Local election was confusing

Dear editor,

The recent Elmore County Election was most confusing and the multiple ballots might have siphoned off a lot of votes from voters who were handed an "undecided ballot form." The new system that was used is not like the one that prevailed for the last 47 years we have lived in Elmore County.

If voters were truly undecided at the time and took this new form to vote, they were unable to see the names of all the persons running for election (only a blank list of "in's"). Confusing and not helping the voter on their decision.

Rick Layher has done a superior job in Elmore County and the Sheriff's Department and set the standards even higher than those he learned from Earl Winters and Bob Mendiola. He has earned our respect and regard for him by his more than 40 years of excellent service to this county.

In light of this, we would like to share a copy of the letter we sent to our Idaho governor last year after Sheriff Layher passed his 40th year of service.

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Dear Governor:

We are appealing to your good judgement and the vital job you have done as Governor of the State of Idaho, to recognize a most outstanding man, Sheriff Rick Layher of Elmore County. He has served the county for over 40 years, and like the other sheriff's before him, Earl Winthers and Bob Mendiola, he has continued their traditions and brought them to a new level.

Starting out as a detective 40 years ago then working his way up in the sheriffs department says a lot for this special man. He has survived a lot of meager beginnings in both facilities and resources over the years and yet made the best of what he had to work with.

In more recent years, he has helped bring these to new levels. We as citizens become too complacent in recognizing those people, like Sheriff Layher, who are doing such a good job and receive little recognition.

His territory and responsibilities cover one of the largest activity counties in our state. To add to his load and operations, his department has covered the City of Glenns Ferry, since they have not had a police department for many years.

We would hope that you might initiate some special recognition for his meritorious service and outstanding work as sheriff of Elmore County and the State of Idaho. There is no one quite like him, Governor, and we are proud of what he has accomplished in his service.

-- Robert and Mary Fulton, Glenns Ferry