Compass

COMPASS

University move hurts Alaska's prospects with Russia

Geography, resources and ecosystems link Alaska inextricably to its neighbor, Russia. Russia requires a special relationship, with specialized institutions and specialists to manage them. With oil nearing $150 a barrel, Russia is enjoying boom times. The Putin/Medvedev social contract gives Russians stability, freedom to buy things they want and travel abroad, in exchange for Kremlin control over profits.

COMPASS

Palin owes explanation in firing of Walt Monegan

It was with great dismay that Public Safety Employees Association members learned about the unexplained firing of Commissioner Walt Monegan.

COMPASS

Public must have a say in parks planning

Last winter, major changes to Town Square were slated to go forward as part of a street improvement project, without recommendations from the city's Parks and Recreation Commission. Only after the commission intervened did a public process and public hearing specific to Town Square take place, resulting in significant changes to the final plan.

COMPASS

Justices allow wealthy candidates to outspend their rivals

The Exxon verdict understandably overshadowed the U.S. Supreme Court's other end-of-term rulings among Alaskans, but one -- Federal Election Commission v. Davis -- deserves our attention, for it may influence our elections for decades to come.

COMPASS

Inebriates, transients a problem municipality has failed to control

I am concerned about escalating transient and inebriate traffic in the Campbell Creek Park area. My home on East 48th Avenue backs to the Campbell Creek trail system. When we purchased our home, we felt that the trail system was a positive feature, allowing us easy access to biking, walking and skiing.

COMPASS

Campbell Creek fire shows need to deal with homelessness

The recent 10-acre fire in the Midtown region of the Campbell Creek greenbelt should serve as a wake-up call to Anchorage and our entire state that we all must do more to address the growing homelessness in our community.

COMPASS

Independent gas line will best serve Alaska's interests

The current gas pipeline debate is nothing less than a battle for this state's sovereignty.

COMPASS

Shelter for backyard pets shouldn't be limited to dogs

In 1998, I began keeping a small flock of hens in a tidy henhouse in my Anchorage backyard. I had checked Title 17 -- the Animal Control code -- to be sure that chickens are legal, and they are. However, my henhouse was illegal.

COMPASS

Eisenhower was reluctant supporter of Alaska statehood

When President Eisenhower signed the Alaska statehood bill on this day in 1958, he did so privately in the White House without inviting any of the Alaskans who had worked so tirelessly on the cause for more than a decade.

COMPASS

Senate needs to halt cutbacks in Medicare payments

On Thursday, June 26, 2008, the U.S. Senate had the opportunity to avert a July 1, 2008, 10.6 percent cut in payments to physicians who care for Medicare beneficiaries.

COMPASS

Statehood book was written by independent journalists

This summer we kicked off many events all over Alaska celebrating a major milestone in our history -- the 50th anniversary of statehood. As chair of the Alaska Statehood Celebration Commission, I'm grateful for the many volunteers and partner organizations who have dedicated countless hours, both to the commission itself and to the many fun-filled family events commemorating our state's history.

COMPASS

Wear a life vest, and make sure others are, when boating

Twenty years ago today, in the Tanana River near Nenana, Jim Coghill drowned.

COMPASS

Alaska now has funds to revisit big, bold ideas of the past

Paul Jenkins, editor of The Voice of the Times, recently wrote about the need for Alaska to find new vision and direction. He discussed the necessity for good, big ideas that would set goals for our state during the next 50 years.

COMPASS

Collaboration is key to completing Alaska's gas pipeline

The State of Alaska is at a critical threshold in deciding the future course of the Alaska gas line. With two proposals on the table, this multi-generational dream ticket for economic prosperity is on the cusp of becoming real.

COMPASS

On this date in 1958, Senate vote secured Alaska's future

Fifty years ago, hope and excitement were running high in the United States Senate as lawmakers approached the final hours of a marathon debate on Alaska statehood.

COMPASS

Alaska can lead the nation in home energy efficiency

Record high prices for home heating fuel and utilities are putting a squeeze on family budgets. No other state's residents feel the pain more than Alaskans do. Our high oil prices along with extreme weather, isolated and remote communities, and a lack of infrastructure present a tough challenge.

COMPASS

Slams to Obama's faith recall racial slurs

I must have missed the memo appointing conservative columnist Cal Thomas as God's Hall Monitor for Heaven, so imagine my surprise when he declared in his June 12 effort that Sen. Barack Obama doesn't qualify as a Christian.

COMPASS

Legislature produced an open, responsible state budget

As the co-chairmen of the House Finance Committee, we are proud of the investments the Legislature has made for the 2009 fiscal year. Operating and capital budgets are more than just numbers; they are expressions of policy and priorities. The Legislature's final budgets show our commitment to saving the surplus, minimizing growth to the operating budget, supporting our communities and investing in infrastructure.

COMPASS

Medred favors the wrong side of halibut fishing dispute

Craig Medred's column "Allocation of halibut calls for revolution" (June 7) contained misleading information.

Stream runs through municipality's development ethics

We have lived in Eagle River since 1973 and have watched the building of each new home in our neighborhood. One particular project built last summer leaves us saddened and concerned. Because this development was allowed contrary to municipal regulations, our faith in the local government has been shaken. We hope that relating our experience will encourage the municipality to correct its practices.

GOV. SARAH PALIN

Gas pipeline deal is worth $500 million state investment

Since the Legislature approved the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act last year, some people have questioned whether the state's potential $500 million capital match is necessary. Even some of those who voted for it have asked, "is AGIA worth $500 million?"