It’s not the case with people, of course. But with boats, when the average age of the “family” is 32.27 years — including the short-haul “baby” Lituya, at 9, and two fast ferries that don’t do long runs over open ocean — that’s an old bunch of boats.

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Thelma Ratzeburg, 88, died in Ketchikan on June 11, 2013.

Ernestine Delores Kuc, 62, died June 11, 2013, of natural causes at her residence in Ketchikan.

Juliette Rae Gardner, 52, died on June 9, 2013, in Ketchikan.

Patrick Ford Dwyer, 52, died at his home in Seattle on June 4, 2013.

Energy IS king.

Both in Alaska and nationally, it is a key topic in election debate. Another topic is the effect of the economy on small business. Energy, the economy and business are the heart of the kingdom.

The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce met recently for its annual Legislative Policy Forum. It, too, came to the conclusion that energy is preeminent, which should come as no surprise in a state rich in natural resources and largely dependent upon on oil production to fill its coffers.

Of the 49 proposals brought forward at the forum, the state Chamber came up with its top three state and top national priorities for 2013.

For Alaska they are: Reform oil tax policy to encourage new oil production; reduce the high cost of energy; and increase responsible natural resource development by improving the efficiencies of the permitting process and gaining access to resources.

Nationally, they include: Support oil and gas exploration and development in Alaska's federal Arctic, Outer Continental Shelf, National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; oppose implementation of the Emission Control Area in Alaska by the Environmental Protection Agency; and oppose any further federal land withdrawals in Alaska, other restrictive land management designations and preemptive actions by regulatory agencies.

Clearly, these priorities would be expected from a business organization. But all Alaskans depend on business for jobs, for the taxes that support government, for goods and services, and a quality of life.

These priorities should be every Alaskan's.