Clearing up misinformation in Boise mayoral campaign claim about ‘slush fund’ | Opinion

Slush fund

I’m writing to clarify misinformation within a mayoral campaign email stating that “I will ensure that our city administration spends tax dollars as our taxpayers direct–money voted for the foothills will never again be treated as a slush fund for other projects, as Mayor McLean did when she used $850,000 from the voter-approved Open Space levy to build a staircase from Crescent Rim to Ann Morrison Park.”

The Open Space and Clean Water Levy, 2015, was the second of two; the first specific to raising funds for foothills land purchases is no longer active; funding exhausted. The current levy sets explicitly out, among other objectives, to enhance trails, pathways, and recreational opportunities- implementing improvement projects and protecting open space in critical areas including, but not limited to, the Boise River and the Boise Foothills. Safe access to open space is critical to underserved residents who can’t access the “foothills” but can access the river, parks, library, museums, and downtown in a non-motorized capacity through Ann Morrison Park.

This project went through rigorous outreach to the public with stringent avoidance of contacting elected or appointed officials for the two years it took to develop the grant request.

Debbie Lombard-Bloom, Boise

Greater Blue Movement

Please join the Greater Blue Movement, including Oregon.

Feel like your opinion and vote doesn’t matter? Perhaps you dislike someone’s beliefs being applied to your well being and your lifestyle?

Maybe you want to live in a state that still believes in democracy and our constitution?

Here is something red states don’t want you to know.

Blue states have plenty of reasons over red states like Idaho.

Historically people in blue states live longer, have better higher education degrees, have their vote counted with less gerrymandering and less voter suppression.

Blue states have lower rates of cancer, lower heart disease, lower obesity and better health overall.

Children in blue states are less likely to be killed by gun violence.

Blue states care about the environment and the impact longer term.

People living in blue states have more access to healthcare, more food resources and have far more personal freedom protections and rights including worker rights and civil liberties.

People in blue states have better wages.

No place is perfect. But I pick blue, and maybe you should also.

Troy Prouty, McMinnville

Jordan

We can only hope that the defeat of Jim Jordan’s candidacy for Speaker of the House represents a turning point, a return to some level of civility in conducting the nation’s business. Republicans were the targets of threats and many of them cited those menacing messages as a primary reason for holding fast in their rejection of Jordan. Intimidation and bullying tactics were turned against Jordan’s own party members and he couldn’t bring himself to forcefully call off the attacks. Like the former president, who eventually told the Jan. 6 mob to go home while also expressing his love for them, Jordan said he wasn’t behind the threats but didn’t vehemently condemn them. The maniacal base was shushed but not shamed. Jordan’s fellow Republicans were the victims this time and perhaps they will spread the word: This won’t work. Not now. Not ever. And major kudos to our own Mike Simpson for enduring the pressure and doing the right thing.

David Horsman, Meridian

Politics

A spokesperson on a radio program articulated her opinion on the current political environment. She said that there were certain groups of individuals in this country who were “not accepting outcomes.” I believe strongly in our Democracy. I also believe strongly in the words “We the People”. It occurs to me that some individuals live in an “I” world. The concept of “We” is not a priority with this group and therefore don’t accept outcomes. So, how do we get beyond our current political reality? We Vote! The statistics that I read outlining what the “majority” in this country believe is not reflected in the number of voters who turn out to vote. Yes, Democracy is messy. It takes all of us to keep it healthy and vibrant. Vote!

Sally Collonge, Meridian

Israel

The brutal attack by Hamas in Israel underscores that civilians should never be targeted by warring parties. Sadly, this is a reprise of the 1982 massacre, mutilation and rape of over 2,000 innocent civilians at Sabra and Shatila in Lebanon at the hands of Sharon, future prime minister, and Israel. When the Palestinian State armed by the world’s greatest super power then took revenge by carpet bombing Tel Aviv, destroying over half of all residential buildings and killing thousands of innocent citizens, followed by laying siege to the destroyed city by cutting off water, food, fuel and medicine, the world reacted by saying this is just, carry on.

But only the massacre perpetrated by Israel with complete immunity happened. A two-state solution is the only way to peace, and the US can make this happen by making any further aid to Israel contingent on forcing the Israeli government to break their decades long continuous stealing of Palestinian land and then having them withdraw from the occupied lands. Our government should know history and work for peace and justice instead of participating in the latest ugly eye for an eye blindness.

Scott Cook, Boise

Saving salmon

Where is the Northwest Power and Conservation Council on salmon recovery these days? Given (1) the Council has accepted the science- the lower Snake River must be restored (via dam removal) for the fish to achieve the smolt-to-adult return rates necessary for recovery; (2) the Biden Administration’s unequivocal and forceful commitment to salmon recovery, and (3) regional efforts to replace the dams’ services, what CONSERVATION action does the Council have planned? Power AND (not or) Fish is the Council’s mission. Notably, we’re flush with power while Salmon and Steelhead face extinction, The table is set for ACTION: The science is clear, the socio-political will is mounting, replacement power exists, the (railroad) wheels are in motion to replace (declining) barging of commodities and the far-reaching impacts of salmon extinction are painfully obvious. Idahoans, all Idahoans, with special recognition of the Tribes, have lost the most and have the most to gain from river/salmon restoration. Healthy, abundant, diverse, sustainable salmon runs, which can once-again flourish in a healthy Snake River, are the foundation of our cultural, spiritual, economic, and ecological wealth. There exists a viable path to a better future: One that includes salmon, social justice and truly clean energy.

David Cannamela, Boise