Sign primaries initiative

I love that the Idaho Constitution ensures ordinary citizens a fundamental right to directly propose a change to state law through the initiative process.

Currently, volunteers across Idaho are in the final stretch of a monthslong signature drive for the Open Primaries Initiative with the intention of qualifying for the November ballot. Go to openprimariesid.org to learn more and find out how to sign.

I have enjoyed talking to Idaho County voters from Clearwater to Kooskia to Cottonwood as I have gathered signatures. Independents, Republicans, Democrats and Constitution Party members who value voter rights have all signed. Over coffee at the kitchen table, a beer at Wolftrack, city parks, craft fairs and parking lots, I’ve heard from people who are tired of the silly fights and extremism in the state Legislature. People want their voices to be heard and more say in who we elect.

The OPI would create one primary election open to all voters. The current system of partisan primaries leaves out 270,000 independent voters in Idaho from having a say in important elections. Voters could also choose to rank additional candidates beyond their first choice in general elections. This would encourage candidates to reach beyond their base to talk to voters.

As a patriotic American, I believe that engaging more citizens in voting is a wonderful thing. Don’t believe the rumors. Get the facts about OPI and sign the petition this month.

Norma Staaf

Harpster

Homeless issue resolved?

To Chandra Berg (March 17 letter): I must apologize to you. I didn’t realize there were so many people who have taken the homeless into their personal homes.

It sounds like you have resolved the problem. Now instead of building more low-cost housing (at whose expense?) just take a list of those who believe as you do to city hall and you will have Clarkston cleaned up in no time.

And since I am on retirement, before I give what I have worked for to the homeless, I will not. That way, I am not causing the working man another expense.

Since you brought it up, how many homeless do you have living in your personal home and not getting any compensation for it? And where are the people with a crowded home not telling the world how great they are?

You say some homeless people get a check of some kind. I know they are not in the group who left hundreds of needles by the Walmart camp when they left, and I’m sure the homeless people gave their check (or part) to help pay for the cost of cleaning up their mess.

It might be easier if they colored their skin, went to Mexico and came back as immigrants. Then Joe Biden would take care of them instead of the retired who have worked and the veterans who could use help.

Jim Griffin

Clarkston