Community Perspectives
Take note of graffiti ‘blooming’ in your neighborhood
Published May 11, 2008
Have you noticed that more and more stylized scrawling is blossoming on traffic signs and bridge foundations around Fairbanks? I thought that this was just another sign of global warming, but it has more to do with testosterone than CO2, and we actually can do something to control it.
All Alaskans need immediate energy cost equalization
Published May 11, 2008
Like a man dying of thirst in the middle of the ocean, Alaskans are adrift in a sea of state cash while our residents drown in a tidal wave of unjustified costs for heating oil and electricity for homes and businesses.
Alaska’s optimistic political future
Published May 10, 2008
Sometimes it’s hard to feel optimistic about Alaska. A former mayor of Fairbanks, convicted of pocketing taxpayer dollars intended for charity, is heading for federal prison.
Teachers recognized this week
Published May 9, 2008
Throughout the school district this week, parents, principals and parent-teacher organizations have prepared meals, baked homemade treats and made small gifts for teachers. As the school year nears its end, it’s time to show educators that their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Fairbanks Neighborhood Watch kicking into high gear
Published May 4, 2008
Hello, Fairbanks. As we finally (yes, finally!) move into spring, there are a series of efforts underway that I believe will significantly affect the climate of crime and neighborhood livability here in Fairbanks.
Block captains work to bring neighbors together
Published May 4, 2008
We are part of this community. We are your neighbors, living in your neighborhood. And, like many of you, we are disturbed by reading and hearing on a daily basis about increased assaults and crimes here in our neighborhood.
Moose case illustrates federal quandary
Published May 3, 2008
Front-page news on April 11 was the story about Jeff King supposedly killing a moose inside Denali National Park.
Applause for our heroes
Published May 2, 2008
The world is looking for heroes ... someone who does something monumental that we can be proud of and maybe even follow. And there are a lot of everyday heroes right here in Fairbanks.
Exceptional medical care in the North
Published May 2, 2008
The Fairbanks North Star Borough has been my home for 26 years. Occasionally, a newcomer asks me the inevitable question, “Why do you stay here when you could be somewhere warmer?”
A chance to choose our energy
Published April 30, 2008
Oil has been a reliable energy source with myriad uses for more than 140 years. America made great commitments of infrastructure and resources to this wonder fuel and today fossil fuels pervade everything America does. Yet for all its uses, oil has evident flaws: It has “external costs” still not factored into its price and it is ruinously expensive.
Alaskans can disagree without name-calling
Published April 27, 2008
It is important to be respectful in the process of public discourse. It is equally important to show respect for the facts by checking them carefully when one is putting forward a public argument.
Lake stocking policy is good for anglers and wild fish
Published April 27, 2008
What do you get when you cross a female rainbow trout with a male rainbow trout? The answer is nothing if either began their life in an Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish hatchery.
How Alaska can overcome inflation
Published April 26, 2008
Right now with revenue pouring into Alaska’s coffers, it is important to save money for the contingency when oil production declines.
Juneau’s power woes pale by comparison
Published April 25, 2008
I was sorry to hear about the disaster with the snow slides and the resultant effect of raising the 11 cents per kilowatt-hour electric costs to as much as 35 to 50 cents per kwh for Juneau.
Do the right thing, recycle electronics
Published April 22, 2008
Good news for our republic! I am definitely never ever going to run for the nation’s highest office. I couldn’t survive the microscopic scrutiny, and I begin to wonder: Could anyone?