ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Legislature today confirmed Craig Campbell as the state’s new lieutenant governor in a 55-4 vote during a special session.

I am writing in response to the Aug. 5 Juneau Empire article, “PFD ends year of depletion turmoil.” In my opinion, Alaska is suffering less than many other states from the current recession.

ANCHORAGE – The Alaska Legislature will be in Anchorage on Monday for a quick cup of coffee, a little business and a goodbye handshake, if all goes according to plan.

At least 17-18 percent (48 million) Americans are uninsured. Another 40 million are underinsured (pre-existing conditions, denial, impossible deductible issues). For Alaska, at least 18 percent are uninsured. An increasing number of underinsured people walk among us each day.

If ever there was a time for comprehensive health-care reform it is now, and yet the forces of darkness are lining up against this urgent need, buttressed by lies, mobs inflamed by those lies, and millions of dollars changing hands and changing votes in Washington.

The debate over the issue of health care is one that’s been filled with political rhetoric and a steady stream of vitriol.

The following editorial first appeared in the Anchorage Daily News:

The local nonprofit corporation Storis Museum is working to bring a historic Coast Guard cutter back to Juneau to be used as a maritime museum – the first in Alaska – by next year.

Two teenagers – one a recent Juneau-Douglas High School graduate and athlete – were indicted and arrested Friday for allegedly selling OxyContin.

Carlos Boozer returned to his hometown last week to share his love of basketball with local youths, but he ended up spending just as much time spreading the word that Juneau’s increasing problem with OxyContin use must come to an end.