Many Alaskans woke up early to watch the inauguration of a new president and vice president — to take part in a collective ritual that carries the weight of tradition but also telegraphs a vision for the future.
On this Wednesday’s Juneau Afternoon, Rhonda McBride asked Alaskans to share their perspectives on the ceremony. Here are some of the highlights.
- As Democrats and former practitioners of Alaska politics, it was an exciting morning for former Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer and former state representatives Beth Kerttula and Mary Sattler Peltola. We also hear from Stephen Blanchett, the arts education director for the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council.
- A new president, especially from a new political party, signals a changing of the guard for the federal government in Alaska. Larry Persily, who has worn many hats in government over the years — from serving governors of both parties, to his stint as the Alaska Federal Pipeline Coordinator — talks about what changes we can expect.
- Also on Juneau Afternoon, Kate Enge has an update on how the Juneau Public Library system is coming back to life after COVID-19 closures.
Juneau Afternoon airs live at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO Juneau 104.3, online at KTOO.org, and repeated at 4:00 p.m. on KRNN 102.7.
