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Worthy pledge

Governor promises more officers for villages lacking law’s presence

Published October 23, 2009

Gov. Sean Parnell’s promise to put an Alaska State Trooper or Village Public Safety Officer in every village that wants a law enforcement presence is a laudable goal.

Exploration approved

Shell’s offshore drilling plan addresses risks adequately

Published October 22, 2009

Federal officials have approved Shell’s plan to drill oil exploration wells in the Beaufort Sea; they could hardly have done otherwise.

Necessary backup

Published October 21, 2009

This year, the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, would be an appropriate time for Congress to affirm in law one of the key safety measures designed to prevent another such disaster.

Gordon Haber regularly offered controversial viewpoints during his long career as a wolf researcher, but even those who didn’t always agree with his conclusions could admire his dedication to the study of wolves.

Vital hearings

Published October 19, 2009

Editor’s note: The following editorial advocating the creation of the Arctic National Wildlife Range appeared in this column on Oct. 23, 1959. As we recognize the 50th anniversary of President Dwight Eisenhower’s signing of the Alaska statehood proclamation on Jan. 3, 1959, the Daily News-Miner is reprinting a sampling of its statehood-related editorials from that era.

Focus on oil

Alaska’s revenue mainstay needs continued attention

Published October 18, 2009

Imagine the state of Alaska without a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope and with oil production at a dangerously low fraction of its once plentiful flow.

Grandfather rights

Published October 17, 2009

Many Alaskans, especially in the Fairbanks area, think they should be able to do just about anything they want with their land.

Efficient response

Spring flood recovery effort accomplished much with little

Published October 16, 2009

An admirable effort by agencies and individuals has restored housing for more than a dozen families in the town of Eagle and the village just upstream.

Unflattering image

‘Troopers’ offers realistic portrait of Alaska’s trouble with alcohol

Published October 15, 2009

The new TV show focusing on Alaska State Troopers has received mixed reviews as drama, but critics have agreed on one thing: Alaskans often seem to be drunk when they commit crimes or hurt themselves in accidents.

Studious senators

Finance committee spends 2 days considering the university’s needs

Published October 14, 2009

Members of the Alaska Senate’s most influential committee will spend today and Thursday in Fairbanks educating themselves about higher education. The Senate Finance Committee’s decision to gather here and devote many hours to understanding the University of Alaska is encouraging news.

Smoke signals

Haze on northern horizon is a sign of wise preparation

Published October 13, 2009

The dark smudge across the horizon north of Fairbanks on Monday rose from more burning trees. But, this time, the fires were set intentionally.

Battle of bar hours begins

Published October 12, 2009

Editor’s note: The following editorial appeared in this column on Oct. 1, 1959. As we recognize the 50th anniversary of President Dwight Eisenhower’s signing of the Alaska statehood proclamation on Jan. 3, 1959, the Daily News-Miner is reprinting a sampling of its statehood-related editorials from that era.

Clear the air

Agreement with the state is the next necessary step

Published October 11, 2009

On Thursday, two days after Fairbanks voters confirmed that they want local government involved in efforts to clear our air, federal regulators did what they were expected to do — they formally declared part of the borough out of compliance with new standards for airborne soot.

Sen. John Coghill

Longtime North Pole lawmaker is a fine choice for the Senate

Published October 10, 2009

Gov. Sean Parnell made a solid selection in naming Rep. John Coghill to the state Senate seat vacated by Republican Gene Therriault of North Pole.

Question candidates

Help us put your issues in front of our future mayor

Published October 9, 2009

Now it’s down to two candidates: Luke Hopkins and Tammie Wilson.

News-Miner Editorials