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Assembly's scorched-earth approach redevelopment of Telephone Hill difficult to understand
(City and Borough of Juneau photo) What makes a great city great? Seattle's Space Needle, the New York skyline, San Francisco's Golden...
Jul 26, 20252 min read
Governor isn't even trying anymore to get along
Gov. Mike Dunleavy never seemed to worry much about getting along with his colleagues when he was a state senator. Nothing wrong with being an obstinate contrarian, unless you would rather learn, build consensus, truly govern and get something done.
Jul 25, 20253 min read
Dedicated leadership can make Alaska’s schools exemplary, but governor is failing
I came to Juneau in 1977 when Jay Hammond was governor. In those days you could be a nobody volunteer from out of state, like me, and invite the governor and his wife to dinner — and they would come! Now it’s rare for our current governor to set foot in the capital city.
Jul 23, 20252 min read
Striking up Special Olympics’ bowling season by seeking volunteers with time to spare
Special Olympics Alaska-Juneau’s bowling season is starting soon. We are looking for volunteers and new athletes are always welcome.
Jul 23, 20252 min read
The day ICE came to town
It’s not clear if any agents were here or conducted any actions. But Juneau got a taste of fear about an agency that has few visible constraints.
Jul 21, 20253 min read
Sidewalks or sign wars? Let’s protect Juneau’s downtown charm and each other
The downtown Seawalk on a quiet day. (City and Borough of Juneau photo) Downtown Juneau is one of the most walkable, visually rich and...
Jul 20, 20253 min read
Sullivan says he supports public broadcasting, then votes against it
In the last few months, as the administration in Washington pushed to pull back existing support for public broadcasting, I several times...
Jul 18, 20251 min read
Cookies are for eating, not washing my feet
I read a lot of business news. I like knowing what’s happening around the world in commerce, construction, transportation, oil and gas, finance and innovation. Though I don’t hardly ever — if ever — try new things, I appreciate learning about new things.
Jul 16, 20253 min read
China’s path to world dominance is being laid by President Trump’s policies, including in Alaska
To understand why the role of the U.S. in the world is threatened, take climate change: China now is producing more solar and wind power capacity than the rest of the world combined and is exporting its green technology throughout the world by building electric vehicles and batteries.
Jul 15, 20252 min read
What will the Assembly actually try to build on Telephone Hill?
The CBJ Assembly has appropriated $9 million for the redevelopment of Telephone Hill. Its stated goal for the redevelopment is to provide Juneau with more affordable housing.
Jul 13, 20251 min read
Texas floods are the tip of the Trump iceberg
Flooding of the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, Texas. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) It’s hard to read about the campers washed away in the...
Jul 13, 20254 min read
Governor, education commissioner: Funding alone is not a fix for schools
For the past two years, Alaskans have been engaged in a robust discussion about the future of education in our state. At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful truth: Alaska’s traditional public education system is failing too many of our children.
Jul 10, 20259 min read
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