OpinionMay 15, 2024

Support for Bennett

As our community prepares for the upcoming Republican primary, I urge my fellow residents to join me in supporting Colton Bennett as the clear choice for true conservative values. In a field of candidates, Bennett stands out as the only unwavering advocate for the sanctity of life, believing firmly that life begins at conception and must be protected at all costs.

True conservatism is rooted in principles that uphold limited government, the family as the cornerstone of society, and lower taxes, particularly property taxes. Bennett understands that a thriving society is built upon the foundation of strong families. His commitment to preserving the authority of parents resonates with voters who value the importance of family in shaping our communities.

Moreover, Bennett’s stance on taxation reflects a genuine concern for the financial wellbeing of hardworking Americans. By advocating for a permanent property tax cut, he aims to alleviate the burden on homeowners and promote economic growth at the local level.

In a political landscape often clouded by ambiguity and compromise, Colton Bennett offers a refreshing clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to conservative principles. I urge my fellow Republicans to cast their vote for Bennett in the upcoming primary, ensuring that our values and beliefs are represented with integrity and conviction.

Cody Barr

Moscow

Wind farm not welcome

Regarding the puff piece in the May 10 edition of the Daily News titled, “Wind firm to county: We’re listening,” nothing could be further from the truth. Steelhead Americas (Vestas American Wind Technology) knows there is strong opposition to their project at Kamiak Butte within the region, and especially from many living in the proposed site zone.

If they were good neighbors, they would politely leave when they know they’re not welcome, but that’s not the case. They have Whitman County between a rock and a hard place; either play with us and let the project proceed or we entirely bypass you and go to EFSEC, which is Energy Facility Site Exploration Council. EFSEC rarely alters plans for “clean energy” projects and they will run it the way they see fit. Seems like bullying to me.

The article quotes the project developer that the location was chosen because of wind generation and land owners willing to partner. What was left out is that Shawnee Substation has to be one of the primary driving factors because that’s where the entire Industrial wind project will tie into the grid. This is what anchors it to Kamiak Butte.

One fact that Whitman County residents should note, after completion of the project, per KQQQ’s interview with the project developer, Steelhead Americas will sell the entire project to another company. So, it’s wham-bam, thank you Whitman County, we’re out of here. They’ve made their hefty profit from the federal subsidies generously splashed about, so now it’s someone else’s project to maintain. For reference, the Palouse Wind Farm at Oakesdale, initiated in 2012, is currently on its third owner.

Steelhead Americas and Vestas, if you really are listening, please take your unsightly and unwelcome project to another location and spare our beautiful Palouse region.

Tom Thompson

Pullman

McCann does her homework

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The tagline — Don’t get mad, get busy — promoted in the Turnabout opinion of Kathy Barnard LaPointe (Lewiston Tribune, May 12) prompted me to get busy and do my own “homework” about the Idaho LAUNCH program.

The Republican-sponsored bill, HB722, provides up to $8,000 for postsecondary education to high school seniors and was a key part of Gov. Little’s legislative agenda this past session. Representative Lori McCann, R-Lewiston, was the only District 6 legislator who voted for the program.

Based on testimony during House of Representatives hearings, many Idaho high school seniors would be unable to go on to higher education programs without the financial aid provided by Idaho LAUNCH. There’s even an Idaho LAUNCH for adult learners that was so popular all funds allocated this past fiscal year were expended. You need not be enrolled in a four-year university to benefit from LAUNCH; more than 75 schools and institutions across the state participate in the program.

Rep. McCann recognizes the personal and economic benefits of higher education for individuals, families and our state. During two recent GOP forums in Moscow, she convinced me she stands strong for Idaho and her constituents. She brings a moderate, collaborative voice to conversations. She does her homework.

My homework affirmed Idaho LAUNCH is not a frivolous program that gives handouts to individuals who don’t want to work, as has been suggested by some legislators. Lori McCann has consistently supported educational opportunities and the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Do your own homework. Idaho deserves better.

Denise Thomson

Moscow

Why I left

Regarding William Brock’s column regarding the Idaho GOP’s resemblance to the Taliban, my family came to the Palouse over 150 years ago. Their log cabin by Avon was a landmark on Metzer maps. There’s a creek named after them. I was a proud Idahoan until our current brand of theology took control. When I heard one of Idaho’s proudest proclaim that “government should not control religion, religion should control government,” I knew it was time for me to leave.

Joe Schwartz

Spokane Valley, Wash.

Band enhances learning

St. Mary’s School would like to invite anyone interested to our spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast” at 7 p.m. May 21 at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene Church. Our amazing music teacher, Nikki Crathorne, has a wonderful music program at St. Mary’s School. All students from preschool through eighth grade have music classes. The very youngest grades have it twice a week and older grades have it four times a week. Every student in third grade and older participates in band, which is part of the regular curriculum. Over the years, besides our musicals, we have participated in The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, winning many awards and both the choir and the band have been asked to perform at Disneyland and many other venues around Moscow. Music has been shown to improve cognition and enhance learning and memory, which in turn improves academic performance in students. We are proud of the gift of music that we have at St. Mary’s School. Please join us for a fun performance on May 21.

Peggy Quesnell

Moscow

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