Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Connect the dots

To the editor: In the 1950s, Republican Sen. Joseph McCarthy became infamous for accusing hundreds of members of the Truman administration of being Communists. After being censured by Congress for bullying witnesses on national TV, McCarthy’s immense popularity evaporated overnight. In the next three years, McCarthy drank himself to death. The American Heritage Dictionary describes McCarthyism as: 1. The political practice of publicizing accusations of disloyalty or subversion with insufficient regard to evidence; and 2. The use of methods of investigation and accusations regarded as ...

Former sheriff endorses Michehl

To the editor: I am writing again to express my support for Trevir Michehl for Webster County sheriff. I realize that I may be upsetting some of my Republican friends by speaking out, but I truly believe that Trevir is the right person for this role. He will use 100 percent of his time to make Webster County a safe place to live for all residents, regardless of political affiliation, and he will partner well with the Fort Dodge Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol. I have complete faith that Trevir will be a great leader for the Webster County Sheriff’s Department, and he has ...

Time for change?

To the editor: The two most recent bond issues in Webster County and Fort Dodge that were being advocated by the current governing bodies were rejected by the voters (taxpayers) who of course would become responsible for the costs associated with those bonds. Are you satisfied that the incumbent office holders advocating for those issues are in fact listening to the taxpayers? When a local or state office holder seeking re-election boasts about enacting a balanced budget, they are conveniently forgetting to tell you that the State of Iowa mandates balanced budgets. Some folks even ...

Wants Montgomery for supervisor

To the editor: I am writing to express my strong support for Nathan Montgomery as Webster County supervisor. Having had the privilege to watch Nathan grow up, I’ve always been inspired by his ambition to take on a leadership role in our government. From a young age, he showed a dedication to serving his community and a passion for making a positive impact. Nathan is a motivated, hardworking and ethical young man who has already achieved so much. He has successfully started his own business, served in multiple leadership positions, and consistently prioritizes the best interests of ...

Endorses Campbell for supervisor

To the editor: I am writing to support Mark Campbell for re-election to the Webster County Board of Supervisors. Mark has been a long-time friend. His father, Ron Campbell, a long-time union Democrat, helped me when I ran for the Iowa Senate and won. Mark has done a tremendous job as supervisor, and GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds respected him so much she appointed him to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, one of the most important boards in Iowa. I wish the local county offices didn’t have to be a political party campaign, but allow local folks who want to serve to run on their ...

Democracy or republic?

To the editor: People in the news have referred to threats to our democracy. But the Constitution states “The United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government.” So are we a democracy or a republic? Or both? In Federalist Paper No. 10, “Father of the Constitution” James Madison defines democracy as a “society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person.” A republic is “a government in which the scheme of representation takes place.” For example, the legislature crafts laws, ...