Letters to the Editor:
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 10:25 AM PDT
Attebery for Washington County sheriff
Editor,
In these uncertain times, it seems there are few things, or people, that we can depend on. As we approach Election Day on Nov. 4, it is with anticipation for positive change, some hope for a brighter future. Not only is this a critical election year on the national front, but it is also a crucial one for us locally. The choice for Washington County sheriff is one of vital importance.
I was born and raised in Weiser and take great pride to call this my home for nearly 40 years. I value our small-town way of life and hope to see actions taken to ensure gang and drug activity do not put our community, especially our children, at further risk. Being a parent and grandparent, these particular issues are of great concern to me.
One candidate who stands out from the crowd is Bob Attebery, running on the Independent ticket. Bob is a third generation Washington County resident. His concerns for the community, its residents and the conduct of local law enforcement are genuine. Bob is a take-charge, take-action and get-results kind of man. He is passionate about law enforcement, and, as sheriff, he would ensure the residents of Washington County can depend and be proud of his leadership abilities. For 10 years, Bob dedicated himself to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and was proud to serve his community. If given the opportunity, he will proudly wear the uniform again and serve his community with the spirit and integrity it deserves.
I would like to add Bob is also my big brother. Who better to know someone’s character than a sibling, right? I say this with the deepest sincerity and heart when I tell you there is no smarter choice for sheriff.
I urge everyone to get out and vote this year. We can all make a difference. Let’s choose a sheriff we can all be proud of, who believes actions speak louder than words. Let’s bring pride, leadership and intelligence back to our sheriff’s office. Thank you.
Billie J. Attebery
Weiser
Nyssa school bond a bad idea
Editor,
I believe that our middle school building is in need of some repairs and renovations. But I disagree with the need of a new middle school, especially in a time when our financial outlook is so bleak. I will vote no on this bond as I feel the board members are not listening to its constituents close enough.
All they are doing at this time is the same as what Lehman and Wamu have done (spending more money than they have to spend).
I call into question their ability to carry the fiduciary responsibilities their positions require. They are putting a very hard strain on most individuals’ tax rolls in this district if they pass this bond. I feel they need to wait for a few more years and try us when we are all in a better financial setting. Maybe the district voters should look at replacing the board members for some more aware of the actual needs of the school and the ability of taxpayers.
Donald Ballou Sr.
Nyssa
Vote Attebery for county
sheriff
Editor,
This is a letter of support for a local man who would like your vote in his attempt to give back to the community where he was born and raised. Yes, that would be Robert Attebery. Robert is a graduate of Weiser High School, a former employee of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and is now employed by the Idaho Fish and Game Research Division. Robert is seeking to be elected sheriff of Washington County, where he was employed from 1995 to 2004. He has served as a dispatcher, detention officer, jail commander and patrol officer. He is a graduate of the State of Idaho Detention Academy. Robert is a fair, honest and trustworthy person who would like a chance to improve the Washington County Sheriff’s Office by improving community relationships and helping to improve the morale of the employees who work there. I feel Robert would be a good leader for our Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Please join me and vote for Robert Attebery, a local man who has new ideas for the sheriff’s office.
Chief Don Hughes,
retired
Weiser
Ontario schools need community’s help
Editor,
I am a longtime resident of Ontario, and I feel it is important to support education and educational progress. Our school buildings are old and require our help. I support the recommendations of the 8C Facilities Task Force and hope you’ll join me in voting “yes” on the current school bond.
Joe Saito
Ontario
Sali favors responsible, limited government
Editor,
Bill Sali believes, as I do, in responsible, limited government. During his 16 years in the Idaho State Legislature, Congressman Sali championed bills that improved the quality of education we provide in our state, fostered growth, voted for lower taxes and promoted ethical government. During his first term in Congress, Bill Sali was elected president of the freshman class of Republicans and has fought hard for the same values and beliefs he championed in Idaho.
I believe government should be responsive to the people, but limited and ethical. Bill Sali shares this belief and has proven it time and again. He has never voted in favor of a tax increase. He has received awards from organizations dedicated to responsible government, such as Americans for Tax Reform, National Taxpayers Union and the American Conservative Union. He is a solid conservative and a man I am proud to call my friend. I encourage you to investigate Bill Sali’s record and give him your vote.
Rep. Paul Labrador
Nampa
McCain promises reform and change
Editor,
Our next president needs a record of fighting Washington “business as usual.” Sen. John McCain has a proven record showing he is not more of “Bush Same.” McCain has sponsored 473 reform bills and co-sponsored 809 reform bills since Jan. 21, 1993. Examples are:
1) McCain foresaw the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Mortgage crisis more than two years before it happened and co-sponsored legislation in 2006 that would have required greater oversight of the mortgage lending entities. Obama did nothing to speak out at the time in behalf of the legislation and would not sign on as a co-sponsor.
2) Taxpayer Bill of Rights Amendment of 1996.
3) Voted yes on Minimum Wage Increase Act of 2006.
4) A bill to amend the Social Security Act, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the increase in tax on social security benefits and to provide incentives for the purchase of long-term care insurance.
5) A bill to establish certain environmental protection procedures within the area comprising the border region between the United States and Mexico.
6) A bill to provide increased rail transportation to lobbying activities.
McCain is a member of 14 senate committees ranging from armed forces, interstate commerce, transportation and science, technology and innovation. McCain isn’t the eloquent speechmaker as Sen. Barack Obama is, however, actions speak louder than words. He is a man of reform and change.
Therese D. Zirkle
Nevada
Vote no on Sizemore measures
Editor,
Have you ever wondered what racketeer Bill Sizemore is thinking? Year after year, he assaults public workers and schools with badly written, poorly conceived ballot measures the public is too smart to endorse. Since 1994, he has gathered signatures on no less than 10 potential ballot measures each election cycle with many of those gaining enough signatures to reach the ballot. He keeps recycling the same old measures year after year, and year after year Oregon’s voters tell him no. He has committed fraud, and signature gatherers working for his organizations have been convicted of forgery. He has said, “There’s simply no way the local elections office can carefully check the signatures on hundreds of thousands of ballots in a short period of time. If the signatures were traced, they probably wouldn’t catch the forgeries anyway, even if they looked carefully at each one.”
Worst of all, he has turned Oregon’s initiative system into a money-making scheme that allows him a high standard of living. An editorial by “The Oregonian” editorial board says, “Sizemore discovered long ago there are wealthy ideologues willing to pay handsomely to have him turn Oregon’s initiative system into their personal playground. In this election, the millionaires behind the Sizemore curtain are Loren Parks, a former Oregon medical device manufacturer now living in Nevada, and Richard Wendt, founder of Jeld-Wen, a Klamath Falls manufacturing company.”
This year Sizemore has authored ballot measures 58, 59, 60, 63 and 64. Just say no to Bill Sizemore! Vote no on all of these, and pull the plug on the Sizemore fraud and money-making scheme.
Judy Trohkimoinen, teacher
Baker City
