Opinion

To the Editor,

   I recently witnessed the potentially devastating impact of scam calls on seniors. Like many others from their generation, my parents find comfort and security in using a landline. However, this choice exposes them to a continuous stream of unwanted and deceitful calls that exploit their vulnerability.

To the Editor,

   Recently, the elections in Monticello were opened so every citizen can now vote for all council members; no longer are wards a protected status.

   Something needs to happen to kick-start Monticello.

   I was trying to figure out what makes Monticello really tick when it comes to being a city, and for the life of me, I couldn’t come up much! Most of the time we are simply resting on our laurels of the past while things slowly slip away.

To the Editor,

   Actor Tom Cruise starred in the 1989 movie “Born on the Fourth of July” that depicts a young American boy (Ronnie) who joins the U.S. Marines in the 1960s and dreams of being part of the force to end Communism in the world. He comes home a paraplegic, distanced from his family, and find himself marching against his country. He went from proud patriot to a broken man all under the symbol of the American Flag.

   In 2017, the Iowa Legislature responded to concerns from Gov. Terry Branstad and amended Iowa law to ensure when government employees are forced out of their jobs the reasons must be made public and not shrouded in secrecy.

   The goal was commendable. The governor was right. People deserve to be told “why.” It is called public accountability.

   Since then, the transparency promised six years ago has diminished.