Letters to the editor: State elections

Wintrow

As a mental health clinician, educator, and researcher residing in District 19, it is clear that Idahoans need the leadership of Melissa Wintrow as District 19’s Senate candidate. Melissa’s consistent and longstanding mark on policy in District 19’s House of Representatives demonstrates her commitment to marginalized voices, such as women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, victims of domestic violence and refugees. Further, Melissa’s unapologetic and continual pledge to Planned Parenthood’s mission has resulted in protecting inclusive, trauma-informed reproductive health care. This commitment inherently translates to advocating for the mental health of Idahoans, as her impact on policy translates to promoting individual’s autonomy, community-building and dismantling institutionally oppressive systems that have harmed Idahoans for far too long.

As Idaho’s ultra-conservative legislature continues to promote policy that harms the autonomy, access to health care and mental health of Idahoans, it is critical to support a candidate who supports equity and justice. Supporting Melissa Wintrow as District 19’s Senate candidate means supporting the mental health and wellness of Idahoans.

Kelsey Sarasqueta-Allen, Boise

Toni Ferro

The Idaho state Legislature is not solving our Idaho problems — runaway property taxes, lowest in the country education spending per student, 5th highest suicide rate! Instead it fights citizen initiatives to address these problems and racks up taxpayer costs by pushing social agendas that help few and harm many. The supermajority party is afraid of our initiative process, which seems to be the only way voters can get action. For example, over 60% of voters supported expansion of Medicaid — a lifesaver for many — and even more critical during our Covid crisis. And yet after years of inaction, our Legislature steps in only to block the full implementation of this measure.

Rather than expecting different results by returning the same people to our legislature, I hope you will consider voting for a new face — Toni Ferro — to better represent us in District 10. Trained as an engineer, and with years of high-tech project experience, Toni has the skills to address our issues in a modern, practical, non-partisan way. She knows Caldwell, listens to voters, works very hard and has the energy to get the job done. Please remember her on Nov. 3!

Rex Hanson, Caldwell

Spencer

Ellen Spencer of Eagle is running as an independent for the District 14 Senate seat in November. Last legislative session, her opponent Scott Grow proposed the most restrictive regulations in the nation to place an initiative on the ballot.

The initiative process was already restricted after the Students Come First referendums passed in 2012. Grow’s bill followed on the heels of the successful initiative for Medicaid Expansion.

Our state’s Constitution protects citizens’ rights to initiate laws.

Question: Why would Grow’s bill pass both the Idaho houses? (Fortunately, the governor vetoed it.)

I wonder why some of our legislators don’t want us to have a voice in our government. Do they “know best”; are they smarter than we are? Don’t they care what we constituents want? OR are they influenced by lobbyists such as Moneytree who don’t want an initiative to block their exploitation of borrowers?

Ellen Spencer wants to deal with real issues when she is elected to the Senate. She will not waste valuable time on matters that are self-serving. She will advocate for education, transportation, and tax reformation, among other major issues. Vote for Ellen and make sure your voice is heard in the coming legislative session.

Lois Morgan, Boise