COLUMN: Lots to agree with

I’d like to respond to Kellie Palm’s My Turn column of April 11:

I totally agree with accountability and documentation of every penny received, as well as every penny spent. That’s a common sense business practice, and a monthly or quarterly detailed financial report should be prepared and distributed to all members of the KCRCC. We have more than enough garbage going on in Washington with ‘crony spending’ and lack of transparency. It’s time to vote these people out of their positions, beginning at the top. Spending of donated dollars may be completely above board, but the perception is that all is not as it should be. Otherwise, why the resistance to have accountability and transparency?

I also agree with Kellie Palm concerning the Presidential Caucus. What a ridiculous concept! Talk about disenfranchising voters - there are so many shut-ins, disabled, working folks, etc., who cannot attend a caucus, it’s not funny. Having participated in the last one, I found it to be a waste of my time, as did SO many others! I don’t understand why it was adopted in the first place, and if Republicans in the hierarchy of Idaho don’t see the error of their ways, we will see even less voter turnout in the next election. Every registered voter should be afforded an opportunity to vote, whether on election/primary day, or by means of absentee ballot. A caucus on one night from 6 p.m. to midnight, 10 miles from one’s home, sitting for hours on end, waiting to vote the next round, is disrespectful to the voters, and makes NO SENSE. Return to standard election practices.

As for the closed primary, I’ve written before that I agree with this practice; it helps to ensure election integrity. I believe that Democrats and Republicans should each choose their own to represent their party. And yes, I know the Republicans are sniping and feuding between factions of the party. Having differences of opinion is healthy, but we must all stand as one party and support our party’s choice in the general election. A house divided cannot stand. Stop acting like little children.

And leave the 17th amendment alone; voters should choose their senators. And residents of our beloved state of Idaho and Kootenai County, take some time to educate yourselves on issues of the day and where the candidates stand on them, and VOTE! Many people fought and died to give us that precious right, and more than a right, it is a responsibility.

DAVE SHELDON

Hayden