Letters to the editor: oppose Schmidt, oppose Rajbhandari, Eagle Road and others
Oppose Schmidt
On Tuesday, incumbent Boise School Board trustee Steve Schmidt was endorsed by the Idaho Liberty Dogs. Just last week the Idaho Liberty Dogs attacked the Meridian Public Library in an attempt to ban books touching on the LGBTQ+ experience and even Captain Underpants. Last Spring, Idaho Liberty Dogs planned an armed protest outside Boise High School after a student was suspended for bringing a gun near campus. Now the Idaho Liberty Dogs are weighing in on the Boise School board race and despite requests from several community leaders, Trustee Schmidt has yet to publicly disavow the endorsement. In order to protect Boise Schools from the extremism that is taking root across the Treasure Valley, Boise families must fight back. I urge voters to turn out on September 6 and vote Schmidt out. This year let’s vote to prioritize our students.
Cheyon Sheen, Boise
Eagle Road
The speed limit on Eagle Road (55 mph) is not the problem. The problem IMHO, is the fact that drivers not devoting their full attention to driving. In the tragic accident referenced, in which the young lady lost her life, the driver of that vehicle did not clear both lanes as required. It appears obvious that the yellow caution left turns are both dangerous and not working. Too many impatient drivers turning left in front of oncoming traffic and too many pulling out in front of traffic from a stop, even if oncoming traffic doing 50 mph. It would help traffic flow if those who want to drive 45 or slower, stayed in the right lane and allow those who wish to drive closer to the speed limit, to do so in the left lane. These slow left lane cruisers cause others to pass them on the right, creating more problems. It seems a compromise between those who want a lower speed limit and those who do not, is needed. Some creative solutions need to be developed for Eagle Road as the traffic is continually getting heavier.
Bill Burns, Boise
Green credits
I have noticed that a lot of people are mad about the Inflation Reduction Act that gives tax credits to green energy. People talk about wasting money. Well, we Americans have a history of wasting money: How much in taxpayer dollars are spent on airports? When the automobile came on the market, how much money was spent on highways? How much money do we waste dealing with the Pentagon?
Now, how much pollution has been produced because of airlines and highways? So, what if this could be changed to something that can produce energy without mass pollution?
Today, it seems the problem with the idea of electric vehicles is how much profit can the automobile industry make. In Sweden, they have a 3-wheel vehicle that would be ideal for commuting and sells for under 10,000. That would be 7,000 after the tax credits. Something that can provide transportation for 80% of your driving. The other 20% is what you will use in your other vehicle. So, what would 80% savings in gas be to you?
Jerry Johnson, Payette
Oppose Rajbhandari
Car rental companies don’t loan cars to anyone under 25-years old. Insurance rates go down at age 25. Are these industries picking on youngsters? Quite the contrary. They understand a child’s brain doesn’t fully develop until age 25. A study at the University of Rochester Medical Center, “Understanding the Teen Brain” is succinct in their findings. “It doesn’t matter how smart teens are or how well they scored on the SAT or ACT. Good judgment isn’t something they can excel in, at least not yet.”
An article in Business Insider, “The age your brain matures at everything – it isn’t even fully developed until age 25.” “Up until this age,” the article state, “the prefrontal cortex – the part of the brain that help curb impulsive behavior – is not yet fully developed.”
Why would anyone believe high schooler and leftist, Shiva Rajbhandari is qualified to sit on the Boise School Board? Who thinks young Shiva can make monumental decisions on a multi-million budget, what’s best for kids, except for leftist indoctrination? Shiva is the perfect example how a school district has gone awry from core principles of teaching. Shiva is NOT qualified to be elected to Boise School’s Board.
Dan Murphy, Boise
Support Gilbert
Public education is under attack. For years, certain lawmakers have worked to divert public school monies to private schools. More recently, legislators micro-manage education. Books are censored and removed from library shelves. Teachers are left unsure of what material may be covered and the consequences of doing so. This will severely limit and narrow children’s education. We stand to lose teachers in groves with grim prospects of attracting replacements.
The upcoming election looms large in terms of electing people who understand how best to support public education. In particular, I address the Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Terry Gilbert is clearly the best choice. Terry has significant experience as a classroom teacher. As former president and region director of the Idaho Education Association, he is uniquely qualified to advocate for teachers. He understands challenges classroom teachers face and is motivated to provide the support they need.
Republicans’ education platform plank was penned by an ego-driven individual whose goal is to inflict his religious views on all of us. Because Republicans expect candidates to embrace their platforms, we must not embrace those candidates.
Terry Gilbert is the superior choice for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Please give him your vote.
Shirley Ringo, Moscow
This story was originally published August 28, 2022 at 4:00 AM.