Letters to the editor: State elections, the presidential debate

Editor’s note: The deadline to submit letters to the editor related to the elections is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.

Necochea

Fellow constituents of District 19: I hope you’ll join me in electing Lauren Necochea for House Representative seat A on Nov. 3.

While stepping in for Rep. Mat Erpelding this past legislative session, Lauren demonstrated that she is a diligent, vocal legislator, who is unafraid to fight back against disgusting attacks on Idaho’s trans community. She strongly opposed a bill introduced by ultra conservative legislators that would have defunded Planned Parenthood, and protected access to reproductive, inclusive, trauma-informed health care by doing so. Lauren has said it herself: Our state can have a brighter future “when we are inclusive and ensure that everyone has opportunities to contribute to the success of their community.”

There are plenty of reasons to support Lauren for representative. For me, it’s her consistency in speaking up against any and all discriminatory legislation, as well as her commitment to protecting access to reproductive health care. A vote for Lauren Necochea is a vote for you and your neighbors having access to comprehensive, judgment-free health care that is compassionate and gender-affirming. Check out her website to learn more about her platform, including investment in education and behavioral health resources: https://necocheaforid.com.

Sam Katana, Boise

Brock

I highly recommend that District 14 voters choose Shelley Brock for the Idaho House of Representatives Seat 14B. Shelley is an accomplished leader who cares passionately about keeping Idaho clean and beautiful, now and for the future. For several years, Shelley has tirelessly led the effort by Citizens Allied for Integrity and Accountability to demand that oil and gas companies operate responsibly in Idaho. She’s educated others about the dangers of oil and gas extraction, helped with writing protective oil and gas city ordinances, and advocated for protective oil and gas legislation at the state Legislature. She has developed good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle. Shelley has no fear and stands up to special interests including those with no regard for average Idahoans and their private property rights. Shelley cares about the future of our children and will support increased funding for education so Idaho won’t be last in the nation in spending per student. Please vote for Shelley Brock on Nov. 3.

Elizabeth Roberts, Eagle

Hanson

Rebecca Hanson who is currently running for Idaho State Legislature District 10A. Rebecca was educated in Caldwell schools, graduated from Caldwell High School and the College of Idaho. Since retiring from music teaching, raising two daughters and caring at home for elderly parents and in-laws, she’s contributed to the community in several other ways — working as a poll worker (chief judge) and serving on the boards of Caldwell Fine Arts and the Friends of Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge. Through many conversations, I have seen her passion for Caldwell and our beloved state. Based on these talks, I know that education will be one of her highest priorities if elected. Growing up in Idaho, she remembers a time when the political parties worked together — trading solutions to problems rather than insults. I also remember those times. Rebecca would like to bring a spirit of cooperation back to the Legislature and focus this organization on fixing our neglected problems of education, health care and out-of-control property taxes. Idahoans shouldn’t have to rely on last-resort initiatives to address work left undone in Boise. Please vote for a return to bipartisan law making. Vote for Rebecca Y. Hanson for District 10A/ becky4idaho.org

Ty Walling, Caldwell

Spencer

Ellen Spencer is running for Senate as an Independent in Eagle (Idaho Legislative District 14) because she cares about Idaho citizens’ constitutional right to make law by ballot initiative. Right after Idaho voters passed Medicaid Expansion by a landslide, Ellen’s opponent, C. Scott Grow, introduced and helped pass a bill that would make citizen ballot initiatives virtually impossible. Fortunately, Governor Little vetoed the bill and Medicaid Expansion now brings close to $400 million annually to Idaho to cover over 84,000 Idahoans. Imagine all of those people trying to navigate this pandemic without health care coverage.

If you put Ellen Spencer in the Idaho Legislature, she will defend citizens’ constitutional rights, protect public lands, support quality education and create effective solutions to growth and transportation issues. I urge you to check out SpencerForIdaho.com and support this highly-qualified candidate who will put citizens’ needs first.

Sam Sandmire, Boise

The debate

Great Mother of Pearl! We need to get a handle on the Presidential Debates.

1. Cut the microphone when a candidate is speaking over the other candidate’s time. This is already done at panel discussions, over Zoom and poetry slams.

2. Do real-time fact checking. We hear the same misinformation and lies over and over again.

Kris Crookham, Boise

This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 10:59 AM.