Opinion

(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Bill can be a step forward for Alaska’s mental health system

By James B. Gottstein While not perfect, HB172 passed by the Legislature on May 17 has the possibility of dramatically improving the lives of people… Continue reading

  • May 30, 2022
  • By James B. Gottstein
(Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Federal government is to blame for local business challenges

Let’s hope that the federal government changes course quickly.

  • May 30, 2022
  • By Robert Shoemake
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Opinion: The dangerous combination of guns and conspiracies

The hatred that’s crept its way into American politics is new. The violence it’s spawned is newer yet.

  • May 27, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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Web tease

Opinion: Momentum builds to place mandatory real estate disclosure on October ballot

Voters should have the opportunity to decide on an issue.

  • May 26, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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Former state lawmaker from Fairbanks John Coghill was in Juneau on Friday, April 22, 2022, and is running for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, vacated recently by the death of Don Young. Coghill faces a crowded field but says he has the experience and pragmatism to get the job done. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Here’s why I’m supporting John Coghill for Congress

By Jim Clark Alaska is fortunate to have so many folks willing to spend the time, effort, and money to run in the special election… Continue reading

  • May 25, 2022
  • By Jim Clark
Former state lawmaker from Fairbanks John Coghill was in Juneau on Friday, April 22, 2022, and is running for Alaska’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, vacated recently by the death of Don Young. Coghill faces a crowded field but says he has the experience and pragmatism to get the job done. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Zoning is the answer

Cruise-related problems are the question.

  • May 24, 2022
  • Kimberly Metcalfe
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Opinion: The ‘Southern Strategy’ runs amok

Money — not the Dems — is calling the shots.

  • May 23, 2022
  • By Jerry Smetzer
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Opinion: Good news for Alaska journalism

We need to ability to get more in-depth news about our government’s decision making.

  • May 20, 2022
  • By Rich Moniak
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Opinion: Setting things straight

Wednesdays’ Empire had a My Turn by Judy Crondahl making numerous assumptions and untrue allegations and I felt it quite necessary to set the record… Continue reading

  • May 19, 2022
  • By Dave Hanna
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Opinion: It’s time for bold action to protect our fisheries

Our fisheries feed the world and sustain our unique cultures and communities.

  • May 19, 2022
  • Linda Behnken
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Faith J. Myers stands at the doors of API. (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: Giving psychiatric patients a voice makes fiscal sense

Psychiatric patients could offer valuable insight into how to improve their treatment.

  • May 18, 2022
  • By Faith J. Myers
Faith J. Myers stands at the doors of API. (Courtesy Photo)
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Opinion: Don’t be fooled

As a homeowner, I will not be suckered into signing the petition to repeal the disclosure ordinance.

  • May 17, 2022
  • By Judy Crondahl
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Tourists watch as one of two cubs belonging to an 18-year-old sow black bear crosses the path between groups of tourists visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Tourists have pushed us to critical mass in parts of Juneau

I don’t go to the glacier in the summer now to hike or watch bears.

  • May 16, 2022
  • By Sue Oliphant
Tourists watch as one of two cubs belonging to an 18-year-old sow black bear crosses the path between groups of tourists visiting the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, July 18, 2018. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Sens. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, left, and Robert Myers, R-North Pole, read through one of 41 amendments submitted to the state's omnibus budget bill being debate on the floor of the Alaska State Senate on Monday, May 9, 2022. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: The Alaska Senate’s foolish gamble

“All these conservative people just spent all our money”

  • May 13, 2022
  • Rich Moniak
Sens. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, left, and Robert Myers, R-North Pole, read through one of 41 amendments submitted to the state's omnibus budget bill being debate on the floor of the Alaska State Senate on Monday, May 9, 2022. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: I am convinced that there is no security in unsolicited mail-in ballots

We once had a secure, accountable, and user friendly election system.

  • May 12, 2022
  • By Rick Currier
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Opinion: The budget balancing act

By Win Gruening For those of you tired of reading about Juneau’s (CBJ) municipal budget, my column this week will not provide any relief. But… Continue reading

  • May 12, 2022
  • By Win Gruening
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(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: A massive dividend is the shortsighted answer

Oil prices never stay constant.

  • May 11, 2022
  • By Larry Persily
(Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
David Teal, then-director of Legislative Finance, gives an overview of the state’s fiscal situation to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Alaska can’t afford four more years of a governor who lives in an alternate reality

A spike in oil prices does not change our long-term fiscal reality.

  • May 10, 2022
  • By David Teal
David Teal, then-director of Legislative Finance, gives an overview of the state’s fiscal situation to the Senate Finance Committee at the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire File)
Alexander B. Dolitsky

Opinion: The only Ford Mustang in Kyiv

By Alexander B. Dolitsky In the late 1960s through 1970s, one of the unique attractions in the Ukraine capital of Kiev was a green and… Continue reading

  • May 9, 2022
  • By Alexander B. Dolitsky
Alexander B. Dolitsky
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Opinion: Unasked questions about abortion

There are several important questions that nobody is even asking, let alone answering…

  • May 6, 2022
  • By Jeffrey G. Moebus
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