Letters to the editor: Voting, McFarland, Youngblood
Voting
The U.S. Supreme Court is supposed to be the ultimate arbiter of fairness and wisdom. We now see the political aspects of this group in stark terms. The Supreme Court rejected a six-day lengthening of absentee ballots in the Wisconsin primary the day before the election. Thus, many voters had to go to the polls. From the safety of their homes, the Republican Supreme Court can now be held accountable for a group of avoidable COVID-19 infections.
John Roberts has already shown his partisan cards in his advocacy for gutting the Fair Voting Act. Republicans (this isn’t a “conservative” issue; this is all about politics) will whine about voter fraud when they call for disenfranchising tens of thousands of American citizens from voting. There has been no systemic voter fraud despite looking very hard.
Mean-spirited partisans love to say how much they enjoy liberal tears. What is afoot is liberal fury at breaking and bending rules to retain power. Now we can see what is considered acceptable by the Republican Supreme Court. Ignoring a global pandemic, unnecessarily infecting voting Americans, and a willingness to break rules for political gain. I’ll remember who stood for true American values, and it’s no longer the GOP.
John Lodal, Boise
McFarland
Republican Mary McFarland is the only candidate for Ada County commissioner with a proven record of holding property taxes down here in Idaho.
Mary McFarland was elected to the Eagle City Council in 2011 and served as its president. During her four-year term, she worked with her colleagues to ensure the budget was held in check. Mary did not seek re-election. In the five years since she left office, the city of Eagle’s budget has doubled!
As a small business owner, Mary understands the challenges facing owners and employees alike, during these trying times.
As a citizen researching county issues, Mary understands the need for transparency. Currently, the Board of Ada County Commissioners’ agendas are not searchable. In order to locate a specific county contract, it is necessary to review every single board agenda or submit a public records request!
Mary has not been bought and paid for by special interests, or wooed by her future county elected peers, which often leads to more unnecessary spending.
Mary has local government experience right here in Idaho. She does her homework, knows the issues, and has a proven record of working hard for taxpayers. Please vote for Mary McFarland Ada County commissioner.
Sharon M. Ullman, Meridian
Youngblood
Idaho legislator, Representative Rick Youngblood, has my support and deserves the support of all voters in District 12. Representative Youngblood is a common-sense conservative Republican who gets things done. His actions in the Idaho Legislature reflect his conservative social and fiscal values. He is honest, hardworking, and effective in his role as a lawmaker. As voters know, Representative Youngblood is co-chair of arguably the most important legislative committee: Joint Finance-Appropriations. Because of Representative Rick Youngblood’s extensive understanding of Idaho’s economy and the state’s budget, it is imperative he be reelected so he can successfully usher us through the current economic challenges brought on by the pandemic.
Rick Youngblood is a lifelong Idahoan who cares deeply about Idaho and all those he serves. Let’s keep him at the Idaho Legislature working effectively for our welfare and the welfare of our children and grandchildren.
Timothy Rosandick, Caldwell