Juneau Independent

As president of the Juneau Housing Trust Inc. which is in the business of building affordable permanent housing under the community land trust model, I am voting no on Proposition 1.

There is a rot at the heart of our Republic, a canker that has been slowly eviscerating our rights as individuals, our standing as an electorate, and our ability as citizens to address our government and act as a check to the way it conducts itself on the world stage and at home.

In the heat of public debate over how the city has managed its fiscal affairs, there has been ample opportunity to play fast and loose with the facts.

What makes Juneau different from other places? We're unique in many ways, but mostly it's our appearance. We have special colors and houses and special streets with treasures awaiting anyone in the mood to explore. But now our unique aesthetic beauty and history are endangered.

The truth is, Juneau is becoming unaffordable. When families leave, when workers relocate, or when businesses close, the entire community loses. That's why I support the ballot measures proposed by the Affordable Juneau Coalition.

Even though there was some leakage, we all know that there would have been hundreds of more homes devastated by the last glacier outburst, had CBJ not invested $3.5 million in installing 2.5 miles of HESCO barriers in the Valley. This prudent, responsive action would not have been possible if the ballot propositions now being pushed by a group called Affordable Juneau were in effect. .

The Alaska Division of Public Assistance has been behind — far, far behind — in processing applications and reviews for food stamp benefits since 2022.

A humble grocery store may not seem historic, but the value of a building goes beyond its architecture.

I’m deeply disturbed and saddened by the assassination of a great man who was the embodiment of the American spirit, a man who stood for independent thinking, free speech, and a love for our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

There are three ballot propositions on the municipal ballot this year and I am voting no on all three of them.

This is an expensive and highly visible project and should be approached with a higher expectation for public participation, transparency, detailed plans and timelines – and instead there is every appearance of "fire, aim, ready."

This October, Juneau voters will have the chance to make some of the most consequential changes to our city government since Juneau and Douglas merged to form a borough in 1970.