Opinion

The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Trout Unlimited’s assertions on Tongass are wrong

Assertions that 66% of the “largest and best stands” have been cut is absurd.

  • Dec 6, 2019
  • By Bert Burkhart
The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States at 17 million acres. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: The Roadless Rule doesn’t save anything

It is a politically motivated impediment to good forest management and use.

  • Dec 5, 2019
  • By Wayne R. Nicolls
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States at 17 million acres. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Tongass Roadless Rule reversal threatens brown bear populations

Opinion: Tongass Roadless Rule reversal threatens brown bear populations

Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

  • Dec 1, 2019
  • By LaVern Beier
Opinion: Tongass Roadless Rule reversal threatens brown bear populations
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire in February 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Murkowski is stifling innovation

Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s recent column in these pages touted her many efforts to support Alaskan fisheries and fishermen. I couldn’t agree more with her goals… Continue reading

  • Nov 29, 2019
  • By James C. Greenwood
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire in February 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Gratitude for our libraries, museums and historians

Opinion: Gratitude for our libraries, museums and historians

History is complex.

  • Nov 29, 2019
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Gratitude for our libraries, museums and historians
School buses drop students off at Thunder Mountain High School in September 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: It’s time for us to step up for Juneau’s kids

We have a child care shortage crisis.

  • Nov 28, 2019
  • By Kevin Ritchie
School buses drop students off at Thunder Mountain High School in September 2015. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
In this file photo, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries LeConte, left, Malaspina and Tazlina, hidden from view, are tied up at the Auke Bay Terminal on Thursday, July 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Ferries are a vital part of public transportation and should be treated as such

Without a reliable transportation system, people suffer.

  • Nov 25, 2019
  • By Bridget Smith
In this file photo, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferries LeConte, left, Malaspina and Tazlina, hidden from view, are tied up at the Auke Bay Terminal on Thursday, July 25, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire in February 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I’m thankful for Lisa Murkowski’s time and efforts

Last week, I traveled to Washington, D.C., and Sen. Lisa Murkowski agreed to meet with me in person. I asked the Senator to work hard… Continue reading

  • Nov 22, 2019
  • By Elizabeth Figus
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire in February 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)                                 U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: Sullivan must denounce Trump’s impeachment defense

It’s a rare occasion when the state Republican Party openly parts ways with its national leadership. That’s what appears to be happening regarding the impeachment… Continue reading

  • Nov 22, 2019
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. Eight U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to British Columbia, Canada’s premier asking for more transboundary water oversight. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Opinion: We need to make sure mine cleanup plan happens

I was raised on the Taku River. In the ’40s and ’50s, from May through October, my brothers and I did everything together on the… Continue reading

  • Nov 21, 2019
  • By John Morris Sr.
Heavy metals run out of the Tulsequah Chief mine opening and down to holding ponds next to the Tulsequah River Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. Leakage from those ponds can be seen entering the river that flows into the Taku River down stream. Eight U.S. senators sent a letter Thursday to British Columbia, Canada’s premier asking for more transboundary water oversight. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)
The Tongass National Forest sign seen en route to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Roadless areas of the Tongass are good for wildlife and people, and they ought to be protected

How much of the Tongass will a dying industry mow down on its way out?

  • Nov 21, 2019
  • By Austin Williams
The Tongass National Forest sign seen en route to the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: I hope inclusion of the Tongass under the Roadless Rule is maintained

I retired at the end of March after 28 years as a research social scientist with the USDA Forest Service. Over the course of my… Continue reading

  • Nov 18, 2019
  • By Linda Kruger
The Tongass National Forest sign stands near the Auke Village Recreation Area. (Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest

Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest

The application to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy alleged “Neglect of Duties, Incompetence, and/or Lack of Fitness” in four specific actions. In his advice to the… Continue reading

  • Nov 17, 2019
Opinion: The incompetence of unacknowledged conflicts of interest
Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices

Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices

It’s not clear where they are headed.

  • Nov 15, 2019
Opinion: CBJ Assembly ponders choices
President Donald Trump listens to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House where Trump spoke about his judicial appointments, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo | Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Opinion: Respecting our Constitution

Was this impeachment constitutionally valid?

  • Nov 11, 2019
  • By Rich Moniak
President Donald Trump listens to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., speak during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House where Trump spoke about his judicial appointments, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo | Manuel Balce Ceneta)
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Investing in fisheries pays off

Alaskans know just how essential fisheries are to life in the 49th state.

  • Nov 7, 2019
  • By Lisa Murkowski
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, speaks during an interview at the Juneau Empire on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)
School buses sit idle at the First Student lot on Mendenhall Loop Road in this May 2014 photo. (Michael Penn \ Juneau Empire File)

Opinion: Barking up the right tree for school safety

In 1999, high school student Rachel Scott wrote about her theory that one person could create a chain reaction of compassion. She stood up for… Continue reading

  • Nov 5, 2019
School buses sit idle at the First Student lot on Mendenhall Loop Road in this May 2014 photo. (Michael Penn \ Juneau Empire File)
Opinion: Roadless Rule realities

Opinion: Roadless Rule realities

Neither side will think they’re winning.

  • Nov 3, 2019
  • By Rich Moniak
Opinion: Roadless Rule realities
Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Probably not.

  • Nov 1, 2019
  • By Win Gruening
Opinion: Is capping cruise ship visitors a good idea?

Opinion: Investing in Alaska’s infrastructure will benefit all Alaskans

The world needs copper and Alaska needs infrastructure to deliver it.

  • Oct 31, 2019
  • By Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse