Letters to the editor: Salon workers, Keller, lockdown

Salon workers

Governor Little,

Thanks for being an excellent leader during this turbulent time. I don’t want to take much of your valuable time, but I would like to highlight what life is like for salon and barber shop workers just now. That CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Assistance that was meant to help self/contact employed (gig) workers get through this has just begun to roll out. Many have not received anything in addition to not yet having received their stimulus. They are often sole providers. They should be expected to submit sanitation protocols and be held accountable for following them. I don’t believe that any of them want a case to be contact-traced back to them or their establishments.

I am an immuno-compromised senior and I will stay hunkered down and wait awhile longer regardless. I called my dentist’s office yesterday to reschedule my appointment and they are back at work. Not to take away from my gratitude for my favorite hygienist ever, but I have no issues and I will refrain awhile longer.

Thanks for your time, consideration, and incredible perseverance. I sincerely appreciate it.

Shirley Kellogg, Nampa

Keller

Kim Keller was one of my youth leaders and I have known him for 20 years. He has always been engaged and someone that is willing to listen, offer advice, or just show support. He truly cares for the people around him and offers a helping hand however he can.

Whether you agree with it or not there are special interests on both sides, left and right, that try to get candidates to be locked into a position before they’re even elected. While Ben Adams and other candidates claim they aren’t beholden to special interest groups they also proudly show that they sign pledges or surveys meant to lock someone into a position. Let’s be clear, the Idaho Freedom Foundation and 2nd Amendment Alliance are special interest groups. While I understand and agree with some of what they stand for they are not groups that encourage honest discourse or civility. I am grateful that Kim is committed to listening to the people of Nampa instead.

Kim is a strong supporter of the second amendment, pro-life, proudly supports our military and veterans, and will push for less government. I am proud to vote for Kim Keller as District 13 State Representative.

Bryan Ricker, Nampa

Lockdown

The way the media and politicians have taken advantage of the pandemic for their own purposes and created more fear than warranted, is unforgivable. But we shouldn’t be surprised. Worst is this lockdown ordered by governors and self-acclaimed big shots in the Senate, all in the name of “safety.” They sit there in their fancy homes, eating great meals, while having the gall to tell people “too bad, you can’t go back to work and make a living to feed your family.” They’re still getting their paycheck, so what do they care? It’s time to get back to life. Practice social distancing, but give back people the right to make the choice to open their businesses, to start coming out to support those businesses. To those who don’t want to, fine, stay home! To those pompous politicians emulating dictators, as long as the country and people aren’t working, they shouldn’t get paid, either. Their paychecks should go to the frontline workers, charities and others. Again I say, if America and citizens aren’t getting paid, neither should the governors, the Senate, Congress and all politicians in general.

Leah Shaw, Boise