CONGRESS

Labrador is consistent

Consistent is the word that can be used to best describe Congressman Labrador. When I voted for him in 2010 I was expecting a representative that would help reduce the deficit and vote against additional spending, and that is exactly what he did. Too many times politicians will just tell you what you want to hear in order to obtain your vote. They rehearse and repeat the standard party talking points and associated rhetoric, and it works for some. However, Congressman Labrador is the real deal. He says what he means and does what he says, which is why he will have my vote once again on Nov. 6.

MICHELE JARVIS, Meridian

Help Labrador fight for all Idahoans

I am a stay-at-home mother of three small children and am worried about their future. I don’t want my children dragging the “little red wagon” of this country’s debt around for their entire lives. We need leaders in Washington, D.C. fighting for a balanced budget amendment to keep the Obama train from running off of the tracks and taking our children for a wild ride.

Rep. Raul Labrador has five children of his own and has the family values that I want in a leader. He will continue to try and overcome the evil that has infiltrated our government. As a parent I worry about many things, but when Rep. Labrador is reelected I will breathe a sigh of relief that we have sent the only man to D.C. who will keep his promises to fight to move our country in the right direction. He will fight for me, you, our kids, Idahoans and our future. Help him continue to fight for us.

Don’t forget to vote! The future of my family and yours is hanging in the balance!

JAMIE ARIAL, Meridian

ACHD

Arnold is uniquely qualified

Rebecca Arnold has been an ACHD commissioner for eight years and has worked diligently to assure transparency and public involvement in her decisionmaking process. She has offered reasonable solutions to Ada County traffic needs. Rebecca consistently considers all Ada County residents and communities and has not shown favoritism to any community over any other.

I have known Rebecca for over 35 years. She is uniquely qualified to represent the residents of Ada County as an ACHD commissioner. I strongly endorse her and urge residents of Ada County to vote for Rebecca Arnold for re-election as an ACHD commissioner.

MICHAEL STURMAK, M.S., CCC-A FAAA, chief operating officer, Elks Hearing and Balance Center, Eagle

Arnold has proven fair and trustworthy

Recommendation of Rebecca Arnold for ACHD: Rebecca has shown time and time again her commitment to fair and trustworthy action in the political process. Her dedication is backed by her hard work and willingness to provide appropriate solutions to the complicated issues facing this office.

JOHN BALLARD, Eagle

Arnold proves to be true to her word

I would like to recommend Rebecca Arnold to be re-elected to Ada County Highway District Subdistrict 2 as commissioner. Rebecca is a person true to her word. She cares about the community and will make sure and get the job done to improve the lives of many. She is hard-working and honest and I feel she is the person for the job.

BRIDGETT OLIVER, Meridian

CANYON COUNTY

Donahue earns backing from law officers

I am an 18-year veteran officer for the Canyon County sheriff’s office and support Kieran Donahue for sheriff. Donahue, as well as every other sworn law enforcement officer in Idaho, took an oath to protect the U.S. Constitution as well as the laws and Constitution of the state of Idaho. His opponent has never taken that oath, because he has never been a certified police officer.

Donahue detailed his plan for a regional jail in the primary debate, his opponent thought it such a good idea that he is now preaching Donahue’s plan. Donahue has been specific about the direction the sheriff’s office needs to be lead, his opponent merely quotes what he finds on Internet sites. Donahue has worked in nearly every position at our sheriff's office and has intimate knowledge of the office and members. His opponent’s claim to have equal experience running private security guards is ludicrous.

Take a look at the endorsements on the DonahueForSheriff.Com website. Nearly every past and present law enforcement executive in Ada and Canyon counties supports Kieran Donahue for sheriff. Please join me and every law enforcement officer in Canyon County in voting for Kieran Donahue for Canyon County sheriff.

DOUG DANIELS, Nampa

Donahue is no cut-and-paste candidate

Support Kieran Donahue for Canyon County sheriff. If you saw the Idaho Press-Tribune’s questions the opponent answered (not), and attended the debate, you are aware that he read the same “answers” to different questions that he used in the article. My opinion is that Donahue’s opponent does not have independent thought-processing capability. His website is 98 percent cut and paste or scan. Is this what we want as our law enforcement leader? A sheriff has to think on his feet and have law enforcement experience.

A short stint as a jail deputy in Owyhee County does not qualify one to lead. I want to know the circumstances under which he left that position.

It took my wife four (very full) years (while not working) to get a B.A. and it was costly. Donahue’s opponent’s degrees are not that difficult to obtain if you can pay, accredited or not, the cost is exorbitant. We can Google too.

Donahue cares about Canyon County, the citizens, the sheriff’s office and its members. He has no personal, political agenda he wants to exploit the office to solicit. Vote Kieran Donahue.

RICK MOORE, Nampa

DISTRICT 9

Worthley will bring balance to House

I am writing in support of Steve Worthley for the Idaho representative seat in District 9.

Mr. Worthley is a man of integrity and wisdom. His life experience uniquely qualifies him for this position. He worked at various jobs to finish college and become a teacher. After officially retiring from that profession, he has spent endless hours volunteering in schools to assist the teacher and students with learning and thinking skills. He is a man of faith, and can be trusted to take the issues of the voters seriously. He will represent his constituents as they dictate. He will support our universal goal of improving the education of our children with practical, proven methods.

In 41 years of voting, I have never felt so strongly that we need a better balance of thought in our governing bodies. Steve’s concerns reflect my own. His calm and sensible approach to controversial issues will be an asset to the Legislature. Please study the candidates’ views carefully and cast a vote for Steve Worthley.

LYNDA DEBOER, Nampa

DISTRICT 10

Hixon: a conservative champion for Idaho

It is my great pleasure to write in recommendation of my longtime friend Brandon Hixon for District 10, House Seat A. Brandon and I became acquainted a number of years ago while fly fishing on the Owyhee River. I can candidly reflect that Brandon is intelligent, articulate and well-reasoned. He is an honest man with integrity and an exceptional work ethic. In our years of friendship, Brandon has impressed me with his honesty and true caring nature. You will be hard pressed to find another who would be more of a conservative champion for Idaho than Brandon.

His patriotism, love for his country and concern for Idaho is evident and stands uncompromised. In all of Brandon's roles throughout life he has demonstrated his commitment to Idaho and his devotion to the people of Caldwell and Canyon County. Brandon has truly emerged as a top leader in his area. We need more like him. While I am a resident of a neighboring county, I fully support Brandon Hixon as the person who should now fill the District 10 House Seat. Please vote for Brandon Hixon on Nov. 6.

DOUGLAS D. EMERY, Owyhee County Prosecuting Attorney, Homedale

Hixon: A breath of fresh air

I am writing to recommend Brandon Hixon for District 10 House of Representatives. When I met Brandon, he impressed me with his genuine concerns for current issues and problems in Caldwell, and the state of Idaho. He was very thorough and detailed on how he was committed to tackling these issues. Brandon may be young, but he has a “breath of fresh air” attitude that will help him when addressing current issues and will help him bring our state into the future. When I have asked around about Brandon, I found there to be a buzz of excitement from all those who know what Brandon brings to the table. This excites me to know that we have such a fine young man ready to fight for the everyday citizen. I have done my homework on both candidates and Brandon Hixon is an easy pick for me. There are times when I keep my voting private, but this year I felt I had to reach out to my peers in support of our newest candidate. Thank you for reading my letter. Please vote Brandon Hixon on Nov. 6.

LANA COLLIER, Caldwell

Idaho needs Hixon’s tenacity and diligence

I endorse Brandon Hixon for District 10 House Seat A. As Brandon’s younger sister, I remember Brandon being involved in Boy Scouts, playing baseball, and football in middle and high school. Brandon was always the go-to guy, and I think that also now holds true for District 10, and the state of Idaho.

He was always helping the other poor kids (even though we were extremely poor ourselves), bringing them home for dinner, giving them clothing and anything he had that they did not. He was always helping the elderly people in our neighborhood as well, chopping wood and shoveling driveways. He has a huge heart. I remember him taking care of our grandmother before she went into a nursing home, and then after she was admitted, spending so much precious time with her before she passed. I remember Brandon had befriended many of the retirement home residents, and how he made them laugh and smile every single day.

Brandon has more compassion than anyone I have ever met. He amazes me with his fortitude. He is intelligent, motivated and a leader. Idaho truly needs his tenacity and diligence. Let’s vote him in on Nov. 6.

KAYLE OLSON, Nampa

Hixon is dedicated to the community

I recommend Brandon Hixon for the District 10, House Seat A position, because of his dedication to our community, how he listens to the needs of his constituents, and has the drive to see tough challenges through to the end. Brandon has demonstrated that he has what it takes to give Caldwell and the state of Idaho the excellent representation that we deserve. In speaking with Brandon about some of the issues we face today I was amazed at how this young man was so articulate in trying to find solutions.

His honesty, integrity and drive to succeed will be paramount in representing District 10 constituents. I have looked closely at both candidates, and Brandon Hixon gets my vote on Nov. 6. Vote Hixon for District 10, House Seat A!

JOEL BORDEAUX, Caldwell

DISTRICT 13

Trehal offers break from broken machine

In District 13 we have a very positive proactive candidate by the name of Clayton Trehal. He is standing on his issues of responsible government, excellent schools, strong economy and our quality of life. Clayton is also out there every day talking with his constituents trying to find out what they feel about what is happening and what are their ideas of how to help with these issues. He isn’t taking the money from big donors and worrying only about their issues. He is out getting the few dollars from just us ordinary folks who feel we need some new blood in office that just won’t go along with the good old boy system that seems to have cost us plenty of taxpayers’ money in our county. Clayton is just one of us regular people who goes out there and works hard, tries to make ends meet for his family, help his community and do what is right.

Isn’t it time that we elect some legislators for who they are and what they represent and not just vote for the broke-down political machine we now have?

ROD CLAY, Nampa

Trehal handles a testy exchange

I attended the Canyon County forum at Nampa City Hall three weeks ago. The Republican candidates pushed extremist talking points. The “constitutional” candidate for sheriff, Robert Muse, reminded the audience packing the building, “The sheriff has the authority to end any oppressive government.”

Curt McKenzie stated that he supported “every woman’s right to an ultrasound.” Of course, the Democratic candidates are also pro-life.

Clayton Trehal is the Nampa candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives. Trehal drove me home, after meeting me for the first time, because my ride left to watch the presidential debate. I invited Trehal in to meet my grandmother and my grandfather. My grandmother is a sweet old lady who worked in the mailroom at Northwest Nazarene University for several years, and my grandfather volunteers at NNU, and just about everywhere else. Both are lifelong Republicans.

After a pleasant conversation with my grandparents, a guest in my grandparents’ home argued quite rudely with Trehal. The candidate was very polite, in turn. My grandfather commented after the exchange, “He still came up smelling like roses.”

CAMDEN BLOWERS, Nampa

DISTRICT 15

No candidate is better prepared than Richardson

I have known Betty Richardson as a national, state and local leader, as a mentor, as a neighbor and as a friend for more than 25 years. There is not a better qualified candidate for Idaho’s Legislature anywhere. Betty’s record is deep and thorough. She knows how to deal with Washington from her years as U.S. attorney for Idaho. She has experience working with state issues from her years on the State Industrial Commission and she knows our needs in District 15 as a longtime resident of that area.

More importantly, she cares what people think. Betty is someone with whom anyone can talk — and she listens. Unlike many politicians who only listen with their ears — words going in one ear and out the other. She listens with her mind and heart as well. She is truly a person who will carefully consider and weigh input from constituents, because she cares about doing what’s right for our district and what’s right by our citizens.

Because of these and other qualities too many to fit in here, I encourage everyone in District 15 to join me in voting for Betty Richardson to represent us in the state Senate.

KENT ROCK, Boise

Richardson: a voice of reason, a listening ear

A war is waging over the proper way to educate students in Idaho. There are those who are attempting to politicize our children by using them like pawns in a chess game for their own egotistical gains. Idaho needs a sincere legislator with integrity who will listen to experts about what creates an environment for student learning and achievement. Betty Richardson has demonstrated those skills and exemplifies the character necessary to ensure Idaho’s children will no longer be batted around for personal political gains. As a teacher of 29 years, I know how difficult it has been to get a true advocate for student learning. District 15, where I teach, is lucky to have a candidate who can offer a voice of reason and a listening ear to experts who understand the needs of our precious children. Betty will deliberate what’s best for your children and mine. Vote Betty Richardson for Idaho senator representing District 15.

CINDY WILSON, Meridian

Two quality candidates: Richardson and Berch

District 15 voters are sure lucky! District 15 has clear choices on legislative candidates. These quality candidates deserve your consideration. Take the time to learn about them. Betty Richardson, Senate candidate, served brilliantly as the first female U.S. attorney from Idaho. She fought hard against violent criminals and worked to implement the “Do Not Call” list for Idahoans. Betty is straightforward on where she stands on education, seniors and public safety. Her opponent hasn’t been so open; he talks around each issue. He even stated that he didn’t read his party platform carefully before signing. Betty not only studies the issues she listens to her constituents. Every phase of Betty’s life reflects integrity and respect for the law. Unlike her opponent who breaks rules and has financial management problems.

Steve Berch is running for House Seat B to serve his community. He personally meets people, listens to their concerns and demonstrates compassion. Steve is open on his support of public education, economic development and constitutional rights. His opponent refuses to give interviews or return calls to constituents. Make the clear choice and vote for Betty Richardson and Steve Berch!

DARLENE CARVER, Meridian

DISTRICT 18

Get out and vote Democrat

Idaho Democrats, independents and moderate Republicans should get out and vote this November. There are some excellent candidates for the state House and Senate. In District 18 there is one incumbent, Phylis King, who deserves our support. She has the respect of both Republicans and Democrats who have worked with her for the past six years. She asks those tough questions and helps keep the majority party working on more sensible legislation. District 18 also has two exciting challengers who missed being elected two years ago by seven and 103 votes, respectively. They are Janie Ward-Engelking who is running for a House seat and Branden Durst, who is seeking a Senate seat. Janie is a champion of education and Branden has experience as a former representative in the House. My sense from talking to voters in District 18 is that the Idaho state Legislature needs a better balance between the two political parties. Let’s not stay home this year.

TERRY NAGEL, Boise

BOISE DISTRICTS

Urban-minded Democrats

I am supporting Democratic candidates in Ada County, especially in Districts 15 through 19 where they have a good base. They are urban-minded. This is especially important in the House, where members become rubber stamps for Mr. Denney or face his wrath. One for Senate rejection is Judy Peavey-Derr, who has lost touch with voters. Sen. Elliot Werk is far more urban-minded as are Les Bock and Cherie Buckner-Webb. In the House, Sue Chew, John Gannon, Branden Durst, Grant Burgoyne, and Phylis King are great choices as are Hy Kloc, John Gannon, Janie Ward-Engelking, Mathew Erpelding and Holli High Woodings, not only for transportation but education as well.

In addition, the education propositions are a vital issue. While I favor Mr. Luna's ideas, he suffers from the usual far-right shortsightedness and has not addressed all the shortcomings of his class computer program. Space is too limited to discuss those issues here. Therefore, I feel we, the voters, should reject the propositions for now and try through all legislators to get the process on firmer ground in the next session before it is too late.

JERRY BRANSON, Boise

DISTRICT 22

Fisher is best for Kuna

I’m endorsing Sharon Fisher for House Seat B because this election isn’t about political affiliation, it’s about who will do the best job for Kuna. Sharon has an impressive knowledge of the issues — literally all the issues — and knows what changes and improvements are needed. Sharon would be the only resident of Kuna in the Legislature, which is significant because Kuna is a unique city with unique needs. Sharon already devotes an incredible amount of time to keeping up on legislative happenings — a fact made clear by speaking with her or looking at any of her thoughtful responses and comments at public appearances and in the media. If we elect her, Kuna will no doubt have some of the most devoted representation in the state. When considering your vote this November, I encourage you to look at the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience Sharon Fisher will bring to the table. She understands Kuna’s history and what we need going forward, and will be a strong voice for our city. Please join me in supporting Sharon Fisher for House Seat B representative — a strong voice for Kuna, and the right woman for the job.

BRIANA BUBAN-VONDER HAAR, Kuna

DISTRICT 8

Phelps is dedicated

I am writing this letter in support of Cindy Phelps’ candidacy for state representative, Seat B in District 8. Cindy is the kind of person who does the right thing, regardless of whether someone is there to witness it. She is a dedicated problem solver, who takes the time to research an issue and tries to see things from both sides.

Cindy has traveled District 8 and sees the needs that exist in our smaller communities. She is ready and willing to help each and every one of them in terms of education, jobs and infrastructure. She is an advocate for rural schools. She also realizes the importance of mining and logging — but not to the exclusion of other types of jobs that are important for a community’s long-term economic security.

Cindy has been very active in both the Lemhi County Humane Society, where she serves as board president, and the Lemhi Education Project. Both organizations are doing great things for the citizens of our community and I believe we are better off because of Cindy’s efforts.

Please vote for Cindy Phelps for District 8 House Seat B on Nov. 6.

REGINA BLAUSER, Salmon