VOTE: And yes, each one counts

I believe that it is my job as a voter to be informed about the candidates and the issues before voting.

I am a registered Republican but Vito Barbieri will not be getting my vote this year.

Mr. Barbieri states that he opposes ANY increase in taxation. Yet, he is in favor of returning federally controlled lands to the state meaning Idaho taxpayers would be responsible for the cost of the court battle to secure these lands, maintenance, fire proofing, roads and personnel. Where will the funds for these additional expenses come from?

During the Coeur d’Alene Press debate, Mr. Barbieri indicated that allowing individuals to work and benefit from their own labor was a priority for him. Yet, he is opposed to raising the minimum wage. Our minimum wage ranks 49th in the nation and the disparity between the pay that executives receive and the workers receive has never been higher. Minimum wage workers become a tax burden when they can’t afford health insurance or may need food stamps. Since you feel there is no need to move toward increasing the minimum wage, I issue you a challenge Mr. Barbieri — try living on only a minimum wage for six months.

I encourage voters to make an educated choice and vote! If you think that one vote doesn’t make a difference, in the Mike Kennedy/Jim Brannon contest for the City Council seat in Coeur d’Alene, three votes decided that election.

LOU TEYLER

Coeur d’Alene