FAQs
While phone banking and filling out questionnaires for endorsements, there are quite a few common questions I have been getting. I thought I would share my answers with you! Please let me know if you would like clarification on any of these responses (Ali@AliforIdaho.com).
Why are you running? What are your top three priorities?
When Maryanne Jordan asked me to run for her seat, it felt like a childhood dream coming true. After reconciling this big job with my values and daily responsibilities directing a critical nonprofit, I realized that I wanted new leadership and fresh energy in the legislature and that an opportunity to make a difference at the state level might not come around again. My passion for serving my community, ability to build bridges and relationships, and developing large-scale impact policies and systems throughout my career has readied me for the experience.
My top three priorities for the 2021 legislative session are affordable and accessible housing, quality education with adequate teacher pay, as well as criminal justice reform. Through my conversations with constituents these past few months, we have recognized that these issues, in addition to coronavirus-related questions, are most concerning to District 17 residents.
What sets you apart from your challengers?
My education, experiences, and long-term ties to Idaho demonstrate my ability to make a difference in the legislature. I have dedicated my career as an attorney, despite having a law degree from William & Mary, to work in the nonprofit and government sectors to serve immigrants, the accused, and homeless populations. My professional experiences are a stark contrast to my upbringing in Middleton, Idaho, and I know I have the skills to build relationships with legislators in all corners of Idaho. I am currently the Executive Director of Jesse Tree, working to prevent homelessness in the Treasure Valley, and, alongside my strong team, am building quality of life in Boise. I want to bring my work to scale at the state. My experiences in the nonprofit sector have continued to hone my skills at building relationships, collaboration, and being action-oriented and solutions-focused.
In addition to my professional background, I am a true Democrat. I believe in equal rights for all residents including our LGBTQIA friends and family members, reasonable gun regulations, immigrants and refugees, and women. I hold a firm pro-choice stance. I don’t believe my challengers can make those claims.
How do you think you can be effective as a Democrat in the state legislature?
Being outnumbered in value-based conversations is challenging. I have seen great strides from legislators like Melissa Wintrow, Ilana Rubel, Maryanne Jordan, and Cherie Buckner-Webb and take my cues from them. I noticed that they develop policies alongside their Republican peers and help mitigate damage as much as possible. It can be disheartening to be reactive so frequently in policy but my goal is to not only defend the rights and services we currently have.
I also plan to work and plan ahead to introduce progressive policies by convincing some of my more moderate Republican counterparts. I come from a rural upbringing in Middleton and my dad was a Republican; mom was a Democrat. Political debate was a common occurrence around our dinner table. I also grew up with people who had very different beliefs, then went on to work in cross-cultural environments all over the world. From my diverse experiences as well as success in the nonprofit sector, I've had to learn to communicate and collaborate with people from all types of backgrounds. I believe that my ability to build relationships, remain curious, and appreciate diversity of perspective would allow me to educate and sway some of my Republican colleagues on some matters.
Finally, I believe in planning and working ahead on legislation can help ensure success. This year, I worked on and testified in favor of a few pieces of legislation including the Fair Warning and Fair Chance Employment bills. When I testified in front of committees and witnessed the ensuing debates, I found those bills were only successful because the Democratic legislators had conversations with each of their Republican colleagues behind closed doors ahead of time.
Are you staying on at your current job while you legislate?
As a person who is so passionate about preventing homelessness in Idaho, I am planning to stay in my current role as Executive Director of Jesse Tree through the legislative session. My Board of Directors and I will develop a plan of action and recruit interim leadership should I be elected.
Do you see any conflict between environmental protection and economic growth in Idaho? Is there a balance? If so, what do you believe is the proper balance?
Like many policy matters, I see conflict in environmental protection and economic growth but will continue to seek balance. Proper balance takes into consideration the following: the number of individuals impacted, the land’s history and usage, exploration of all possible options, as well as the agendas that may be behind pressing certain issues. When analyzing all these factors, I know that I have the option to do what is right which may, or may not, include a sense of balance.
Will family planning, public funding for sexual and reproductive health care, clinic access, health reform implementation, abortion rights, access to emergency contraception or sex education be significant issues in your race?
Yes, each of these issues is important to me and important to my constituents. Polls regularly show that healthcare is a top priority to many voters. When making decisions and advocating for policy change, I will rely on science and reason. Access to comprehensive healthcare and robust, and evidence-informed health education must be attainable for all Idahoans, and I am prepared to work to make that a reality. District 17 has a historically Democratic lean, allowing me to champion bolder progress and change for Idaho than more conservative districts. I am prepared to start dialogue and champion needed legislation from the start.
I aim to bring needed generational change to the Idaho Senate and, as a young woman, I understand that access to sex education, services, and abortion, is a healthcare right. My experiences as a woman represent imperative change that is needed in Idaho’s Legislature that these other candidates cannot provide. Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii is a vital partner in my campaign for District 17’s Senate seat. Securing an endorsement from such a trusted and dedicated organization will help voters better understand my priorities and help me win the May 19th primary. When it comes to the issues listed above, there is a right side of the fight, and I plan to be on it.
