State uses pandemic as excuse to outsource personnel management

Administration Commissioner Kelly Tshibaka is taking steps to shift more personnel management functions away from state employees and toward a private contractor, using the pandemic as an excuse.

Dermot ColeAugust 3, 2020 Comments

Sullivan says he supports continued jobless benefit—but only for one week

Sen. Dan Sullivan signaled his opposition two months ago to the continuation of the $600-per-week unemployment benefit beyond its July 31 expiration. He is now attacking Democrats for not extending it until Aug. 7.

Dermot ColeAugust 1, 2020 Comments

State plan to speed small business grants means reduced scrutiny

The relaxed verification rules make full public disclosure of grant recipients more important, though the Dunleavy administration has given no sign that it plans to release the names and grant amounts. Disclosure is vital to limiting waste, fraud and abuse.

Dermot ColeJuly 31, 2020Comment

Dunleavy's reckless refusal to issue a mask mandate

A statewide mask mandate would send a strong signal to Alaskans about the immediate danger of the rapidly advancing COVID-19 outbreak. It would be a pro-business move, as it would help build confidence among Alaskans that some basic safety steps are being observed.

Dermot ColeJuly 29, 2020 Comments

Alaska's COVID-19 outbreak takes rapid turn for the worse

The pandemic is not under control in Alaska, a state with limited health care facilities, and we are not immune to the tragedies that have taken place in states with large health care capacity. We need to wake up.

Dermot ColeJuly 28, 2020 Comments

Alaska news organizations can help elevate budget debate beyond campaign fantasies

The last refuge of every scoundrel in the right-size government club is the safe and easy budget pronouncement to “cut the budget,” while never bothering with the specifics. The specifics are all that matter.

Dermot ColeJuly 27, 2020 Comments

Taking only 5 questions, Sullivan, Murkowski virtually shut out public from 'virtual' town hall

Two weeks have passed and neither Sullivan, nor Murkowski has had anything to say about Trump giving Roger Stone a get-out-of-jail card. That two lawyers would keep quiet about this clear abuse of the justice system, pretending it is not important, is appalling.

Dermot ColeJuly 25, 2020 Comments

Essential questions for Sens. Murkowski, Sullivan to address Thursday

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan will have the chance Thursday to explain to Alaskans their positions on key federal issues that they have not covered in press releases.

Dermot ColeJuly 22, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy promotes voluntary masks, but won't explain his objections to mandates

A source has told me that the administration has contracted with Dittman Research, Dunleavy’s favorite pollster, to measure public opinion about masks. We really don’t need any public polling on masks. We need leadership from the governor and a statewide mandate to wear masks.

Dermot ColeJuly 20, 2020 Comments

Dunleavy administration adds misleading claim to absentee voter applications

The state made a deceptive change on the absentee ballot application a year ago that misleads voters by suggesting a “political party affiliation” is necessary to get an absentee ballot. Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer needs to issue new instructions.

Dermot ColeJuly 19, 2020 Comments