Indignant Mat-Su legislators go silent on protecting vulnerable Pioneer Home residents

It is striking that the Mat-Su delegation, so quick to defend Pioneer Home residents two years ago, are not outraged at the actions of the Dunleavy administration in slapping the highest rate hikes in history on vulnerable Alaskans.

Dermot ColeAugust 3, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy, who promised no cuts, enacts biggest Pioneer Home rate hike ever

No one runs for governor promising gigantic rate increases for Pioneer Home residents. Dunleavy never hinted that even a tiny increase was warranted. He should be ashamed of himself for this chapter in the Dunleavy bait-and-switch administration.

Dermot ColeAugust 2, 2019 Comments

Public needs more answers on near drowning of 3 West Valley students

The firing/resignation of the coach, announced Thursday, must be followed by a clear statement from the school district about this stupid and reckless behavior. The lawsuits will be expensive.

Dermot ColeAugust 2, 2019 Comments

With Ben Stevens as chief of staff, questions about Veco scandal remain

In the 2007 corruption trial of former Rep. Pete Kott, former Veco Vice President Rick Smith was asked which state senators had been bribed. "That would be Ben Stevens and John Cowdery," Smith said.

Dermot ColeAugust 1, 2019 Comments

Dunleavy plugs 'outcomes' into sentences as a substitute for thinking

I’d like to see better outcomes from the governor’s office, which would start with a confession that anyone who says we can improve education in Alaska by cutting $330 million from K-12 and $130 million from the university is lying.

Dermot ColeJuly 31, 2019 Comments

Usibelli, Shumaker make case for Dunleavy recall

“His brief time as governor has brought us an atmosphere of fear and distress, as people worry about whether they will be able to care for special-needs children or whether they will lose their jobs, their homes, and their ability to live in Alaska.”

By Joe Usibelli, Peggy Shumaker

Dermot ColeJuly 31, 2019 Comments

State tells University of Alaska researchers to wish upon a star for tens of millions

Instead of admitting there is no chance of finding $35 million in spare change, Mike Barnhill suggested that it is not only possible, but likely, as long as the university hits up the thousands of people who benefit from research.

Dermot ColeJuly 30, 2019 Comments

University of Alaska regents should reject Dunleavy's strong-arm tactics

While a bipartisan majority of legislators voted again Monday to support higher education, the UA regents are left in a terrible spot with no good options, because Gov. Mike Dunleavy has decided to rule Alaska via the veto.

Dermot ColeJuly 29, 2019 Comments

Imaginary numbers highlight the Dunleavy attack on UAF research

Among the many false claims made by the Dunleavy administration about the University of Alaska Fairbanks, one of the most important is that it does not do as well as it should in leveraging state funds to attract federal research dollars.

Dermot ColeJuly 28, 2019 Comments

Shaky math and long-term risk underlie $3,000 dividend dream

Taking out extra money to pay a fat dividend would be like retirees taking too much from savings each year, only to discover they outlived their nest egg.

By Larry Persily

Dermot ColeJuly 28, 2019 Comments