’s Friends Around the World”; “to achieve justice for the freedom martyr”. (Lefteris Pitarakis | The Associated Press)
Opinion: A way to respond to the Pittsburgh shooting

Opinion: A way to respond to the Pittsburgh shooting

I have lived in Alaska for 35 years — first Anchorage and now Haines — but I grew up in the Tree of Life synagogue… Continue reading

Opinion: A way to respond to the Pittsburgh shooting
Opinion: Walker failed as governor

Opinion: Walker failed as governor

Walker’s PFD “tax” has hit those in the lower income range hardest.

Opinion: Walker failed as governor
Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 hurts rural residents and rural communities

Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 hurts rural residents and rural communities

Salmon have always been and will always be a vital part of our culture, history and way of life.

Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 hurts rural residents and rural communities
Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The real deal named Andi Story

I see Story’s approach as a strength, not a weakness.

Andi Story is running for Alaska House District 34. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Opinion: Speak for the salmon

Opinion: Speak for the salmon

It is our turn now to speak to future Alaskans and speak for the salmon we hope to entrust to them.

Opinion: Speak for the salmon
Opinion: Finish the ballot

Opinion: Finish the ballot

One of the best-kept secrets of this — or any — Alaska election season is the incredible amount of information that Alaska voters have in… Continue reading

Opinion: Finish the ballot
Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us

Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us

Why not vote on the side of our salmon?

Opinion: Salmon should define us, not divide us
In this photo taken on, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the Capitol in seen from the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)

Opinion: The identity politics of Obamacare

It’s been more than eight years since Democrats in Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, as the law Republicans loved… Continue reading

In this photo taken on, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, the Capitol in seen from the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (AP Photo | J. Scott Applewhite)
unsplash.com stock image.

Opinion: Vote yes on Ballot Measure 1

Alaskans should vote yes on Ballot Measure 1, which would protect wild salmon habitat, in the General Election this Nov. 6​. Why? Consider that Alaska’s… Continue reading

unsplash.com stock image.
Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Countdown to Election 2018: The basic requirements

Our local government most directly impacts your daily lives in Juneau.

Trenton English takes advantage of early voting in the municipal election at the Mendenhall Mall Annex on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018.(Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Why I support the vision behind the new Juneau Arts and Culture Center

I want to publicly express my support for the effort by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council to build a new Juneau Arts and Culture… Continue reading

The Willoughby District, including the Juneau Arts and Culture Center, is seen here on Jan. 4, 2016. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon

Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon

Sometimes, to understand where you’re going, you have to look back and see where you’ve been. The older I get, the more I use history… Continue reading

Opinion: As a seafood processor, I’m voting No on Stand for Salmon
Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly

Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly

I’m writing this letter in hopes to return some support and kind words that have been bestowed upon me. My name is Dana, and I’m… Continue reading

Opinion: Wade Bryson is a great fit for the Juneau Assembly