Robert Seitz: Alaska’s future deserves better than petty politics

By ROBERT SEITZ

Oct. 9, 2026 – This was a disappointing summer. I am disappointed that we have a legislature that cannot see the benefits of a thriving economy for Alaska, and which chose to postpone action until a new governor is elected. Petty politics is more important than the economic welfare of our citizens and at an increase cost of the AkLNG project. I am glad I am not drowning while wearing a MAGA hat with the hold-out legislators as lifeguards. They would probably wait until the MAGA hat came off before attempting to rescue me.

I am disappointed in the many Alaskans who have accepted the “Ban Trawlers” as a legitimate call to action, without understanding anything at all about all the fishing issues that are involved. The major issue at hand is that chum salmon and Chinook salmon runs in the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers have been too low to allow fishing in the recent years. The evidence is not there to convict the trawlers of excessive bycatch. Some of the evidence that other factors are to blame is that the escapements of chum and chinook were sufficient that fishing was opened in the river in July and subsistence fishing was permitted. The fish counter at Eagle, on the Yukon River, showed 31,000 chinooks made it that far, and all this with trawlers still fishing.

There are so many other things that can decrease a fish population. Then there is the economic benefit to the many communities on the Bering Sea cost as a result of the trawler fishery. The choices we make at the ballot box should not be based on false reports and bad data.

I’m disappointed that so many have chosen to work against building data centers in Alaska. I have a little trouble accepting the installation of a data center in Cook Inlet.  All that electronics submerged in silt laden water doesn’t seem all that sensible. A data center installed next to Cook Inlet with cooling coils installed in Cook Inlet would make sense. But to be against a data center installed on the North Slope should not offend anyone.  There is plenty of natural gas there, so no utility would adversely affected by generating power for that data center. Artificial intelligence is a useful tool, it can be a benefit.  

I am disappointed that so many Alaskans will vote against anything that might give credit to Republicans even though it might be for something that is good for all Alaskans.  That is not the Alaskan way.  For all of us to survive we must always pick the right way, the best way no matter whose idea it is.

I was not, however, disappointed in the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Ceremony last weeknd.  It was Prettier in Whittier that day with so many showed up to honor Ted Stevens, support the crew of the ship given his name and to support Senator Steven’s family in their sponsorship of this ship to bear his name.

I’m sure the crew was impressed with all who showed up in less than ideal conditions.  We showed them that there would be many following their exploits as they sail the seas, as they encounter danger and as they stand in the gap to protect us here at home.  They will welcome our prayers and we will all be proud of their accomplishments as perform their duties on board the USS Ted Stevens.

Robert Seitz is an electrical engineer and longtime Alaskan.