[Vision2020] Schroeder's Tactics Underhanded

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the "Letters to the Editor" section of today's (November 24,
2009) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with a special thanks to the Lady from
Six, Rep. Shirley Ringo.

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Schroeder's tactics underhanded

City elections are becoming increasingly partisan. In our recent mayoral
election, Sen. Gary Schroeder, R-Latah County, supported John Weber
aggressively and, I think, offensively.

Schroeder used a confidential City Council memo that had been leaked to
write a stinging letter to the editor - attacking Mayor Nancy Chaney while
distorting her views and actions.

Schroeder also mailed (and paid for) a letter to a targeted audience
attacking Chaney, again inaccurately.

"It's time to remember Nancy Chaney's war on your second amendment
rights," he blared. I remember this "war." It stemmed from the concern of
city employees who were approached by individuals who were hot under the
collar about given issues and who carried guns. Considering news here and
around the country, one can understand why these employees were edgy.

Chaney sought City Council approval to investigate whether state law could
be modified to allow prohibiting guns in certain public locations, such as
City Hall. The council declined, and she took it no further.

Incredibly, Schroeder twisted the facts to suggest Chaney might try to ban
guns in city limits, speculating that folks who carry guns would have
great difficulty passing through Riggins while attempting to travel to
south Idaho.

Both Schroeder's letter to the editor and the mailed letter were timed for
the weekend before Election Day - the waning hours of the campaign and too
late for Chaney to respond effectively. His 11th-hour tactics were
designed to push emotional buttons, not to promote open, civil and honest
discussion of the issues.

Schroeder reminds me of Richard Nixon, who was also intelligent and
reasonably moderate. It is said that Nixon didn't have political
opponents, rather he had enemies. That is the nature of Schroeder's
underhanded behavior. He compromises his own effectiveness.

Shirley Ringo, Moscow

The writer is a Democrat and District 6 representative to the Idaho
Legislature.

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Ah, yes.  State Senator Gary Schroeder.  The very same Senator Gary "Stan
Laurel" Schroeder who, along with Moscow Councilman Water "Oliver Hardy"
Steed, tried (unsuccessfully) to backdoor legislation through the Idaho
legislature allowing the sale of water rights across state lines.

Well, as Lorne Green once said in a favorite song of mine . . .

"All through the west they feared the name of Ringo."

Thanks, Rep. Shirley.

Seeya round town, Moscow,

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown