Opinion

Dear Editor,I requested some information under the Freedom of Information Act or Sunshine Law regarding our City Attorney from the acting City Clerk, Ward. I wanted the resolution number that establishes city Attorney Fischer's compensation as stated in Vinton's Ordinance chapter 20, section 20.01. Or if the Ordinance is not correct a copy of a contract or agreement that declares his compensation.

It seems that 2020 keeps packing in the surprises. We still have a little over 3 months left before we can say it's over, and I'm not even going to ask, "What ELSE could go wrong?"The passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a mild surprise to me, knowing how sick she had been. I just assumed that the spunky little lady would make it into the next presidential term.

By Ivy Shuster, Democratic candidate for Iowa State Senate District 38 (Benton, Iowa, and Poweshiek counties)There are two ways to save money in healthcare. The first is by ramping up preventive care—an ounce of prevention doesn’t cost nearly as much as a pound of cure. The second way is to cut care that has been deemed necessary. I shouldn’t have to say that it is unethical to profit off of Iowans in this way.

We live in a scaryWorld todayIt's different thanBeforeNo more hugs kissingOur happiness gone awayLike never beforeThe virus has taken ourLoved ones awayFamilies sufferingLike never beforeThe fear of the unknownHas arrivedThe worry of what will happenTomorrow to you and meCoronavirus on our mind'sCoronavirus everywhereOur lives in dangerLike never beforeWe practice social distancingEvery day to keep the virusAt bay as we shop in different waysWere asked to stay at homeLike never beforeWhen will thisVirus ever go awayBut I promiseI'll love and pray for everyoneSufferingEvery day.

For the first time since I think 2006 I might end up in Facebook Jail. They don't call it that because they are from another generation that just puts you in time out. Yep, I did it. I pushed the wrong button. Now, granted, those of you that know me, know that I post a LOT of stuff that SHOULD push Facebook's buttons. Especially when I post about Facebook.

By Ivy Schuster, Democratic Candidate for Iowa State Senate District 38 From the time that I have spent talking to local farmers, a constant theme emerges: farmers want to be the best stewards of the land but they can’t do it alone. That applies to the present circumstances and more broadly. The derecho that swept across the state damaged or destroyed up to 43 percent of the state’s corn and soybean crop.

Voting by mail should replace voting at the polls in it's  entirety.  The two institutions that can definitely be trusted is the County Board of Elections and the United States Postal Service.  The money saved by eliminating the need for poll workers could be used to offer free postage on the envelopesused to vote by mail.

I've been pondering the storm damage I've seen over the last 12 days in our county. For several hours since the storm hit, I drove around taking pictures. I spent time between shots just observing the people, and in general just trying to stay out of the way while still trying to capture the utter devastation across our county. But when you are surrounded by what can only be described as a war zone it's hard not to feel your heart breaking just a little bit more for the people affected.

To our city administrators and city government for providing a brush dump for our citizens to use.   To our city crews who work tirelessly and quickly to clear our streets and city parking of debris.   To all the people who haul their own branches, limbs, etc.  to the brush dump to lighten the load on the city crews and to get our town cleaned up asap.

Dear Editor,In these days of pandemic because people are staying home more, there is reason to be even more cautious, especially those of us over 65, of whom some are not as discerning as others. Scammers are having a heyday, so be aware for your elders and warn them not to give any personal information to strangers, unless they instigate the call to a reputable organization or someone they know.