Letters to the editor: Oct. 7

CONGRESSIONAL RACES

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Lord campaign ad blunders

Congressional candidate Bob Lord has misled Arizona voters once again in a recent television commercial. Lord accused John Shadegg of putting party politics over principle. Lord would like to paint Shadegg as a devoted foot soldier in President Bush’s army. But the simple truth is that Shadegg has consistently bucked White House leadership to vote with the same conservative conscience voters entrusted in him when he was first elected in 1994.

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Among Shadegg’s independent stances, he voted against three of President Bush’s main legislative priorities: “No Child Left Behind” which became an unfunded federal mandate, the Medicare drug prescription bill, and the transportation boondoggle which contained the infamous “bridge to nowhere” pork barrel earmark provision.

Voters can count on John Shadegg to be a thorn in the side of those who favor business as usual on Capitol Hill and in GOP leadership. Perhaps that’s why Lord has resorted to deceiving voters by distorting Shadegg’s record and has filled his campaign ads with distortions and mud-slinging. When you have no record yourself to run on, some candidates have to distort the record of their opponents.

STEVEN KILLIAN

MESA

PROPOSITION 102

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Protect sacred meaning of marriage

Regarding Proposition 102: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Arizona relating to marriage: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state.”

I am concerned for our society, and civilization in general, if the meaning of this sacred institution is changed by activist judges, as has been done in other states. The proposed amendment to Arizona’s constitution specifically defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Those behind this “Defense of Marriage” initiative want to preserve the sanctity of marriage and feel strongly that society can only endure if this God-given meaning remains intact. They see the far-reaching effect that redefining marriage would have on individuals, families and societies throughout the world. Preserving marriage as between one man and one woman is especially important for our children, who are entitled to be reared by a father and a mother.

It is also sad when those who support the “Defense of Marriage” amendment are portrayed as being anti-gay, judgmental, and hateful. To be painted that way is not fair nor true. There is no malice, judgment, or hate against those who are trying to redefine marriage. The supporters of this amendment only want to preserve the sanctity of marriage. There are no underlying motives.

I urge all voters to carefully study the booklet you received in the mail issued by our Secretary of State on this and all the propositions. That information ensures that voters will not be deceived or fooled by the mountains of propaganda received in the mail, over the phone, or via TV and radio ads. There is no need for veiling, subtleties, trickery, or manipulation to convince others if something is pure and true. People are smart and can judge for themselves.

MARY ANN RITCHIE

MESA

MARICOPA COUNTY SUPERVISORS

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Closed meetings illegal

The illegal actions at the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting on Sept. 17 are appalling and yet another example of some entrenched elected officials and/or their proxies acting without accountability, as though the rules and laws do not apply to them. Public employees and board members are all well aware of the requirements of open meeting laws. The sheriff’s deputies that prevented the citizens of Guadalupe and others from attending an open meeting had to know that what they were doing was illegal.

Even though the board has a long history of not providing oversight for or demanding accountability from the sheriff’s department, (which is part of their job), didn’t they have some obligation, as elected officials, to listen to the citizens of Guadalupe, or at least look them in the eye while giving in to the agenda and wishes of the sheriff’s department?

Whether you agree or disagree with the county sheriff’s agenda, he has a responsibility to respect the rule of law and the Constitution, and the Board of Supervisors is charged with holding him accountable. Over the years, the county sheriff has cost Maricopa County taxpayers millions of dollars in lawsuits and legal fees.

What has the board been doing?

We need some changes and accountability. Ed Hermes is a young man off intelligence and integrity who respects the rule of law and our Constitution. He is deserving of your vote in November.

SUSAN KNUDSON

TEMPE