To the Editor:

While catching up on the news the other day, I came across a story about new laws that take effect in Idaho on Jan. 1, 2024. The number of new laws: Four.

A day or so later I read a similar news story, this one reporting about new laws that take effect in Oregon on Jan. 1, 2024. The number of new laws: 650.

John Collins

To the Editor:

I support the city staff in the recall of Mayor Rookstool.

I support Casey, 16 years of service; Don, 18 years of service; Fred, 19 years of service; Oren, eight years of service; Todd, two years of service; Travis, four years of service; Scott, eight years of service, Sarah, one year of service; and Savannah, seven years of service. These are friends and neighbors of many of you, and they also need and deserve your support. They do not all hang out together in the evenings and on the weekends, and they don’t run in the same circles, but they are united in protecting our city from the destruction of the current leadership.

Before you call them “dysfunctional, insolent, and insubordinate” or disregard their concerns as petty, unimportant, or divisive, reach out and talk to one of them. They didn’t have these concerns until this year. Ask for the facts and get an understanding of why it has come to such a critical point.

Find out why eight people have stopped serving as employees and/or councilors just this year. The ones left are fighting for their jobs in a hostile work environment directly caused by a mayor who didn’t have experience in public finance or managing people, walked in and wanted to be “the boss.” Many of them will say they used to love their job, but that is no longer the case.

These are not just “city staff.”

They are members of our community, many of whom have lived here most of their lives, and they deserve to be heard and supported. If you agree, share this message and support those who have spent years keeping our fire, water, sewer, streets, planning and development services going. They are getting attacked, and they need to hear you now more than ever! We can’t risk losing even one more city employee, and we need to make sure the new city manager has the best opportunity for success. Be vocal and vote “yes” to recall Mayor Rookstool.

Shannon Adair

John Day

To the Editor:

We would like to commend Jackie and Todd, owners and operators of the Silver Spur Restaurant, and their employees for their energy and investment in creating a beautiful light show on Dec. 16, visible from the intersection of Highways 395 and 26 in Mt. Vernon.

The wonderful display was accompanied by a fire pit and two warming stations, hot chocolate and cider, candies and cookies and a lively Santa Claus for the kids (and young at heart!). The Grinch was also in attendance but was unable to steal the Christmas spirit displayed by all in attendance.

We are proud and heartened by the actions of the owners of this business. Their business was the bright spot for traffic coming and going. We wish them a very merry Christmas and a successful, happy new year. We Spur regulars love the owners and employees, the great food and the many conversations and good times enjoyed at our Silver Spur meeting place.

Ken and Marlou Delano

LaDawn and Charlie Fronapel

Mt. Vernon