opinion
Don’t forget about the opinion page when election season is over
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:02 am
I don’t know about you, dear reader, but I’m ready for this election season to be over. Thankfully, that day is steadily creeping closer and closer. And, as promised in my Sept. 5 column, we’ve hit that point in the …
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A response on FEMA funding
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:22 am
In response to the editor’s note on my comment on the opinion page, yes the funds designated to FEMA’s disaster relief is supposed to be a designated fund for disaster relief, but the Biden-Harris Administration set up another fund in …
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Reader asks Leader: What about Corkery?
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:21 am
Dear Editor, The Decorah Leader has been such a refreshing change in the newspaper life of Decorah. We have appreciated the number and variety of substantial articles about our community. A case in point was your coverage of the Oct. …
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Excitement in the air ahead of Nov. 5
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:21 am
Do you feel it? There is hope and excitement in the air! There’s a brighter future on the horizon. Will you be part of the positive change? It’s up to each of us. Trust your gut. The choices are clear. …
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Take down ballot races seriously
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:20 am
Editor, We take our opportunity to vote very seriously, including all of the down ballot local candidates. We want our votes for WinnMed trustees to reflect current experience and knowledge of both the transition with Mayo Clinic and the building …
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Your vote is your voice
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:19 am
I want to thank Editor Seth Boyes for leading his recent story (Decorah Leader, Oct. 10) by quoting our State Auditor about Iowa being a purple state. On the surface for the past six years, we have looked red to …
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What I look for in a candidate
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:19 am
The things I value most in a candidate are honesty, interest in the people they represent, a respect for facts and a desire to learn. As for the issues, I want someone who cares about our planet and our democracy, …
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Local elections are pillar of democracy
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:18 am
America’s nearly 250-year experiment with democracy has had its share of challenges, including a civil war, numerous political and social insurrections and leadership assassinations. But overall, the scorecard is positive. As Winston Churchill wisely noted: “Democracy is the worst form of …
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Antagonism promotes power struggle on board of supervisors
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:18 am
Dear editor, In recent weeks, I have read the several letters to the editor complaining about the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Most often the letters are accusatory of three members of the board. Letters written state of a “power …
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Honest questions deserve honest answers, so here you go
Friday, October 18, 2024 10:12 am
I’ll try to keep things short, since plenty of other folks have some thoughts to express this week — I guess the opinion page is generating community discussion as intended. Some readers noticed last week that we at the Decorah …
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Women who will govern
Monday, October 14, 2024 10:37 am
I had the good fortune growing up, to learn the wisdom of governing by persuasion rather than by ruling with force. I learned it from observing adults; very often from strong, capable women who were family and friends. By showing …
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‘If we’re going to comment on candidates…’
Monday, October 14, 2024 10:36 am
I feel I have to respond to Deb Keefe, who responded to my article. I’m glad she is a professional tax preparer that understands the ever changing tax laws, but her comments just proved everything I meant in my comments. …
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O’Rourke claims ‘I had the audacity to ask questions’
Monday, October 14, 2024 10:35 am
This letter is not just about me – but silence is complicity. Change is needed on the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors. Our opportunity to make this change is fast approaching. On Monday, Sept. 30, three members of the Winneshiek County …
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Knowledge and focus are important as hospital board navigates changes
Monday, October 14, 2024 10:35 am
I am writing to encourage the support of retaining our current board members at WinnMed Hospital in the upcoming election. Having been the past director of pharmacy at the hospital for 26 years, I have had a lot of experience …
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Informed decisions come with thorough research
Monday, October 14, 2024 10:33 am
Before Nov. 5, I urge you to investigate the facts and candidates. In the Winneshiek Board of Supervisors District 4 race, special studying is very important. The record over the last two years shows that it’s essential for voters and …