Opinion

Nabi Qureshi is a community organizer for The Alaska Center and Chugach Electric ratepayer (Courtesy Photo)

Opinion: What Alaska can learn from Texas about utilities

It is showing us the dangers of poorly run utilities.

  • Feb 19, 2021
  • Nabi Qureshi
Nabi Qureshi is a community organizer for The Alaska Center and Chugach Electric ratepayer (Courtesy Photo)
A sign posted by Travel Juneau notes the pamphlet-filled visitor's center kiosk is closed because of the pandemic. The center, located near the downtown library, opened in May 2019 during Infrastructure Week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Southeast Alaska cruise season torpedoed again

What can be done to address it?

  • Feb 18, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
A sign posted by Travel Juneau notes the pamphlet-filled visitor's center kiosk is closed because of the pandemic. The center, located near the downtown library, opened in May 2019 during Infrastructure Week. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
The Mendenhall Glacier is just one of many sites that can be seen without venturing outside of the state. (Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Help Juneau go big in 2021

This is the year to commit to the epic adventure you’ve had in mind.

  • Feb 17, 2021
  • By Liz Perry, Sarah Leonard, Julie Saupe, Patti Mackey, Bonnie Quill , Deb Hickok, Sharon M. Anderson, Debbie Speakman and Laurie Booyse
The Mendenhall Glacier is just one of many sites that can be seen without venturing outside of the state. (Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: University of Alaska is one of our state’s greatest assets

The pandemic created economic hardship and uncertainty, but the university is positioned to help.

  • Feb 17, 2021
  • By Bill Popp
This photo shows University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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Alaska sidewalks need plowing in winter

It’s time we make access to our sidewalks safe and usable for everyone, even in winter.

  • Feb 16, 2021
  • By Dana Dardis and Annis Killen
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The design for the then-new gold $1 Elizabeth Peratrovich coin was on display during the Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebration at the Tlingit and Haida Community Council on Feb. 16, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The ongoing work of Elizabeth Peratrovich

Please join this journey with me to rectify the inequalities we perpetuate, even accidentally.

  • Feb 15, 2021
  • By Kali Hofman
The design for the then-new gold $1 Elizabeth Peratrovich coin was on display during the Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebration at the Tlingit and Haida Community Council on Feb. 16, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: The Tongass could be a solution for the pandemic

Southeast Alaska now has an industry option that would generate jobs not impacted by the pandemic.

  • Feb 12, 2021
  • By Catherine M. Mater
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Opinion: We have become a culture of fanaticism with guns

The gun industry pedals guns like the tobacco industry pedals nicotine.

  • Feb 10, 2021
  • By Paul Miller
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(Courtesy Image / Pat Race)

Opinion: Recall effort is necessary to hold governor accountable

“We can’t assume someone else is going to do the work of holding him accountable…”

  • Feb 10, 2021
  • By Pat Race
(Courtesy Image / Pat Race)
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Don’t blame Canada for our restrictions

Do not blame Canada for problems created by our own laws and regulations.

  • Feb 9, 2021
  • By Andy Hughes
A sign in the window of a business on South Franklin Street in downtown Juneau on April 14, 2020. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
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A promising vaccine for our political pandemic

Ballot Measure 2 will go a long way toward making our government serve the people…

  • Feb 9, 2021
  • Rob Welton
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We must push for lasting change and accessible democracy

Our voice and vote is the future, and that future feels bright.

  • Feb 8, 2021
  • By Jasmine Carter
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This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Closing an Alaska DMV office has a cost beyond dollars

Closing state-operated DMV offices hurts seniors, disable people and people with lower incomes.

  • Feb 8, 2021
  • By Peter Zuyus
This photo shows a sign outside the Division of Motor Vehicles office in Juneau. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
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Opinion: Now isn’t the time to abolish the filibuster

Doing away with it treats only a symptom of partisan dysfunction. And now is the wrong time.

  • Feb 5, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
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”What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?” writes Win Gruening. “Instead, what if it is using the recall to influence the 2022 regular election with anonymous donors thereby avoiding pesky APOC disclosure rules? If so, recall advocates should be careful what they wish for.” (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Is the Dunleavy recall opening Pandora’s Box?

What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?

  • Feb 4, 2021
  • By Win Gruening
”What if the Recall Dunleavy group has no intention of forcing a special election?” writes Win Gruening. “Instead, what if it is using the recall to influence the 2022 regular election with anonymous donors thereby avoiding pesky APOC disclosure rules? If so, recall advocates should be careful what they wish for.” (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire File)
The Mendenhall Glacier is devoid of tourists in this January 2021 photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Random chats with strangers show shared humanity

COVID-19 has limited travel, so here are some stories from the past.

  • Feb 3, 2021
  • By Mike Clemens
The Mendenhall Glacier is devoid of tourists in this January 2021 photo. (Ben Hohenstatt / Juneau Empire)
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Opinion: The shopping cart parable

In my view, the most fundamental measure of a society is how we treat each other…

  • Feb 2, 2021
  • By Ray Preston
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Opinion: We can and must do better

The events of Jan. 6 represent the failure of constitutional and civic education at all levels

  • Feb 1, 2021
  • By Alaskan James Madison Fellows
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This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)

The unserious pursuit of constitutional amendments

Why the governor’s cure-all for the state’s chronic budget deficit will run into a brick wall. Again.

  • Jan 30, 2021
  • By Rich Moniak
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)
This photo shows the Alaska State Capitol on Jan. 8, 2021. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire File)