Letters to the Editor: Wilks brothers, Brooke Green, clean energy

Wilks brothers

Now that the Wilks brothers and a few nuts, known as representatives, have passed a law, the Trespassing Law, which takes the burden of proof from the accuser and places it on the accused, which is unconstitutional (read the Constitution of the United States) it is time to oust the nuts by voting or fully accept and enforce the “let it burn” policy of a few past administrations. No access, no firefighters. No use in endangering our firefighters for a couple of jerks shutting down our state.

Elect Brooke Green

It’s hard to imagine a candidate better suited to represent District 18 than Brooke Green. Boise’s rapid growth creates a need for well-thought-out land-use planning and infrastructure that supports us while preserving our valley’s quality of life. Brooke has exactly the right education, experience, skills and desire to create that. Brooke is a Senior Transportation Planner with decades of experience, was Chair of the Mayor’s Boise Foothills and Clean Water Advisory Committee, and was on the Land Trust of Treasure Valley.

In addition to her experience and demonstrated understanding of land management, project management, transportation, and infrastructure, we need a representative who reaches out to community, who listens, and who can bring together the right people to get the job done in the most cost-effective, professional way.

I’ve seen Brooke Green engage in transportation planning with the Barber Valley Neighborhood, with the ACHD Bicycle Advisory Committee, and with neighbors with concerns. In every case, she has been honest, caring, listening, a clear communicator, effective, and professional in resolving issues and in communicating their resolution.

We are so fortunate that Brooke Green is willing to represent us. Please join me in supporting Brooke Greene for Representative for District 18B.

Clean energy

Governor Butch Otter signed a proclamation recognizing National Clean Energy Week (NCEW). The occasion was a great success, and on behalf of our fellow NCEW Steering Committee members, we thank Governor Otter for his support and his ongoing commitment to an “all of the above” approach to energy that includes clean energy resources.

Idaho’s participation was important because it has such an impressive record on clean energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 75 percent of Idaho’s utility-scale net electricity generation came from renewable energy resources, and it ranks fourth in the nation in hydroelectric power.

In addition to preserving the environment and helping to secure our country’s energy future, the clean energy sector has had a very positive impact on Idaho’s economy, supporting 24,000 jobs in the state. Furthermore, the Idaho National Laboratory is the state’s fifth-largest employer and spends $130 million on Idaho small businesses annually.

Even though NCEW is behind us, we hope all Idaho citizens will continue to join Governor Otter in “[encouraging] all municipalities and individuals to implement the cleanest, lowest- emitting energy technologies available.”