The pro and anti Zaletel partisans seem to be talking about two different women, two different members of the Anchorage Assembly.

—By Michael Carey

Dermot ColeOctober 24, 2021 Comments

Higher oil prices would chop Alaska deficits by $500 million next fiscal year

The governor and his allies in the Legislature will soon be saying that oil prices have solved all of the state’s financial problems once again, avoiding the political risk in tax talk. But oil prices have not solved all of the state’s financial problems.

Dermot ColeOctober 22, 2021 Comments

Don't be surprised if Dunleavy dumps Kevin Meyer from the ticket

With the lack of diversity represented by Dunleavy/Meyer, someone other than Meyer is likely to take on the task of guarding the state seal and saying that Dunleavy is doing a great job.

Dermot ColeOctober 21, 2021 Comments

Dunleavy lies about Stedman, saying he didn't 'honor his word'

This will make no dent in the impenetrable accountant armor that protects the Stedman hide. But if Dunleavy wants to call him a liar and a man who doesn’t keep his word, the governor should stop using state funds and pay for his allegations with campaign funds.

Dermot ColeOctober 20, 2021 Comments

Right-wing attack on Alaska's health care experts warrants response

If I need medical advice, I’m going to err on the side of Sancho Panza and trust the professionals at Providence Hospital, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital and dozens of other Alaska institutions that are being maligned by the likes of Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson, Sen. Lora Reinbold and lots of others from the screaming and shouting community.

Dermot ColeOctober 18, 2021 Comments

Dunleavy opens 45 mph roads to four-wheelers, but not snowmachines

The Dunleavy ATV plan—which a former commissioner says was likely done as a favor to a friend or campaign donor—will legalize four-wheelers and tracked vehicles on many roads in the Fairbanks area as of Jan. 1. Operators would be legally required to be licensed, registered and carry insurance, the state says. Enforcement? Not likely.

Dermot ColeOctober 15, 2021 Comments

'Death is not important,' Clem Tillion said. 'Did you live?''

Jay Hammond was not that far off the mark when he mentioned that the full-throated Clem Tillion roared with the “unmuted bronze bullhorn that passed for his voice.” To be fair, Hammond also had an “unmuted bronze bullhorn that passed for his voice.”

Dermot ColeOctober 13, 2021 Comments

Beware of Dunleavy plan treating short-term stock market gains as permanent

The Dunleavy administration wants to take a similar approach to the Permanent Fund because the high returns of the last fiscal year created volatility on the upside. That is the basis of their claims that the state can afford to withdraw extra billions from the Permanent Fund, never admitting that some of those gains are the product of a volatile market and could disappear in a flash.

Dermot ColeOctober 12, 2021 Comments

Facing heavy opposition, Dunleavy administration withdraws plan to cut funding on pension debts

About 65 written comments and several speakers said the plan would have put the long-term health of the retirement systems at risk. The Dunleavy administration withdrew the plan once its rejection appeared certain.

Dermot ColeOctober 11, 2021 Comments

Dunleavy plan to cut $65 million puts state retirement systems at long-term risk

Falsely claiming to have found an immediate and painless budget cut, the governor and Revenue Commissioner Lucinda Mahoney want to reduce the annual payments made by the state to fund public employee pensions. They would start by cutting $65 million this year, with a total of $3 billion in reduced contributions between now and 2039.

Dermot ColeOctober 10, 2021 Comments