To Residents of Boise County: Alan Ward is probably the WORST choice we could have for our state senate representative. Please see his record at http://alanward4idahosenate.com He seems to be a failure in business, a failure in local politics, and a failure in life. Please choose another candidate for our Senate representative.
Elizabeth Dunn
Garden Valley
Angel:
ReplyDeleteYou should be ashamed of yourself. This person obviously has a personal axe to grind and is using you to get it done. I've looked at the site and all there is unfounded accusations and innuendo. Now you're a part of spreading rumors. If you don't want to vote for him fine - but this is beneath you.
Elizabeth Dunn was removed from public office by recall election. I see she remains angry with the community. I wish she would move on with her life.
DeleteI agree. I have never read such hateful accusations. Bad enough that Elizabeth wrote it, but you allowed it to be on. Keep your personal feelings to yourself.
ReplyDeleteIt did not take Dunn's posting of community sentiment to get tongues wagging on this issue. Did Mr. Ward not know he was a public figure, that current politics is ugly, that he is damaged goods, and that it will all come out, especially should he by chance be elected?
ReplyDeleteNew questions are now being asked: Does he not see the conflict in using the school board's attorney? Who is paying for the attorney? If the citizens are paying, why? If Mr. Ward is paying, then the clear conflict is established. The attorney must serve the school board in a manner that pleases Mr. Ward, in order to keep his private business. It leaves both looking like crooks.
Finally, rather than answer the many questions asked, Mr. Ward attempts to stifle free speech and bully and itimidate the blogger. It is a good lesson to note Ward's and his crony's style, blame Mrs. Dunn, blame Angel...
How is Angel's publishing this any different than what the Idaho World or any other paper publishes as letters to the editor?
ReplyDeleteNo newspaper would publish a "letter to the editor" like Elizabeth Dunn's. Its a smear letter and does not assert any facts other than "seems". It would be immediately rejected. Perhaps thats why it didn't appear in the Idaho World.
DeleteI read your blog on a regular basis to gain news of the Valley, GV Market specials as well as other merchant news and upcoming events. Never have I read a "Letter to the Editor" - perhaps there has been one in the past - I just don't remember. This "Letter" was malicious with its content and even more so with the link attached. Yet, you chose to publish this on your Blog. I am all for the Freedom of the Press, but I don't understand why a resident's obvious hatred toward another is newsworthy.
ReplyDeleteI've always enjoyed reading your site - free from the town gossip, free from the innuendos and the one sided views of local residents with nothing better to do than spew forth their snide and snarky remarks against others.
I am not for, or against, any of Senate candidates at this point in the election process. What I am, now, is against you, the Editor, for allowing this hate mongering to continue.
I only hope the GV Market, other merchants and residents who may pay you to advertise their businesses think twice about continuing using your blog for their advertisements. I, for one, will not be reading in the future.
Shame on you for allowing the muckraking to continue in our Valley via the World Wide Web.
You haven't been reading this blog for very long, have you?
DeleteOh my goodness, you need to read back a ways and you will bite your tongue. "free from the town gossip, free from the innuendos and the one sided views of local residents with nothing better to do than spew forth their snide and snarky remarks against others." Haven't lived here long, eh...
DeleteI have read this blog since it started December of 2010. Once the dust settled over the school "drama" it has been 99% community announcements, news about the Alamar judgement, CUMO mines, bridge, park, Market and library construction, Senior Center news, county levy updates, Syringa Club news, etc.
DeleteDecember 2010 had a letter from Katie Ward that she wanted published in the IW and there was a "Letter to the Editor" praising our Fire Chief. Looking back over previous posts, I can't find one blog entry that is similiar to Elizabeth Dunn's "Letter to the Editor". Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I stand by my previous reply that this was nothing more than muckraking and not in line with what has been previously posted on this blog.
P.S. I've in Garden Valley for 13 years.
DeleteWard may have crossed the line this time. His attempt to silence the Dunn blog, while serving as a school board member is far different that just being a senate candidate.
ReplyDeleteHis attempted intimidation of her could be fair warning to parents with kids in school - he had better win, or someone will pay.
FYI - the ethics charges against the attorney go to the Idaho State Bar, and the campaign intimidation charges against Ward go to the Secretary of State. You Republicans who love your guy - you'll never see him seated in the legislature.
Thank God he and the other board members were there at a time when the community needed them most. The positive results at the school are undeniable. It is 100% better in every way. The accounts are posted on the school website. All you have to do is look. I don't know if he'll win the Senate race or not but I hope we don't lose him on the board either way. Good Luck Alan! Don't let these guys get you down.
ReplyDeleteHow is expressing an opinion about a public figure hateful? Ward has done many *hateful* things in this community.
ReplyDeleteYou Garden Valley people really need to get some fresh air. This isn't your little school district, or local hick'em politics, your guy is running for the state senate.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like he has made numerous errors and using the school's attorney ices the cake. If none of the other claims are true he's done anyway. And as I read the attorney's letter and note that he is the school district's attorney - he may be done too.
Idaho has a citizen legislature, but it is assumed the citizens are somewhat honest, and of average intelligence. It appears you rounded to the lowest common denominator on both.
Keep your chin up Allen - You got my vote.
DeleteAngel,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this forum that allows us to speak openly; on anything from this posting to an obituary. Your blog site is refreshing as you hold no biases in allowing open expression by all of us. Without your openness and this blog site many issues and interesting happenings would go unnoticed in Garden Valley.
I'm so disappointed in you Angel. You allow a few vindictive individuals to use you and your blog to give rebirth to the divisiveness of a year ago. Elizabeth Dunn is welcome to vote for her choice of candidate, but should be ashamed for attacking the school. Congrats Angel on encouraging your readers to plunge back into the muck.
ReplyDeleteThere are citizens totally disgusted with Alan Ward (me included) that wanted to get the word out about what type of person is running to represent us in the senate. Dunn was asked to create and promote the website by those citizens. Stop demonizing the messenger.
ReplyDeleteI have created websites in support of candidates when asked, and I created this one in opposition of a candidate when asked. My name is on record as the registrant of the domain name, but 90% of the site content comes from other citizens.
ReplyDeleteI stand by my opposition of Alan Ward for state senate.
It's you. Don't try to shift blame now.
DeleteBy the way, I removed the conversation with Tammy Vincent from the site because I did not think it was fair to her. I apologize, Tammy. I was only trying to help you see.
ReplyDeleteWho helps you see?
DeleteReally Elizabeth? If you truly want to apologize to Tammy and any children that were treated unfairly, why don't you post it on the offensive website you administrate for "other citizens"? You could also apologize to those other citizens for reflecting poorly on them. Of course, its kinda like trying to unring a bell.
DeleteRegardless of pro or anti Ward, this site allows discussion and the exchange of ideas. It is small minded to blame Angel for allowing us a forum.
ReplyDeleteAND - this is NOT a rebirth of last year's issues, they never went away, they remain in the community, the courts, and lawyers continue to work on them. Do we expect the Idaho World to have this news?
There is no lawsuit.
DeleteNo lawsuit(s)? Just wait. They are in the works.
DeleteAll show and no go.
DeleteHow is the Idaho World supposed to publish accounts of lawsuits that are "in the works?" This is just pouring salt in wounds that have almost healed. Very sad.....
DeleteThe wounds are far from healing. Lives have been damaged.
Delete"...wounds that have almost healed."
DeleteNot at all, and the salt in the wound is Alan Ward deciding to run for state senate. HE could have let wounds heal, serve quietly, do whatever on the school board.
But no. His ego had to be fed. So he runs, and is welcomed into real politics. Did he not watch the John McGee debacle? Did he think he would quietly campaign and not be noticed?
Is he so stupid that he did not think his candidacy would awaken otherwise sleeping dogs? If so, then he is far too naive for the position.
Ward woke up the dogs. Dunn merely noted that they were barking.
Thank goodness the days of the school being run by intimidation, fear, and threats of lawsuits are over. If someone wants to file suit, please do, but quit blustering about it. Spend your money. The school will not have to spend money our of their coffers to defend itself. The school has insurance (and they have teams of lawyers to handle these problems). I, for one, am not quaking in fear about it. Neither should anyone else. Sell your snake oil to someone else.
DeleteCome on all you Alan Ward supporters. Give us some facts to refute this letter to the editor. Picking on the messenger is a cheap shot and only confirms what's been stated is factual.
ReplyDeleteWhen you have no other option, shoot the messenger.
I'd like to see edunn's proof that he is what she says he "seems" in her letter to the editor. Exactly what facts are in her letter? None.
DeleteQuestion for edunn, how ethical is it for you to advertise a person's business on your business website, and then publicly call them a business failure (which is untrue) and try to trash their personal life? Are your other advertisers aware how you are abusing their advertising dollars to publish a link to your political and ugly website? How do you explain it to them?
ReplyDeleteIf Mrs. Dunn wants to issue a heartfelt apology, why doesn't she email her explanation for this lapse of judgement, with her sincere regrets, to ALL those she sent the unsolicited email with its link of the conversation to? For once I will look forward to checking my inbox for any communication from her.
ReplyDeleteI've been targeted by Dunn before and on an unrelated issue. Ward is not the first and he won't be the last. You just have to consider the source on this stuff and try not to sweat it too much. I think most people know the source isn't credible. But........don't cross her or you will face the same fate.
ReplyDeleteYeah, she can be your best friend or your worst enemy. You really don't want to cross her.
DeleteI certainly wouldn't want a vicious gossip and rumormonger for a friend. As far as being a worst enemy, you are exaggerating her importance to this community. She was voted out of public office for very good reasons!
DeleteVoted out for very good reasons? Name them! She was voted out on rumor and innuendo, just as you are suggesting that she is posting about Ward. The reason Elmore's recall failed big time is that so many people were shocked that Dunn was recalled. People didn't go out to vote because they didn't think it was a problem. They learned with that recall and refused to let it happen a second time with Elmore.
DeleteNice spin on Elmore's recall. Another spin might be that she colluded with the previous board clerk to get the votes she needed. Lots of people have seen the emails between them.
DeleteProduce those emails. I hear all the time that "I've seen..., I've heard..." but no one can ever produce the hard evidence.
DeleteSaw an awesome letter to the editor in the Star News today written eloquently by Pat Marion...also read Ward's forum for election...it doesn't take too long to read between the lines and see that Ward is just running because he thinks he is above the law and that he can do whatever he wants if he is elected, or that Marion has nothing better to do than praise Ward for all he has done for the school (LOL)...I have told EVERYONE I know in Valley County to vote for anyone other than Alan Ward unless they want a self-serving, egocentric, piece of garbage to represent them. Hopefully the voting public in District 8 is smart enough to see through the B.S.
ReplyDeleteI have told everyone I know that if they want something done - vote for Alan Ward. He listens to constituents and will not be bullied. He also has the guts to ask the tough questions even if it makes him look bad at the time. I never thought he thought he was above the law but I do believe he will make sure the voice of rural Idaho is heard at the state house. We need that. Gestrin and Thayn are fine but they do not have the perspective that Alan Ward offers. I would encourage everyone not to believe these hateful rumors perpetuated by people who have an individual axe to grind and to think about whether or not they want to have a voice in Boise. I do and I will vote for Alan Ward.
DeleteEveryone knows that people who get a lot done in a day aren't always popular with everyone. But if you can use the district as an example - we're all a lot better off now than we were then. That's just the facts - PLEASE go there and look for yourself.
"...they do not have the perspective that Alan Ward offers." What? That it's OK to continually break the law? Did you see the police report? Have you seen him handcuffed (as I and others have) for disrespecting law enforcement?
DeleteThis is NOT someone I want representing me!
Why would I go to the school district to check out a senate candidate?
DeleteI voted NO on the needless levy tax increase Ward championed. I oppose his attempt at media censorship and obvious disregard for the First Amendment. I am very concerned about him using the school's lawyer in his senate campaign.
As a Republican I vote for solid values - and Ward has had numerous run-ins with the law.
I would LOVE to have local representation for once in our valley - but Ward is not the answer. He is WRONG on tax increases, wrong on the Constitution, wrong on freedom of speech, and by all accounts does not lead a conservative values lifestyle.
For a so-called Republican he is way off the mark.
I will vote for Steven Thayn.
That's complete rubbish. The tax levy was proposed by the super - who said it was ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. They could only run in quarterly.
DeleteNumerous run-ins with the law? I don't think so.
And how would Ward answer those questions if he had the inkling? There is no way to do that on the site. Frankly, I'd be disappointed if he responded to innuendo and baseless accusations. He did answer the lock question at a public forum - didn't run from it. I asked the sheriff myself about that issue and he said he didn't need the board to vote on anything. Once something is reported, they investigate. Well, the sheriff's office investigated and found no basis to move forward. Heck, the sheriff said Ward is the one who told them about the incident in the first place. This is just something Dunn and her cronies have chosen to beat to death because they got nothin'.
DeleteI've been following this discussion and thought I'd weight in. First off, I agree with a previous post that Angel has never posted such a letter before. But she makes her bias clear with the permanent link she has on her page. Hey, its her blog, her decision. Her bias.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me Dunn has every right to make a public idiot of herself. Its her right if she wants to conduct an anti-Ward campaign. But if you look closely, she presents no facts - just innuendo. I find it extremely distasteful. I'd rather examine the candidates and discuss where they stand on issues.
I'd much prefer see a debate about unemployment, poor economy, lack of state revenues, complacent legislative representation, and what solutions the candidates propose. But that's just me. I prefer Ward to Thayn because of his views on those issues. Ward has also shown that he has innovative ideas, instead of just the "same ol', same ol', let's keep the status quo". If you google Thayn you'll find he's also had his share of personal attacks. But I won't even consider voting for Thayn because he has twice sponsored bills to essentially do away with kindergarten in our state. I also see him as just another professional politician who will pander for votes, rather than use a state office to effect beneficial change. But then, I'm speaking about real issues. Not debating a smear campaign.
If you look closely at Dunn's site as you say, you do see facts. The facts of police reports. The fact of the letter of intimidation and threats by the school's attorney. The fact of Ward voting to not investigate himself for the crime he admitted to. Those are facts.
DeleteThe rest are either questions asked by citizens - to which Ward has not responded to; and opinions in quotations from citizens.
So consider the opinions or not. The questions should at least concern you regarding Ward's non-answers, and then the facts that are there stand alone.
Thank you for the intelligent comment. I like that someone is willing to discuss where candidates are on the problems we all face. I didn't know about Thayn and the kindergarten issue. Good to know.
DeleteThe kindergarten issue is one of conservatism. Kindergarten is not required by the State of Idaho - thus it should not be funded by general taxes.
ReplyDeleteMany of us, along with Rep Thayn believe that if a local school district wants kindergarten they can have it with a local tax. Easy enough.
Again, Alan Ward is on the liberal side of the scale, big tax, big spending.
That was a politician's answer. Your sole purpose on this blog is to trash Mr. Ward. You don't want to discuss any issue. You and Elizabeth Dunn seem to only have one purpose in life. Avoid intelligent debate, and twist facts to serve yourself.
DeleteGod forbid that a politician give a political answer in a political race.
DeleteIs it trashing Mr. Ward to ask him if he as a liberal believes in state taxes supporting non-mandatory education luxuries such as local kindergarten? Or if he is a conservative and believes in lower taxes, less state mandate, and greater local control, as does Mr. Thayn?
You have GOT to be kidding? I don't believe anyone in education OR out sees kindergarten as a luxury.
DeleteThere is a reason first grade is called "first" grade. Keep in mind that many senior citizens did not attend pre-school, nor kindergarten.
DeleteYou may believe what you wish, but Mr. Thayn is a former teacher, and there is less support in the Republican Party in general for kindergarten than you might think.
If you think that about Alan Ward then you have never talked to him. NOT liberal, NOT for big spending and definitely NOT for big government.
ReplyDeleteI have talked to Ward, but his record of action is larger than what he says. What exactly ARE his Republican chops? That Pat Marion wrote a letter about him? What are her Republican chops?
DeleteMuch of Ward's support comes from union leaning Dems. He DID push a tax levy increase AFTER the school's budget was already balanced.
He DID use the school's lawyer to threaten Mrs. Dunn's First Amendment protections.
Not "liberal?" Okay, but I am not seeing the Christian Conservative, low tax, clean and moral living Constitutionalist I prefer to vote for. And that is my choice.
I'm pretty sure some of those website's statements fall under libel. Good luck in court lady.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she calls herself a website designer.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:54 - Your "pretty sure" is flat wrong. Ward is a public figure, just like Ms. Elmore was, and the former super - by your standard they would both be rich.
ReplyDeleteAnd Anon 2:56 - It is just that catty-ness of Ward's supporters that hurt him with intelligent, conservative, adults. He lost by over a thousand votes.
The catty-ness of his supporters? So Dunn's website wasn't beyond catty? OK, whatever.
ReplyDeleteGestrin lost by over a thousand votes too. What's your point?
And, now that the election is over, this blog conintues to have the link to Dunn's site. Nice. It's not about the election, it's about continuing to willfully spread lies about a community member even after you got what you want.
The point (Anon 5:58) is that Gestrin did not threaten his critics with legal action. He did not use another public agency's attorney to help his campaign - especially an agency he was a member of.
ReplyDeleteAnd Gestrin's supporters did not blame the messengers of his criticism, nor insult them.
Mr. Ward's senate election is over as you say, but he remains a politician and an elected official. If he cannot take harsh public scrutiny then he probably should not seek or serve in public office.
3:37 - or Mr. T:
ReplyDeleteShe didn't just criticize - she lied about things that have nothing to do with the job. You can't do that publicly and expect to have no consequences. Your attitude is what's wrong with politics in this country today. Dunn was only too happy to add to the vitrol-with help I'm sure.
What is "vitrol"?
ReplyDeleteNot certain what your "or Mr. T" reference is about. Mr. Thayn certainly is a politician and takes his hits. The difference between him and Ward are huge in terms of conservatism, experience and lifestyle. The voters got it right.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Ms. Dunn lying, I am not certain how many comments on her site are hers.
And for a Republican - a family values, lifestyle, conservative, Constitutional party - everything there has to do with the job. Had Ward run as a liberal, taxing, anti-Constituion, Democrat, it would have been different. And more honest. Pro-gun and pro-logging does not define conservatism. It takes much more.
Here in Valley County the campaigners against Ward were pretty good at pointing out the school tax increase he championed that was not needed - the one after the budget was set. Sounds like teachers' union pandering.
ReplyDeleteBut what cost him the most was the letter using the school's attorney - a letter threatening a patron who was Constitutionally protected. The fact that he is a wussy and can't take the heat is secondary to his attack on the First Amendment.
I have saved comments from Dunn, Bass, Langer and many others condemning the community for NOT voting for the levy when Tomlin suggested it. Remember just a year ago his scheme to layoff all but four staff members because "that must be what this community wants" after not passing the levy. It was Tomlin's recommendation in the first place. And let's not forget that after January 2012 the district had only four chances to run one per year - not like the old days.
ReplyDeleteYes, the levy wasn't necessary as Tomlin said it was but the board was working with figures given to them. And it was an entire board who voted to run it again, not just one person.
Now that the focus is back on educating kids and not preserving administrative positions, the budget is in much, much better shape.
Yes, it was your entire board, given the financials by our on-loan superintendent Vic Koshuta who reportedly made a $100,000 mistake leading the board to favor the second levy.
ReplyDeleteHis mistake was affirmed by your school districts financial position following the failure of the levy.
But none of that is relevant here - what is relevant is Ward's own statement in the Valley County paper regarding tax solutions, while having supported (in some eyes) two unneeded tax increases. Conservative? Show us your votes! Your last two chances to votes on taxes you voted in favor of increases! Nuff said.
Oh no, it was Koshuta who found the previous regime's error - that's not hard to investigate and find out. The mistake was affirmed but only after the filing date for the levy had passed. You can't spin this one - sorry. And if you're such a supporter of Dunn, why not ream her for supporting the levy? Or Bass, Elmore, J. Ward, Tomlin, etc.
ReplyDeleteGood thing the changes were made at the school when they were. The garbage information has stopped and now the board can operate with true figures.
ANYONE who wants to know the truth can find it.
Anon 10:24,
DeleteYou miss the point of this strand. Ward ran for state senate - Dunn, Bass, Tomlin, and others did not. None are currently public figures.
Ward is. Ward pushed the unneeded levy, he has voted twice to increase taxes - he is by voting record and lifestyle a liberal, and that is the point.