REDISTRICTING

Remember thiscome Election Day

In reference to Dan Popkey’s Jan. 29 article regarding Norm Semanko and Lawerence Denney’s decision.

Thanks to you and those who quickly denounced the actions taken to remove the Idaho Republican personnel from their positions on the redistricting commission. Reminiscent of Hitler and his henchmen who devised means to move and/or eliminate those who dared to oppose and/or disagree with them? Frankly, Herren Semanko and Denney’s attempted actions were despicable. Voters should remember these and similar actions of their representatives when it comes time to place their next vote.

BEN SIMPSON, Boise

Doing things right: how old-fashioned

I can’t believe what has just happened with the re-districting committee! Lawerence Denney threw a public tantrum over not getting his way! Seems his district was one that got chopped up in the way he didn’t like, so he decided to fire his appointee. A “weird” thing happened; they actually considered what’s best for the state and not the party.

Imagine that — how old-fashioned! What a concept, not at all like our U.S. Congress has become. Denney has no problem getting back into a stalemate, going to court and costing us money needlessly! So who needs him? I was rather proud that Idaho had not become anywhere near as self-centered, and power-hungry, as most of our U.S. officials! Denney sure proved me wrong! I want that selfish brat out of there (take Norm Semanko with you)! Also, I am very proud of Dolores Crow, Randy Hansen and Sheila Olsen for serving the people.

I know I’m old-fashioned, and a Republican of many years (becoming former). Please, fellow citizens, do all you can to get rid of immature brats like this. “Idaho is, what America was,” so let’s keep it that way!

JIM FLECKER, Meridian

An offensive move

I’m a relatively new Idahoan, but I’m willing to weigh in on local politics. I think that the rule of law is one which we should all support. I’m offended by the recent decision of members of the Republican leadership who sought to replace the two Republican members of the redistricting commission, Dolores Crow and Randy Hansen, who didn’t seem “Republican enough” to continue the task of carrying out the duties necessary to draw the lines for legislative districts in the upcoming 2012 elections, based upon the 2010 census figures.

I don’t have any alliance with either of those two commission members, but I don’t question their attempts to follow their constitutional mandate to draw the lines on a fair basis. That’s why the law was changed back in 1994, so that we could all reach a nonpartisan way to draw the lines, irrespective of whether that might put two Republican officeholders in the same election district. I think that Mr. Denney and Mr. Semanko are trying to deny the rights of all Idahoans to elect candidates of their own persuasion. Fie on both of them.

WILLIAM J. BONNER, Meridian

HEALTH EXCHANGES

No matter who runs it, this is a bad idea

Regarding the health insurance exchange:

Exchanges, federal or state, are a bad idea. State exchanges will be dictated to by the federal government on all aspects of how the state exchange operates. A state exchange is merely the vehicle to implement a national health care plan. It’s been stated if Idaho doesn’t create an exchange, Idaho insurers lose their jobs. If Idaho does create an exchange, insurers will lose their jobs. The creation of an exchange accelerates and facilitates the outcome of this occurrence.

Government creation, state or federal, does not promote the free market. There are already private sector websites for comparing insurance policies. Remember, government is not the solution, it’s the problem.

CHARLES H. CAHOON, Meridian

Idahoans need help finding insurance

This letter is regarding Gov. Butch Otter’s refusal to address the need for a health insurance exchange for the state of Idaho. This is greatly needed for all small business owners and individuals who are not provided insurance through their jobs. I have been employed for 28 years in this state in small business. For whatever reason, my employer does not provide insurance.

This leaves me with no choice but to find a “reasonably” priced insurance plan to cover myself. I have also had to deal with trying to afford covering a chronic illness for these many years. It is an autoimmune disease for which there is no cure or very few affordable treatment options. My out-of-pocket expense for 2011 was $15,000 for basic doctor visits, procedures and medications. I would love to know if Butch Otter or his family has ever had to address this amount of yearly medical expense. No, because they have state-funded health insurance. Small business can not provide this nor can individuals trying to be responsible for their health care.

I challenge the governor to seriously look into this matter before citizens like myself go bankrupt trying to stay healthy.

JODI MCDONALD, Boise

ETHICS

Idaho needs culture of accountability

I have read with amusement the recent shenanigans of House Speaker Denney with regards to redistricting. The attempted firing of Republican commissioners, who in all regards performed an exemplary and difficult task, seems egregious and overreaching.

In light of the recent transgressions of several Republican legislators who continue to not only serve but also in some cases maintain Senate leadership roles, one would think the Republican GOP would be more inclined to foster a culture of integrity and accountability.

I support the Idaho Democratic legislators for introducing legislation for an independent ethics commission, and I applaud the efforts of the bipartisan work group formed to discuss this issue. Passage of such a bill that enforces ethics that all Idahoans, including members of the Legislature, must live and abide by would seem a prudent and logical approach, given the fact that confidence in government has hit an all-time low.

TROY ROHN, Boise