Letters to the Editor
Wednesday, September 25, 1996
Disabled citizens lack privacy
while casting votes
How would you like it if someone were to rip the curtains off all the voting booths and tell you that privacy was assured because people would not look? This is not a hypothetical situation but a reality for disabled Americans who show up to vote in Hawaii.
Separate voting machines are set up on desks for those who cannot stand to use the regular booths. They have no curtains around them. According to the lieutenant governor's office, this is OK. Then why not rip the curtains off all of the booths?
I found this out in the last election when I had a sprained ankle and went to vote on crutches. I was shepherded over to a voting machine on a desk with no curtain around it. A woman working at the polling place applauded as I hobbled into the room and again on my way out, saying that I should get a medal.
I certainly do not want or need a medal to do something that most voters consider a right and civic duty. This was patronizing, to say the least.
This year I'm told that the same set-up will be in place. When you go to the polls, ask them where a person in a wheelchair would vote. It's probably a desk over to the side with no curtain.
The secret ballot is a cornerstone of democracy. This just isn't right.
Amy Arkoff
Harris' efficiency
helps explain his popularity
Mayor Jeremy Harris ran Honolulu as the city managing director for eight years. Add to that two years as mayor equals 10 years of experience in the actual operation of a staff of thousands of city employees.
Who benefits from the efficiency Mayor Harris has established? Who benefits from the tremendous cooperation evident in city government? All of us, the residents of Oahu, have a better quality of life because of Jeremy Harris. Our present mayor is the most popular person in politics I have seen in the 30 years of my residence in Honolulu.
Patrick Moore
Voters should consider mayor's
'high three' hiring
I find it hard to believe that the majority of voters are going to vote for the present mayor. Who hired five former legislators who after three years can retire with that kind of money? I hope the mayor has only those five and not any more excess salary workers on his staff and working in city departments. May the Lord have mercy on those voters.
Doug Kamakawiwo'ole
Legislature gets the blame for
'high three' situation
It's a shame that Arnold Morgado is blaming Harris for the "high three" pension for certain people. Arnold of all people should know better. After all, he is a former legislative member who knows that legislation sets the formula to determine the pension. What did Arnold do to introduce and/or support legislation to change the "high three" provision?
If Arnold is elected mayor will he waive his "high three" pension? Or, will he take the better than average pension which will be based on his years of public office multiplied by his mayor's salary and blame other people for his "high three" pension?
Y. E. Ajimura
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