Dunleavy administration changes course again on school funding

There is little doubt that the courts would have ordered the state to pay for schools for the fiscal year that begins next week based on the law approved in 2018 by the Legislature and governor.

Dermot ColeJune 26, 2019Comment

Dunleavy history lesson goes wrong on 'Dividend Appreciation Day'

There was only one little problem with the official state proclamation declaring June 14 as “Permanent Fund Dividend Appreciation Day.”

Dermot ColeJune 25, 2019 Comments

Legislators make right call on special session meetings in Juneau, Anchorage

The leaders of the House and Senate made the right call this week in deciding that the special session next month should be in Juneau, with meetings in Anchorage. For better public access, this is the only rational choice.

Dermot ColeJune 24, 2019 Comments

Alaska Congressional delegation begs for fish bailout, but won't tell truth on tariffs

Sens. Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young can’t see their way to tell the truth about the role of President Trump in the trade war that has damaged the Alaska seafood industry and reduced exports.

Dermot ColeJune 19, 2019 Comments

Hammond's Permanent Fund Dividend plan would have never lasted

One thing that sometimes gets lost in the Hammond hosannas is clear in retrospect: the distribution plan he championed in 1980 would have never passed the test of time even if the U.S. Supreme Court had not declared it unconstitutional 37 years ago Friday.

Dermot ColeJune 13, 2019 Comments

Legislature needs to look at taxes, not just Permanent Fund Dividend cuts

There’s a problem with the marching orders given to the eight legislators from the House and Senate—the state can’t decide the future of the Permanent Fund by simply looking at the Permanent Fund and ignoring the taxing alternatives.

Dermot ColeJune 12, 2019 Comments

State mismanagement of ferry system threatens coastal communities

Under the Dunleavy plan to dismantle state government, it remains impossible for anyone to reserve space on the Alaska Marine Highway System after September.

Dermot ColeJune 11, 2019 Comments

Sullivan wants secrecy on his decision to delay Marine commandant confirmation

Sen. Dan Sullivan doesn’t want the public to know why he took action to hold up the appointment of Lt. Gen. David Berger as Marine commandant.

Dermot ColeJune 10, 2019 Comment

Alaska's permanent funding problem and fishing for a sustainable solution

If sustained yield — preserving enough salmon for the future — is good enough for the state’s fish resources, why not think of Permanent Fund earnings the same? Limit the annual withdrawal from the fund to no more than it can sustain — and still grow its returns.

By Larry Persily

Dermot ColeJune 5, 2019 Comments

Bitter battle between Reeves and Binkleys escalates with $500,000 easement claim

The long and costly feud between John Reeves and John Binkley, whose family owns a major Fairbanks tourist operation and the Anchorage Daily News, enters a new phase this week with another court trial in Fairbanks.

Dermot ColeJune 3, 2019 Comments

State dumps consultant for API privatization study

A Boston-based consultant hired by the Dunleavy administration for a privatization study about the Alaska Psychiatric Institute is not going to reverse its 2017 decision that privatization would make things worse at API.

Dermot ColeJune 1, 2019 Comments

State can't defend $441,000 no-bid contract with grandson of Bob Penney

In trying to justify his approval of a no-bid $441,000 state contract to a fellow Dunleavy loyalist, Tomas Boutin, CEO of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, claims there was no need to waste time with competitive bids.

Dermot ColeMay 31, 2019 Comments