Letters to the editor: Midas Gold, Lachiondo, Soulliere, Brock
Editor’s note: The deadline to submit letters to the editor related to the elections is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Midas Gold
Midas Gold has proposed pumping tailings into a tailings storage facility. The proposed facility would store 100 million tons of tailings in a 423-acre facility that has an embankment height of 460 feet. Three of the world’s 3,500 tailings facilities fail every year with an average cost of $543 million per tailings facility failure.
To reduce the likelihood of this proposed tailings storage facility failing, Midas Gold should create an independent tailings review board to evaluate the tailings dam design, construction, operation and reclamation. Midas Gold should shift from its current plan of tailings storage in a tailings pond to dry tailings storage in the proposed tailings storage facility. Tailings management should be changed to eliminate surface water in the storage facility, implement unsaturated conditions in the stored tailings with drainage provisions, and deposit tailings using compaction.
If Midas Gold incorporates these steps, the risk of tailings storage facility failures will be greatly reduced while Idaho’s economy benefits from this project while the mining industry has an improved tailings management example.
Don Vernon, Middleton
Lachiondo
I’m supporting Diana Lachiondo for a second term as Ada County Commissioner, Seat 1. Time and time again, Diana has demonstrated a commitment to community service and an abiding love for this place. I have faith in her ability to continue serving all residents of Ada County, no matter their party affiliation.
Though just finishing her second year in office, Diana has worked in a leadership role with area cities and the highway district to better manage growth in Ada County. She’s also worked cooperatively, in a bipartisan fashion, with other elected county officials, including the clerk, sheriff, prosecuting attorney and treasurer. And she has worked to develop public-private partnerships that will help to end family homelessness.
Because she shows a deep understanding of the issues, including budget impacts, that face our county and is working to make it an even better place to live, she deserves re-election as an Ada County Commissioner. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Diana Lachiondo.
Sue Reents, Boise
Brock
Shelley Brock is my choice for state legislature in District 14 and here is why. She is the leader of the nonprofit Citizens Allied for Integrity and Accountability which helped pass local ordinances in Eagle and Fruitland to protect property values, property rights, public health and infrastructure. She has demonstrated she can work across party lines at all levels of government.
Worried about property taxes? Shelley Brock supports allowing schools to collect impact fees from new development. What a novel idea! She also supports reviewing and evaluating the many exemptions for businesses that impact property taxes. Shelley’s opponent voted to support a bill that would freeze taxes for one year. What good would that do?
Shelley Brock will represent everyone in the District and solicit input, listen to those who disagree with her, and will make sure your government works for you. Her opponent has been in office for two terms and what has she done? Don’t vote against your best interests. Vote for Shelley Brock.
Greta Dunlap, Star
Soulliere
I choose Pat Soulliere for District 20 State Rep. Position A. It’s time for a fresh vision on infrastructure in our district. The growth is outpacing infrastructure planning and Pat has a great plan to get us current and ahead of the curve for future growth projections. The incumbent has been there 12 years and infrastructure and public transit hasn’t improved for the growth during this time period. Fresh voice, fresh vision, and fresh air for years to come. Let’s all Vote Pat Soulliere for District 20.
Gina Arnold, Meridian