Don’t be fooled by Idaho open primaries naysayers. Initiative gives people a voice | Opinion

Proposition 1

Let’s be very clear: Proposition 1 (open primaries/ranked choice voting) will allow for the people of Idaho to have a voice in Idaho politics. The current closed primary benefits only Dorothy Moon as it helps ensure only her sycophants who promise to vote “her will” get elected.

Don’t you think the people should decide who makes it to the November general election? Don’t be fooled by any of her ultra-partisan propaganda. She does not care about you, only the interests of big-money out-of-state influencers.

Let’s be even more clear: If a GOP candidate has the support of the people, even in an open primary situation, they will make it to the general election. It’s very simple. Proposition 1 will not change that.

In her recent missive, “Unity Against Ranked Choice Voting,” Moon declares that Proposition 1 is the “…greatest threat to election integrity…” but fails to explain why. What exactly is the threat? Her loss of personal power in this state?

Don’t be a Moon minion: Vote yes on Proposition 1. Let the will of the people be heard.

Patrick Klocke, Boise

Judeo-Christian

Jeff Cornilles, the Nampa Republican quoted in the “In God We Trust” article, inaccurately asserted our country was founded on Judeo-Christian philosophies and rules. Our Founding Fathers were deliberate in making no references to God, Jesus or the Bible when they created our country’s governing document now known as the Constitution. They sought not to write a religious contract and instead were greatly influenced by the Republicanism of John Locke and the Enlightenment. The closest religious phraseology can be found in the Declaration of Independence where the words “Laws of Nature,” “Nature’s God” and “Creator” are found.

The motto “In God We Trust” was first used as a political motto by Union Soldiers during the American Civil War. Later, at the height of the Cold War, this motto was appropriated by Congress in response to fears of secularizing ideology arising from Communism. Legislation was passed in 1956 to make this statement the official motto of the United States following an earlier 1955 bill that the motto appear on all American currency.

In summary, this latest Idaho bill passed by our legislatures infringes upon the rights of Idaho citizens who may not be of the “Judeo-Christian” beliefs espoused by Mr. Cornilles.

Debra Silva, Eagle

Idaho Power

I’m sure most readers noticed that Idaho Power’s monthly fixed service charge doubled to $10 this year, with another increase to $15 set for 2025. When I first learned of this plan, I was angered. While I understood that Idaho Power needs to adjust charges for inflation, I believed that raising the price per kWh would be fairer than increasing the fixed service charge.

I was upset that the new pricing plan discourages energy efficiency and burdens households that use less-than-average energy. But honestly, I was mostly upset because the new rates would devalue my rooftop solar panels, which are only as valuable as the power they produce.

It took time to shift my perspective. I realized I invested in solar to support renewable energy and electrification. Cheaper power could drive more Idahoans to adopt energy-efficient technologies like heat pumps, rather than gas furnaces and water heaters. Reflecting on this, I recognized the importance of stepping back and considering the bigger picture, especially when our first emotional response to a change is related to a sense of personal loss.

Eric Elliott, Boise

Ad for Crapo

A political ad which ran on page 5A of the Sunday edition of Idaho Statesman was disturbing because it included several glaring examples of misinformation. The ad, which apparently supports U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, was paid for by an organization that calls itself Seniors for Better Care. As a registered nurse with over 45 years of experience working in healthcare and a senior on Medicare myself, I am a strong advocate for affordable health care for all. The truth is, Medicare premiums have NOT increased 20% in the past four years, and no president can use funds from Medicare for other purposes, including a “liberal green agenda.” U.S. Senate bill 1246 would expand the price reductions for more medications used by seniors on Medicare beyond the $35 cap on insulin prices. Seniors4BetterCare’s website is dedicated solely to encouraging people to oppose President Biden’s proposals to further reduce drug costs for seniors. While there are important issues to be addressed concerning how best to improve our health care system, the spreading of disinformation of the sort that appears in this ad is hardly helpful.

Mary Dennis, Nampa

Open primaries

I am nearly 80 years old and have voted in every election since I qualified to vote. I have voted and worked on both Republican and Democrat campaigns. The Republicans closed their primaries in 2011. As a registered Democrat in 2011, I was no longer able to vote for a Republican unless I changed to a registered Republican (which meant I could no longer vote for a Democrat). I have always voted for the person, not the party. I joined over 270,000 independents and many Democrats who no longer had a choice of voting for Republicans in the primaries. Since open primaries are paid using public money, all Idahoans should have the opportunity to vote for candidates in either party. Please join me in voting for the Open Primaries Initiative in November.

Cay Marquart, Boise

Mike Moyle

To the good folks in District 10, Star and Middelton and the areas in between, please take a hard look at your options in November. Specifically, Mike Moyle. Mike is a professional politician, staying in the shadows. The result has been one national embarrassment after another. ITD didn’t ask Mike’s permission to sell a building, he got his feelings hurt. I highly suggest you take a hard look at what Mike Moyle has done for this state and more importantly what he plans to do. At his closing media interview at the last legislative session, he told reporters his only regret is not getting the school voucher bill passed. Again, his only regret is not taking money away from our public schools. His only regret is not failing at his constitutional duty. I have lived in Idaho for years and Mike finally gave us an article last month. A full letter to the editor how the Meridian mayor was not going to kiss the ring.

Ivan Hurlburt, Boise