With massive hurricanes, why did so many of Idaho’s delegation oppose FEMA funding? | Opinion

Representatives wouldn’t fund FEMA

Not for the first time our representatives in Congress have inexplicably voted against the interests of Idahoans and US citizens in general. With the horror of Hurricane Helene unfolding before our eyes and another hurricane about to hit Florida Sens. Crapo and Risch and Rep. Fulcher are on record with 100 other Republicans voted against extending funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Sen. J.D. Vance, who is spreading lies and misinformation about funding for FEMA, didn’t bother to vote.

This is a sad story that is all too common. All four of Idaho’s congressional delegation, Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch and Reps. Russ Fulcher and Mike Simpson — in a fit of partisan spite — voted against a bill that enabled Micron’s expansion in Idaho and the possibility of new jobs for Idahoans and against checking China’s growing power in the semiconductor industry by bringing manufacturing back to the states.

Why don’t Idahoan’s try something different and vote for a change in November.

Thomas Buchta, Boise

Why I support Proposition 1

In July, I joined with 400 Idahoans to support open primaries and ranked choice voting. What I remember is the energy around having something better for the future in a system that gives Idahoans an equal voice. Voters will have a chance to vote for this exciting system.

I was one of the youngest people there. As a 16 year-old I won’t be old enough to vote for the proposition, some people wonder why I care. My answer is simple; I value the voice of all people including those who are not aligned with a party. I’ll be able to vote soon and when I can I want my vote to matter.

I support Proposition 1 because of how it’ll give power to the people, independents a say in elections and give every voter power in choosing their leaders.

I am grateful that Idaho’s courts have upheld our initiative rights. We want voters to decide this NOT Labrador.

If you haven’t heard of the initiative, please research it. I believe it’ll be great for the state, but I am not telling you how to vote. That is up to you. I’m hoping for better system.

Anise Welty, Boise

Peterson a good pick

I hope everyone will join me in supporting Kaylee Peterson for U.S. House District 1 Idaho. Smart and sensible, she has good ideas for more honest and responsive government. She supports women’s autonomy, getting government out of private healthcare decisions, empowerment through education, lowering the embarrassingly high cost of U.S. healthcare, recognizing that social security is an earned benefit, not a welfare entitlement, respect for veterans’ needs, representation by those who understand working-class voters’ needs who’ll make government work for us. I believe Kaylee, a mom herself, is just the mom Congress needs.

Karen Schumaker, Deary

Would you let Trump in your house?

Rather than get bogged down in “party politics,” maybe it will help us decide who to vote for if we think in terms of who we would want in our own homes. Would we want to know who the friends of that person are, and be justifiably concerned if so many of those friends are bullies and have been convicted of crimes? Would we invite someone into our homes if daughters, wives, or any female is then in danger of being groped or raped? How important is it that the guest lies to us every day? Will this person assume authority within our homes and tell us what we have to think, believe and even do with our bodies? What about whether our family members or friends are no longer welcome in our home because they are supposedly inferior and different? Would we now believe it is violence and hate that should be our priorities so the guest can become even more of a dictator? Seriously, if you wouldn’t have this person in your own home, why would you want him in the White House?

Sheila Robbins, Boise

Support Prop. 1

Why I will vote yes on Proposition 1 for open primaries and ranked-choice voting: I want moderation in politics, a government that produces sane policy and focuses on the big picture of improving lives for all people in our state. I want elected representatives who respect science and consult with experts. I want leaders to be chosen by empowered and informed voters who have the right to vote based on their preferences and priorities. Liberty is a core American value, Loyalty to a party is not.

Eric Elliott, Boise

Return power to the people

I cherish the US Constitution and our government “of the people, by the people and for the people.” That is why I support the Open Primaries Initiative.

Representative self-government —democracy — only works if citizens are engaged, informed and confident that their voices are heard. Sadly, many Idahoans doubt the value of democracy in 2024 because they feel shut out of the process, and they believe their elected representatives are beholden to special interests.

In an open primary, candidates must earn the support of the broader electorate to advance to the instant run-off general election. Voters will have to make informed judgments about candidates instead of voting for the R or D or L or I after the candidate’s name on the ballot.

Some opponents of Prop 1 question ranked choice voting in the general election. Scott McIntosh’s Sept. 4 column clearly demonstrates the value of this instant run-off system. It is unlikely that any candidate will receive 50% in a four-person general election field. Ranked choice voting eliminates the expense of an additional election.

Let’s make democracy work for all Idahoans. Vote yes on Prop 1.

Rose Marie Parsons, Boise