Vandals Are Beating Up The Fans

(Submitted to the Argonaut October 13th, 2010)

Dear Editor,

I read the October 12, 2010 article by Steve Carter regarding football ticket prices. I have to say that I am completely with him on this one. I love this team and the university and will stand by my team until the day I die. My troubles come when I see the unnecessary charges that the fans are burdened with.

I support improving the sports program and I hope that someday they earn their way to fame. Yet, with the recent decisions made by administration, I am questioning the intent of the university on this one. This spring the U of I approved a $12-million renovation project (source: Walsh Construction), we have extended and increased the coaches contract, and are now increasing the amount of money in the athletic scholarship fund. Am I the only one seeing a problem here? I love football, volleyball, and basketball as much as the next guy, but why are we making it mandatory for the fans to fund this scholarship fund when we dump more than $12 million into a sports program? The dome looks fine as it is and I am sure Coach Akey is making more than he needs, but as a student, my pockets are as empty as they ever will be.

What happened to playing for the love of the game? I propose that a scholarship fund be started for all production agriculture majors and make a mandatory donation every time food is sold on campus. Sports are extra in education and are not the responsibility of students and parents to help others enjoy their post-secondary activities.

If it is too much to limit ourselves where we are now, I stand with Tom Cable. Let’s go back to Big Sky where cost is less and championship is possible.

Mike Friddle
(Photo Credit: Mike Friddle)

Bill Goesling Is Seasoned

(Submitted October 7th, 2010 to the Moscow-Pullman Daily News)

Dear Editor

Latah County is in great need of leadership that is strong and adaptable. Electing Bill Goesling as Latah County Commissioner in District 2 will fill this position.

For greater than 10 years Bill has served my family in our investment of hard earned farm income. Since I was a young boy I can remember the personal relationship that Bill built with my family, spending late nights around our dinner table discussing options and developing solutions to this changing economy. When I learned of his decision to run as a candidate for county commissioner I had no doubts that this county would finally move forward to growth that we are in dire need of.

Bill’s opponent is also a friend of mine. There is much to be said when he stated in the League Voters Guide that Bill is unseasoned. It is shameful of Tom to claim that a hard working and well tuned man does not have what it takes to represent the population and solve the great issues of this county. Bill runs a very respected and successful business in Moscow and has taught in his industry at the University of Idaho. This does not form an unseasoned man by any standard.

Bill stands for the freedom of growth and job creation in this county. He understands the importance of allowing reasonable businesses to grow and create the jobs we need to keep our county working. He is also a pioneer of the idea of taking county meetings to surrounding communities and allowing more citizens a say in the business of our government, something that the incumbent has not implemented and spoke against at the League of Women Voters Debate.

I am casting my vote for a friend that has proven his leadership and dedication to those he serves.

Mike Friddle