YOUR OPINION

Something I can’t understand is taking over my sensibilities. Maybe it’s smoke, the noise, traffic, the rude attitude, parking meters, or the lack of affordable housing. I’ll start with affordability and equality. It is becoming impossible for young people to live here. The jobs just don’t provide incomes for rent or mortgages.

This isn’t new to us. I am among the disappointed folks who once believed Idaho was great. Our politicians are aware of the problem, but I look to them to join hands to fix the imbalance. The ‘Idaho Way’ to keep them in office seems to cut taxes for the wealthy, cut basic services for those less fortunate and reap the profits in order to dismantle our vision of what’s civil and fair.

We have lost doctors, our roads suffer, law enforcement needs help. Our kids are leaving for many of these reasons. I want to see Herndon, Rasor, and Jane Sauter, funded by the Freedom Foundation, replaced. They vote against taxes that fund basic principles. It’s time to vote for people who have skills and heart to lead without self interest and out-of-state money. Vote Kathryn Larsen, Karen Mathee, Steve Johnson. Vote! Your community is counting on you!

-Andrea Berliner Sandpoint

Spokane fires caused by liberal

agenda

We are smelling and living with the smoke of the fire, watching Spokane engulfed in flames. Many acres, and homes destroyed, 65,000 evacuated. The result of climate change. NBC reported, “Man accused of arson in biggest of 3 major fires in Spokane Washington. Spokane SWAT arrested Aaron Farinacci. Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown called the recent fires “worst natural disaster.”

In 2010 Farinacci shot and killed his own father in Mesa, Arizona. Farinacci was charged with premeditated murder. His lawyers got him off with manslaughter. After a 12 year prison sentence he came to the Pacific N/W which one YouTuber called “one of the last regions in North America you can still disappear into the mountains, forest or coastal wilderness and live on your own terms.” Spokane is called a “Sanctuary City”. The state of Washington has robust post-release mental health diversions and support programs. He had no job that was reported. His address was listed in the Sheriff Press Release as the psychiatric facility.

Farinacci is the walking, breathing embodiment of the progressive social experiment: a violently mentally ill convicted killer, released early, subsidized by the state, and left entirely unsupervised to wander the community.

-Karen Hanson Newport

Thank you for your vote

I am deeply grateful to everyone who voted for me in the primary and for the many kind words, encouragement, and expressions of support that have helped carry this campaign forward to the general election in November.

The confidence you have placed in me means more than I can express, and I do not take your trust lightly.

Serving in our community over the past eight years has been a calling for me. Knowing that so many of you share my desire for principled, responsible leadership is both encouraging and humbling.

This campaign has always been about responsible stewardship, reliable service, affordable rates, and remembering that the people of Pend Oreille County are the true owners of our PUD.

As we head toward November, I will continue working hard, attending meetings while listening carefully, answering questions, and doing everything I can to earn the confidence and vote of our entire county.

Thank you for standing with me. I am honored by your support and ready to keep moving forward together.

-Ernie Hood Newport Candidate for Pend Oreille PUD Commissioner, District 2

Democracy won’t work without your vote

My 45-year-old son doesn’t vote. His revelation triggered a deep discussion. Voting is our voice in a democracy. Yet voter apathy is growing in the US. People don’t trust that their vote counts. Can you imagine living in a country where you had no voice?

After our conversation, my son is now registered to vote. Encourage others to vote. Have the conversation. The topics we discussed were: Vote for the person representing your values, not just a party ticket.

One candidate will feel better than the other, even if they are not perfect.

Get to know your local politicians. Some really good people want to work for the good of the community. Go to open houses, local debates, fairs, etc. Talk to them.

Vote the whole ballot: I’m amazed that many voters don’t vote all of the way down the ticket. Read the voter pamphlet that registered voters receive.

Registration is easy. Go to voteidaho. gov. Request an absentee ballot or vote early at the county office.

And consider the INDEPENDENT movement, the candidates have no ties to the machine.

-Jane Hoover Priest River

Opinion versus facts

Viewpoint is just that. Opinions that sometimes coincide with the facts. Case in point, there is absolutely no evidence that asking for proof of citizenship to vote in Federal election with result in less voter turnout. It will result in less illegal voter turnout including illegal married women, so last week’s comments by Pete Scobby were partially correct. I’m sure he would have no objection to that fact.

With regards to “2000 Mules,” I don’t believe Pete actually took time to review the movie or couldn’t understand the concept. You don’t have to be a Trump supporter to want honest elections. While Mr. Scobby keeps trying to impose his negative views of tariffs, gas prices, and the Iran target practice demonstration, the U.S. stock market has a different viewpoint.

-K.C. Hunt Murfreesboro, Tennessee

National Parks

I appreciated the recent article on the National Parks in Washington state in the Spokesman Review. Our parks are priceless jewels in the park system, and their beauty and grandeur are recognized throughout the Northwest and indeed the entire world. More and more people are hiking their trails, climbing their mountains and enjoying their awe inspiring beauty. They attract visitors from other states and countries who inject significant dollars into area economies.

Despite the popularity of our parks, DOGE slashed management budgets by 25% in January of 2025 and ended the controlled entry reservation system designed to ease the overcrowding of roads, parking lots and visitors centers. As predicted then, today there are long lines for restrooms, which can lack toilet paper and other amenities. In addition to the budget cuts, park entrance fees have been redirected to the other Washington (DC that is) to pay for gold plating fountains and other vanity projects.

Our very own Representative Baumgartner voted to cut funding for maintenance, interpretive ranger talks, children’s programs, and public safety. Why? We would ask him, but he refuses to meet with the general public, instead holding invitation-only events. To save our parks, vote Baumgartner out.

-Deidre McAuliffe Loon Lake

Vote for non-Republicans Nov. 3

Are you better off than two years ago? Grocery prices. Gas. Rent. Health insurance. Fertilizer. Have your wages gone up? Is your social security guaranteed? This is what happens when big money rules the government. They take our taxes, and give them to big businesses and the wealthy, and take away our services.

Then there are the dangerous roads. What if you were trying to race to CDA, 90 minutes from Bonners Ferry, and an accident shut down the highway in both directions? It happens all the time.

Jim Woodward and Mark Sauter were working on these issues. Folks didn’t exercise their right to vote, and they lost their primaries. Now we have three Idaho Freedom Foundation funded candidates, Herndon, Rasor, and Jane Sauter (no relation to Mark) in the R column for November. Their platform includes eliminating property taxes, which fund public schools, road maintenance, veteran services, etc. More tax returns for the wealthy, less for public services.

We have excellent non-Republican alternatives: Steve Johnson vs Herndon, Kathryn Larson vs Rasor, and Karen Mathee vs Jane Sauter.

We need representatives who will work on critical issues affecting our quality of life here in North Idaho. Vote November 3!

-Kate Painter Bonners Ferry

Election security

Apparently Pete Scobby didn’t watch the documentary ‘2,000 Mules’ on fraud in the 2020 election. The media told him it was debunked so instead of doing an ounce of research, apparently he just took their word for it. When the truth comes out, people might be shocked. In Maricopa County, they discovered that 633K voter registration files were illegally obtained (hacked) just before the 2020 election. Who obtained them? Why? Domestic?

Noncitizens are showing up on voter rolls in several states. The excuse states use to hold voter rolls back is they don’t release ‘personal information.’ That’s not the only reason. Investigators just discovered deceased people and people who moved out of state still on voter rolls as well. Why? This is what they are finding in states that complied with DOJ. What will they find in the states that didn’t initially comply?

There are a slew of FBI election investigators in GA right now. I suspect we will hear soon on that outcome. They have found voting machines that are internet capable. Weren’t we told that couldn’t happen?

Was there enough fraud that could’ve flipped the 2020 election? Election security should be mandatory.

-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick

We must address cause of wildland fires

After the Spokane Area Fire, what will we do to prevent a fire from burning our homes in wooded areas?

We are all going to pay for the Spokane fire with increased fire insurance premiums and the cost of the response and recovery with socialistic government infrastructure.

Wildland fires continue to be the greatest threat to our personal safety and property. Yet, our politics are mired with divisive cultural issues that consume our elections essentially blocking our ability to prevent and combat urban interface fires like the Oregon Road and Spokane Area fires.

No fire department can stop wildfires driven by 45 mph/100-degree winds and the dry fuel conditions we have during our summers. We shouldn’t be faced with a burned-out foundation where our home once stood or cancelled fire insurance.

Fire prevention is an essential function of any political government.

Fire burns any home regardless of the political afflation of its occupant. We all share the cost of fire safety and the risk to our life and property.

We must join with our fellow citizens to address the risk of wildland fires. We need a conference of citizens and government agencies to technically address this vital issue.

-Pete Scobby Newport

Rosencrantz fiddles, homeowners flee

On Tuesday, July 28th, the ashes from the Herbs Drive Fire were still warm when County Commissioner Robert Rosencrantz loudly voted “Nay” on the Forest Management Plan (FMP) for the County’s Wolfred County Park.

The Herbs Drive Fire, adjacent to the Wolfred County Park, sent at least one young mother scrambling for safety with three young children. This mom described her evacuation during Public Comment before the Commissioners – only one day before the vote – on July 27th.

How can any sane person not be aware of the fires in Spokane County, and the devastation and heartbreak they have caused? One need only smell the smoke and look to the red sunsets in the evening skies.

It’s difficult not to draw a parallel between Rome’s Emperor Nero and Commissioner Rosencrantz. Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Rosencrantz obstructs while people flee their homes.

Rosencrantz would rather pander to special interest groups in search of votes than take the decisive actions necessary to prevent similar catastrophic fires in our county.

The record is clear. The “Nays” are resounding.

-Norm Smith Diamond Lake

Hopefully hospital offers less costly choice

I am saddened that the Hospital District’s bond measure has failed. I voted for the measure because I value the care I have received and appreciate the hospital’s proximity to my home. Yet I understand why the majority of voters may not have supported the measure. The cost of food, fuel and other necessities has stressed our financial budgets. The current political climate, and insecurity over our futures have stressed our senses of emotional wellbeing, optimism and hope. Adding another major, long-term cost, especially for those of us on fixed incomes, is too hard to consider.

So what do we do? Perhaps the Hospital District can offer a Plan B – one less extensive and less costly, but one that would cover the major needed upgrades. And we could elect lawmakers who would support rural hospitals and health care. Lawmakers who would represent the voters who elected them and not the companies who expect favors that enhance their bottom lines. Lawmakers committed to a government that works for more than just the wealthiest few.

In the meantime, let’s continue to help our neighbors when they need it and be the caring community that is a reason why we choose to live here.

-Mary Upshaw Newport

Obstacle to married women’s vote was coverture

In response to the writer of, “SAVE Act will reduce voter participation among married women” (Aug. 5 issue of The Miner).

It’s commendable that you admitted to including false information in your letter. Which edition was this? I couldn’t find a June 6th edition in 2026. Regardless, you now attempt to deviate from your original subjective belief by pivoting to another misguided cherry-picking fallacy as usual. The main obstacle to married women’s suffrage was not the legal requirements in their Constitution, but the English law of “coverture.” Moreover, those same requirements in their Constitution affected all races and sexes. BTW, I couldn’t locate the term “property” in their Constitution regarding voting rights; obviously, the writer didn’t read the document.

The 1807 revision of their Constitution revoked women and Black people’s voting rights due to various factors. It is intriguing how the writer deliberately omitted these factors, such as the Democratic- Republicans “concern about the voting patterns of women and Black people, who frequently supported the opposing Federalist Party.” I find it interesting that the Democratic- Republicans were the precursor to the Democratic Party (LOL). It’s also amusing to see the writer’s conscious refusal to accept that the US is a constitutional republic incorporating democratic principles. (SMH) -Renee Webster Newport