EDUCATION VOTERS OF IDAHO
Chicago influence?
Regarding the front page headline story — “Election 2012: Secretive group unmasked.”
The only thing that’s been unmasked here is the fact that Kevin Richert is so biased in his commentary and opinion that he has finally proved himself worthy of moving on to another market. Imagine a place where one-eyed politicos can finish out their elder days rubbing elbows with their ilk over elegant lunches purchased by others, never bothering themselves with petty things in life such as looking at both sides of an issue. Chicago, maybe? On second thought, maybe that’s what’s already going on right here in Boise?!
BILL GALE, Meridian
Elected officialsowe us the truth
Thank God for Kevin Richert’s expose of the underhanded computer deal. Thank God for Ben Ysursa’s courage that forced Education Voters of Idaho (EVI) to obey the law and disclose their donors. Why did their donors want secrecy anyway?
How demoralizing for honest tax-paying citizens to learn that the people who should be setting the best example have not told us the whole truth about this deal. Otter and Luna are being less than fully honest with the people of Idaho (who pay the bill). What kind of example does that set for our children? Luna and Otter should be ashamed of their public example. The full cost of one computer was not $292.77 (as Luna and Otter imply), rather $1,171.08 per computer every four years.
One class of 30 students will cost over $35,000 for four years. Guess who pays?
Why does the mayor of New York donate $200,000 to an Idaho election? Can he even find Idaho on a good map? Our elected officials owe us the whole truth. Remember, they are elected to serve us — not the mayor of NYC. Is there big money in this deal if you’re on the inside and know what’s really going on?
JACK STEVENS, Boise
HEALTH EXCHANGE
Lives dependon Otter’s call
After many years representing Idahoans in the Legislature, I know a good deal when I see one. Right now, Gov. Otter is weighing options on a matter that will mean everything to Idahoans.
The Affordable Care Act is a touchy subject, but we have some important choices to make. A health insurance exchange lays out options and explains plans in terms of benefits and costs.
If we do nothing, the federal government will build a health insurance exchange for us. I don’t know too many Idahoans who would welcome that kind of federal involvement.
Idaho could create a nonprofit corporation, without using any state money, to manage the exchange. That’s a great option because it relies on a free-market solution, with Idahoans in charge.
This is important to Idahoans, especially to those struggling with health insurance costs. In Idaho, that’s a big number: Recent statistics show Idaho’s average rate of uninsured is about 20 percent, well above the 16 percent national average.
That’s why I’m joining a growing number of Idahoans, including the Idaho Health Insurance Exchange Working Group, in asking Gov. Otter to create a state-based health insurance exchange.
WENDY JAQUET, state
representative, Ketchum
AFTER THE ELECTION
It’s a great country
The election is over. Time to celebrate victory. The advertisements are over. We’ve Facebooked, Tweeted, blogged, argued, editorialized — on and on and on.
Not one of us will face imprisonment for our stand. Not one of us who voted will go unheard. We will not be tortured or assassinated — unless it’s for our spelling in editorials. Most of us will remain married, even though we beg to differ with our spouses. (Mine, however, will need to make amends for his insufferable views.) My Democrat/Republican relatives will all gather round the Thanksgiving feast and forgive each other for their misguided opinions, but not for their lumpy mashed potatoes. Some will rejoice in their candidates’ victories. Some will renew their efforts to see that those candidates are unseated come the next election. We will all have had the opportunity to participate in the most cherished, individual privilege on Earth. We vote! (Some of you incorrectly, in my opinion.)
Here’s to living in the United States of America!
SANDY CHRISTENSEN, Boise
