Don’t vote for Idaho politicians who won’t debate. What are they hiding?
McCraw for sheriff
I have lived in Boise for over 40 years and have watched our politics closely. I have always voted for candidates whom I believe have a high degree of integrity and whom we can trust to advance our city and county. Victor McCraw is such a person.
For a number of years I have had the opportunity to know Victor, who is running for Ada County sheriff. I know Victor to be an honest and ethical person with a very extensive law enforcement background including: Highway Patrol trooper and sergeant; a State Police Academy drill sergeant; SWAT team negotiator and tactical medic; air rescue helicopter paramedic sergeant; Highway Patrol shift commander in metropolitan Phoenix (5th largest U.S. city); senior NFL public safety official for the Arizona Cardinals; State Police operational training commander; executive officer of the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy and director of Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Ada County is growing rapidly, and the need for a sheriff with the experience and the ability to command a growing urban/suburban department is critical. I believe Victor McCraw is that man, and I urge Ada County voters to elect Victor McCraw sheriff.
Tim Teater, Boise
Debates
Do not vote for anyone who won’t debate. What are they hiding? What don’t they want you to know? What are they afraid of?
The value of a debate is that you can see the candidates side by side, evaluate their critical thinking, their ability to answer tough questions, and hear where they stand on issues.
They are thumbing their noses at an important tenet of democracy. One thing that makes democracy work is an informed citizenry. How can we be informed if the candidate won’t present their ideas and issues to us?
And more importantly if another candidate questions or disagrees with their ideas on policy, how will we know why they are taking that stand unless they are questioned? Or many times a moderator will want to ask follow-up questions to clarify the candidate’s answers. Are they afraid they won’t be able to justify their beliefs?
They are being arrogant, thinking that they don’t have to justify their positions and I for one will not vote for anyone who will not justify themselves.
Gail Kirkpatrick, Boise
Responding to letters
The Sept. 25 Statesman contained some interesting comments. I will respond to four of them. Elizabeth Ratcliff wrote about the GOP platform. Thanks for pointing out the tenets of the Republican platform. I, as a conservative Idaho Republican, agree with all of them!
Steven Shake wrote that independent voters have controlled most recent elections. I suggest that the big money from corporations, high tech and billionaires, which are buying advertising time, are more powerful and influential.
John Sullivan mentions the importance of not just labels, but debates and communication. He only mentions, in negative tone, conservatives. Looking nationally, all the issues mentioned, lowering taxes, election integrity, manage budgets, appoint people, etc are not determined by the hated conservatives but rather the socialist/progressives party.
Mr. Johnson chastises Senator Crapo for blaming Biden for our present inflation and gas prices. Crapo is correct! When Biden took office we were energy independent and inflation was below 2%. A gallon of gas was less than $2.00. Senator Crapo is concerned about issues people have in daily life but the present administration will not allow the introduction of Republican bills to address that issue. Interesting disinformation. Go boldly and prosper. My work is done here.
William Logsdon Sr., McCall
This story was originally published September 26, 2022 at 11:13 AM.