THANK YOU ...

... to campaign volunteers

I simply want to thank the many volunteers who helped me with my campaign and who helped the other candidates. People who took time out of their day and busy lives to join me and the other candidates in walking the district, mailing letters to constituents, putting up signs, holding fundraisers and teas, calling, arranging meetings, donating money, and doing all the things that no one individual can do alone who is running for office. Without all of the help from friends, family, neighbors and even strangers, the message would never get out.

So, on behalf of all of the candidates running for office, I wish to express my thanks to you, the volunteers, for getting involved and making the process exciting, meaningful and worthwhile. This is truly the American process. We are so lucky to live in a country where we can speak our minds and have this process.

JUDY PEAVEY-DERR, Boise

... to campaign supporters

I am grateful to everyone in District 15 who honored me with their vote, and thankful to all Idahoans who volunteered or contributed to my state Senate campaign. I am proud of the race we ran. It meant a great deal to me to have bipartisan support, and I appreciate the many members of both parties who endorsed me and worked for my election. While I could have been a better candidate, no candidate could have had a better team behind her.

When I announced, I knew this would be a challenging year for Democratic candidates in Idaho. But I also knew that this race was worth running: It is important that voters have a choice. Although we fell short of victory on election day, our efforts were not in vain. Working for good government is not a 50-yard sprint; it is a marathon. Each election, we strive to do better. Today, District 15 remains Republican. But the voters have shown that they will take a very close look at independent-minded Democrats who are willing to work hard and seek consensus. Indeed, this district has become quite competitive, and there is good reason to look to the future.

BETTY RICHARDSON, Boise

... to Ada County voters

I want to thank all of the Ada County citizens who voted on Nov. 6. I feel honored and humbled by the support I received. I look forward to the challenges and finding solutions to the issues facing Ada County. Thank you.

JIM TIBBS, Boise

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Spread kindness and joy

Love your neighbor as yourself: a widely known expression that is little practiced. But if we as a community took the time to ponder the concept of treating others as we would want to be treated, and took this to heart in a way that inspired action, imagine the transformation that would sweep over this valley. It would be like a tidal wave of kindness and joy.

When I think about what I do to love and care for myself, it includes providing food, clothing, cleanliness, etc., for my daily life. If I am willing to do this for myself, then I should be willing to do this for others in need. For example, if you lost your purse or wallet somewhere you would want the one who found it to go out of their way to return it. Are you willing to do the same for a stranger?

If we truly loved our neighbors, whether we know them or not, then we would. Sometimes helping those in need requires time, effort or money, but love always desires to give freely and with no expectation of return.

This is what it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself.

RACHEL MARIE COLEMAN, Meridian

DRIVERS

Please pay attention

Hello again Boise and Ada County motorists. A reminder for you, please (and for people who think they are multi-capable of using cell phones).

First: If you cannot walk and talk on your cell phone at the same time, please do not drive and talk. If you cannot walk and text on your cell phone (and I don’t believe any of us can), please do not drive and text.

Second: Inattentive, reckless and irresponsible driving is a traffic violation. It can lead to suspension of driving privileges. And possibly a day or two in jail. Similar to a DUI crime, only you should know better! Nothing is worth being in that big of a hurry. It is better to arrive in one piece than at the morgue in pieces. Take the time to watch for pedestrians, skateboarders, cyclists and bikers. Please! (I witnessed a high school girl on a skateboard almost get run over. The light was in her favor.)

Remember: the life you save may be a relative. And drunken drivers aren’t out there every day, you people are! Please drive safely. And I hope law enforcement starts cracking down on you.

GLEN BASSETT, Boise