Idaho’s congressional representatives walk upright. How is it only one has a backbone? | Opinion

At least Simpson has a backbone

I applaud Rep. Mike Simpson for not voting to confirm Rep. Jim Jordan as speaker. Too bad Rep. Russ Fulcher does not have the same intestinal fortitude. I hope Simpson ignores the Idaho GOP’s statement condemning his vote.

Rep. Jordan supported Trump’s efforts to override the 2020 election and has been fighting efforts to hold Trump accountable for his criminal acts.

He has also acted in the politically motivated and unfounded efforts to impeach President Joe Biden.

His actions, statements and efforts are dividing the country and should disqualify him from holding this extremely important position.

Glenn Anders, Meridian

Cancer investments needed

We all know someone who has heard the words, “You have cancer,” and many of us have faced a diagnosis ourselves. As someone who does research on cancer, I traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to let my voice be heard and to call on Congress to make investments in cancer research a top priority.

Lives are at risk. Nearly 610,000 Americans will die from cancer this year alone. But with over 18 million cancer survivors alive today, we know that investments in cancer research have made a real difference for millions of Americans. Further investments in research hold the key to saving lives and ending cancer as we know it for everyone.

I met with Rep. Mike Simpson’s staff and explained that each dollar Congress puts toward cancer research offers hope to so many Americans. Breakthroughs in treatment and prevention will only be realized through increased funding and investment.

Congress must act now. By increasing medical research funding at the National Institutes of Health to $51 billion, we can continue to make progress in the fight against cancer.

Cody Wolf, Boise

Support for Pierce

Having called Eagle home and being involved in the community since 1980 (mayor, city council, planning and zoning, fire commission), I have seen some good elected officials and some not-so-good in those 43 years. Mayor Jason Pierce is one of the best. I don’t agree with everything he has advocated, but I respect the open and candid decision-making process he has followed. He has shown a vision of the future that will help Eagle retain its rural perspective in an urban setting (called “rurban” by some). He has assured that decisions affecting the foothills and elsewhere will be made in Eagle and not elsewhere. He has limited taxpayer costs by seeking the financial support of other entities in development of projects such as the greenbelt bridge over the Boise River, the 90-acre regional park, and the Pet IQ dog park. His five-year plan maintains what the City has and prepares for what it will need. I am voting for Jason Pierce. I hope others will do the same.

Steve Guerber, Eagle

Backing Schasel

I was Adam Schasel’s student back in 2018. At the time, . Schasel was teaching economics, and I have to say, it was my favorite class of them all. I learned so much more than with any other teacher and the best part is, there was never a boring session or a “bad day” for him. To this day, I’m still in contact with him, and I have to admit, it’s been great having him around especially now that he’s a candidate for Nampa School District Zone 2. Best of luck is what most would say, not me. With this young man’s hard work, luck isn’t very much needed. See you on Nov. 7 and don’t forget to vote for Schasel.

Ibo Lara, Nampa

Endorsing Simison

We are writing to express our support and endorsement of Robert Simison to serve Meridian as Mayor for one more term.

We have known Simison a long time, starting with his work as chief of staff to Mayor Tammy de Weerd, as my boss when I served as the community development director for the city of Meridian, and now as a close colleague as a small business owner and employer in Meridian. In all of these settings, we have found Simison to be thoughtful, resourceful, and most importantly passionate about Meridian’s best interest.

We have also seen his persistent pursuit of Meridian’s interests in regional and state settings as well. This is evident with his years of effort on transportation issues, his focus on public safety issues, and purpose-driven growth. He is not afraid to roll up his sleeves, work on long-range initiatives, and partner with the business community and other governments to accomplish great things.

We encourage all voters to learn more about Robert at simisonformeridian.com, talk to your friends and family, and most importantly vote on Nov. 7.

Cameron and Jamie Arial, Meridian

Supporting McLean

I am a native Idahoan and have lived in Boise for much of the last 77 years. For at least three decades, I believe Boise benefited from the exceptional leadership of our mayors, both Republicans and Democrats, and city council members. They have guided our fair city with competence, foresight and compassion. Mayor Lauren McLean’s administration has continued that legacy.

McLean started her tenure in the mayor’s office in 2020 during the early days of the Covid pandemic — a no-win situation at best. Notwithstanding, together with the city council, she did a credible job of leading the city during the turbulent pandemic years and pushed forward with important initiatives. Perhaps the most important of these initiatives is the zoning code rewrite. One issue the rewrite addresses is affordable housing. Boiseans deserve housing that is affordable, situated in reasonable proximity to excellent parks and services, accessible to diverse transportation alternatives, and allows ready access to employment opportunities. The zoning code revisions provide significant opportunities for such affordable housing.

McLean listens to Boise’s citizens and gets things done. She has my vote for another term.

Roy Schiele, Boise