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Letters to the Editor

Supports McCubbin in City Council race

To the editor: As a local business owner and active community member, I am asking you to consider voting for Todd McCubbin for City Council in the Tuesday, Nov. 4, election. More than ever, people are working to make Fort Dodge a point of pride in the state of Iowa. We deserve City Council members who understand the complexities of city government, are driven by a passion for our city, and who would rather point to solutions, then point fingers of blame. I have been able to see firsthand how multiple agencies and local governments work together for our county and greater region. It ...

Urges people to vote yes on Iowa Central issue

To the editor: As the owner of a local real estate brokerage, Kesterson Realty, I see every day how education and economic growth go hand-in-hand. Iowa Central Community College continues to be one of our region’s greatest assets — training the workforce, supporting local employers and attracting new residents and businesses to north central Iowa. The upcoming bond renewal is not a new tax. It simply continues an existing levy at the same rate. For the average homeowner, that’s about $2.08 per month — a small investment that delivers a tremendous return through skilled ...

Supports Alstott for City Council

To the Editor: As Election Day approaches, it’s important to look closely at the facts and the differences between the candidates for City Council Ward 4. • Country Club irrigation improvement project: Ed Touney calls the $140,000 Country Club loan a “gift.” Kim Alstott correctly explains it’s a loan being repaid with interest by the club members, not a handout from the city. • City debt: Ed Touney insists the city debt falls on the property taxpayers. In reality, as Kim Alstott notes, nearly 92 percent of city debt is paid through user fees from local industry and ...

Endorses McCubbin for City Council

To the editor: I’m asking residents of Ward 3 to vote for Todd McCubbin for City Council. I know Todd to be focused on results rather than good intentions. Todd’s life experiences have given him insight into understanding problems from different perspectives. I cannot think that such a well-organized campaign focused on safe communities, accountable government, strong infrastructure, and housing and economics doesn’t behoove your support. Thomas L. Dorsey Fort Dodge

Urges people to exercise their rights

To the editor: We will be called upon to go to vote again. Are we happy with how our country has higher food costs, the tariffs, and no solution as promised? At the grocery store hamburger is $7 a pound and other items still going up. Have you had to make a choice of what you can afford or do without? As to the shutdown — when most people do their job, they only get paid when they show up, unless they have vacation, leaves or excused absences. Do our representatives still get their paychecks when not doing the job? What groups aren’t paid or their checks held back by the ...

Urges yes vote on Iowa Central issue

To the editor: A crop of yard signs is mushrooming, reminding us of the election coming up in November. On the ballot will be an important GO bond extension for Iowa Central Community College. Dr. Jesse Ulrich, president of Iowa Central, has provided a clear, bold plan for the funds. He has done this quite simply to be transparent and for us, the voters, to be able hold Iowa Central accountable to it. Here are the facts of that plan: • Property taxes will not increase. This is a tax levy renewal. The levy rate will not increase. The cost to the average household is approximately ...