Vote for MSD change
In the last 29 years, not one Moscow School Board member has had any electoral competition. However, last December the school board had five applicants to replace Carolyn Shoemaker, who resigned. And now, three of the board positions are in contested races for the Nov. 7 election. What is happening?
There appears to be a desire for change and maybe sleepy Moscow is waking up to the fact that if you vote for the same people over and over you are going to get the same results. A quote often attributed to Albert Einstein famously calls that the definition of insanity.
With honesty being the best policy, Moscow must recognize that under the current leadership, there are no plans for new facilities, they implemented a failed education policy (mastery-based learning) that teachers, parents, and students despised, voted to continue unscientific COVID-19 masking rules, and some on the board have no desire to communicate with their constituency. Did I mention they allow pornography in the high school library?
Moscow’s academic success is rooted in its talented and dedicated teachers, staff and many families who team together to support students in every possible way, and this will not change regardless of board leadership.
Moscow has nothing to lose and everything to gain with new leadership on the school board. Don’t sit this one out. Everyone who pays school district taxes should vote for new leadership on the school board. Vote for Cody Barr (Zone 1), Gay Lynn Clyde (Zone 3) and Jim Gray (Zone 4).
Early voting at the courthouse is open now from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Request an absentee ballot to vote by mail at VoteIdaho.gov through today. Vote at the polls, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 7.
JR Robinson
Moscow
Vote Kelly, Blankenship
Sandra Kelly has well-served the Moscow City Council for one term. She currently is a council representative on the Urban Renewal Agency board. And of course, she’s been a liaison to multiple city commissions. Among other councilor appointments, Sandra is on the Palouse Basin Aquifer Committee, which is tackling regional water concerns. Between the many city meetings I participate in, I often see Sandra in action. I’ve had lots of direct conversations with council members over the past dozen years, including a fair share with her.
Sandra is deeply committed to Moscow. She’s an experienced, roll-up-your-sleeves person whether volunteering or working for innumerable city-based entities. She loves doing it all. She believes in caring for each other, be it a need or for personal growth. She works with youth, so her finger is on that pulse. She is well-informed, articulate and down to earth and full of positive energy. She picks up on those gems that are sometimes outside the box and brings them in.
She’s been engaged with some of Moscow’s key issues before becoming a councilor. She is truly of the people, representing local government. The natural and urban environment; wise growth and affordable housing; equity in its many contexts; a thriving community through the arts, education, and opportunity; preserving heritage and nurturing the future — Sandra is working for balance and for Moscow being the best it can. Don’t neglect to reelect Sandra.
I have already strongly endorsed Drew Davis. While I don’t know the other four candidates, through forums and what I’ve learned, the third candidate I’m voting for is Bryce Blankenship. I believe he brings fresh insights to the council, as well as reliably researching the issues. The council has a big job. Be sure to vote.
Victoria Seever
Moscow
Kudos to Artwalk, artists
I would like to personally extend a heartfelt thanks to the artists at Paradise Creek & Fairview Estates of Olympus for submitting and participating in the first Artwalk of the fall season. All of the art we had on display was done by residents, staff or their family members with more than 100 unique pieces.
The event was an enormous success, and it was thrilling for me to witness the excitement of those who attended. One attendee said it was the best Artwalk event she had been to due to the variety of mediums and the quality of the art submitted. This feat could not have been achieved without the help of my colleagues and the willingness of the artists to submit their pieces and for that I am truly grateful.
For people who were unable to attend, we invite you to stop by and walk down the first floor of our Moscow Village location on Eisenhower Street in Moscow. Most of the art we displayed will be up for the next week or two. Do not miss this opportunity to be amazed by the talent of our seniors and the people who care for them.
Tammie Poe
Moscow
Israel criticism not antisemitism
The news is horrific. The stories are heartbreaking.
Like a great many other readers, I mourn the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives. I also agree with this letter signed by more than 40 Jewish American writers, artists, and academics:
“It is possible and in fact necessary to (both) condemn Hamas’ actions and acknowledge the historical and ongoing oppression of the Palestinians. We believe it is possible and necessary to condemn Hamas’ attack and take a stand against the collective punishment of Gazans that is unfolding and accelerating.”
Such criticism of Israel does not equal antisemitism.
Many Jewish voices both inside and outside of Israel are speaking out against the actions of Israel as well as those of Hamas. Jewish peace activists, journalists, and organizations in Israel and elsewhere point out that Israel’s actions violate international agreements on the rules of war and the responsibilities of occupying powers. Some families who lost loved ones in the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas have called for peace, not revenge.
I do not know what a solution will look like, but ultimately there must be a path that respects the human rights of both Palestinians and Jews.
Bertie Weddell
Pullman
Three picks for Moscow
When I hear about people who have offered to serve us locally, whether it be for city, county or library elected positions, my first thought is to say thank you to each and every one of you. We live in a very special place and need good people to step up to make our community better. Thank you all.
With respect to the city of Moscow election, I would encourage your consideration of my friend, Bryce Blankenship, for one of the three open positions on city council. I’ve known Bryce for many years and have had the opportunity to get to know him better in the last two months working on his campaign. He is passionate about serving. If Bryce has an agenda, it is simply to be a good listener and figure out what is best for the residents of Moscow. I’m confident that he will be accessible and hard working. As a senior instructor at the University of Idaho, he will be in a good position to enhance relations between the city and university. This was one of his three top priorities as stated at a recent candidate’s forum along with the water situation and housing need.
My other two votes will go to our incumbent councilors, Sandra Kelly and Drew Davis, as I would like for them to be able to continue the good work they are doing.
Jon Kimberling
Moscow
