Module IX-AK Governance & Issues

Essential Question: Pick one contemporary issue from your region and discuss - explain the issue, identify the major players and their positions.

Alaska-Juneau Gold Mine
University Libraries- University of Washington

 Upon my moving to Juneau, I heard a lot about the re-opening of the AJ Mine. I thought it would be a fitting topic for this question and become more familiar with it. First Things First Alaska Foundation introduced some brief history about the AJ Mine. It closed in 1944 because so many left for the war, and since gold had no use during these times, prices dropped. The mine was "not economically feasible to operate." Currently, prices of gold have increased to $1,651.04 per oz. (Goldprice)

Juneau residents are a major player in regards to the mine. The mine would allow for more jobs first of all. The average wage for mining in Juneau is $80,000, which is above the state's average of $40,000.  The City and Borough of Juneau could also benefit from the gains of opening the mine.  According to the FTFAF website, there is an estimated 780,000+ oz. of gold ore in the mine, which would equal over a billion dollars. the city would benefit from the taxes, amongst other things.


AJ Mine Advisory Committee (AJMAC)- This committee was created by the Mayor to weight the pros and cons of the reopening of the AJ Mine. Seven individuals composed the committee and served for 3 months beginning February 1, 2011. The committee noted some residents adamantly opposed to the mines reopening stating, "the environmental, social and economic costs are so great that under no circumstance should the borough promote any sort of industrial mining in the AJ unit." Others claim how economically beneficial the mine would be to Juneau and that environment impacts can be dealt with and eliminated ideally. The committee took a stance of "it depends" and wrote up the following recommendations:
   *underground disposal of trailings

AJ Mine ca.1936
University Libraries-University of Washington

   *underground mill operation
   *new access point to mill-minimize community
       disturbances
   *minimize surface activity- noise, light, physical
       eyesores
   *does NOT impact water system-highest  
      priority
   *protection of Gold Creek's water system
   *waste water treatment obeys Alaska's water
      quality rules
   *maximize renewable energy sources
   *enhance sustainability
   *focus on local/Alaskan employment-reach out
      to UAS, Juneau School District, for example

From what I was able to collect from their report, they did not come to a formal conclusion in regards to the mine. The biggest concern the committee saw was the needed protection of the Gold Creek water system. With prior knowledge and this high priority concern, it seemed like the majority of the committee did not support the re-opening of the AJ Mine.

Southeast Alaska Conservation Council: Against the opening of the AJ Mine. Major concern maintaining water quality. According to a recent studied, 76% of mines lack water quality control, furthermore, contaminating surrounding water sources.

Department of Fish And Game: Against the opening of the AJ Mine. Worried about the impact on wildlife.

There is so much more to this issue that I was not able to add. After doing some research, I found that  the pros and cons evidence can be very particular depending on how in depth you want to go. By just scratching the surface on this issue, I'm interested to hear about what will come of the AJ Mine in future years and listening to other's thoughts/comments.

Examine Question: Identity the Alaska Senate and House Districts in which you live. Identify the name and political party of your state senator and representative. Identify the type of local government you have. Identify the tribal government, if any, in your area, and if possible find out if it's IRA or traditional council.


1st question- Identify the Alaska Senate and House Districts. Juneau's Senate looks over District B and the House oversees District 3 & 4.


2nd question- Identify the name, political party of your senator and representative. Senator Dennis Egan is part of the democratic party as well as Representative Beth Kerttula (D), who looks over District 3. District 4 is overseen by Representative Cathy Munoz, member of the republican party.

Rep. Cathy Munoz
2012 Alaska Legislature

Sen. Dennis Egan
2012 Alaska Legislature

Rep. Beth Kerttula
2012 Alaska Legislature

3rd question- Identify the tribal government. Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska  (CCTHITA) is a traditional council representing 28,000+ Tlingit and Haida Indians. The Douglas Indian Association is a less known tribal governance in Juneau considered part of the IRA.

Evaluation:
Wow! Lot's of very useful information. As forewarned, we might not be able to read all the sources. Since this is all new information for me, it will take a while for me to understand it. For this week, however, I now have a better understanding of what the Alaska Permanent Fund and PFDs mean to Alaskans. I had always heard about it, and now I understand it better. I also found the section discussing settlement and distributions of Alaska lands interesting. There's also some good charts that break down the government system on a federal, state, to local level.

Blog Comments:
I liked Claire's blog in learning about Girdwood during WWII and how the National Guard has played a key role around the Anchorage area and even recently with lost skiers around Girdwood.

Robin's module for last week on WWII was very well written and explained. I also enjoyed her photos.

I agree with Kristin's blog overview. She not only used our readings as sources, but included personal opinions. I agree that the evacuation of Aleuts did seem more like interments and did a great job with backing up her point.