This year, local politics matter more than ever.
In just over a month, I’ll cast my vote for the most important election of my lifetime.
I’m not just saying that because I’m running for State Senate in District 17. I truly believe the 2020 election represents a crucial turning point for our country—and for our own communities, right here in Idaho.
Still, as I’ve been on the campaign trail, I’ve heard from lots of folks who aren’t planning to vote. To respect community health concerns, I’ve been mostly calling and texting voters this campaign season, but have also been (safely) knocking on doors. Many times, people have told me, “I don’t vote.”
I do understand why many people don’t vote. The federal government feels so far removed from most of our day-to-day lives. While federal politicians debate our fates on extreme opposite ends of the two-party political spectrum 2,000 miles away in D.C., many of us fall somewhere in the middle and simply want some form of compromise, some action.
Presidential elections are what many of us have in mind when we think about voting. And while I certainly encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, that’s not what I’m writing about today. I’m here to urge you to get involved in local elections.
Change happens slowly, in small increments. It starts from the ground up. Policy changes happen when groups of people are affected by an issue—and decide to do something about it. Here in Idaho, where our state legislators are remarkably accessible, many of our laws start with constituents. Our legislators hear from thousands of people about the issues that matter to them on the campaign trail and while they’re in session. It’s a legislator’s job to listen and act on issues that affect their constituents. There are innovative, effective local programs occurring all over the country—and as they gather momentum, they have the potential to create real change at a national level. One exciting example is my role in a campaign to end family homelessness right here in Ada County. My nonprofit, Jesse Tree, is the prevention lead agency, and we are working together to plan how to keep families in Ada County housed through innovative programs and close collaborations. When we end family homelessness, it will set an example for other communities around the country. (Shout out to Ada County Commissioner Diana Lachiondo for all of her work on this as well!)
There is an opportunity to restore civility in the statehouse so that we can make that local change happen. From growing up in rural Idaho, to working for the U.S. government and the nonprofit sector, I've learned the power of working with people from all types of backgrounds. We have no choice but to band together to address our communities’ immediate problems, to ensure inevitable changes work for everyone. I hope to bring my sincere desire to collaborate, strong policy background, and bias for action into the legislature to address our highest-impact issues: housing, education, the economy, and criminal justice. There is simply no time for drama; we have to find ways to work together to get things done to address issues that matter. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a living example of the effectiveness of fighting ideas, not people: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
There is an opportunity to restore balance in our local legislature in other ways. Idaho has 35 State Senators. Just nine of them are women and seven of them are Democrats. Many legislators are retired, wealthy, and have corporate backgrounds. Diversity of perspective is important, and we need next generation leadership that’s committed to the community. Directing my busy nonprofit, I’m grounded in the realities that our community is facing as I see many people struggle to meet their basic needs each month. I believe each and every one of them deserves to have a voice.
That’s why this November, I’ll be on the ballot, along with many of your neighbors who have stepped up to run for office. We’re running because we care about you and about our communities. Regardless of who (if anyone) gets your vote for president this November, I hope you’ll cast a vote for your neighbors who care enough to act.
I hope you will help me by getting involved in my campaign. I’m working to reach 10,000 voters who have requested their ballots. We’re working on reaching them through various means —and all of them cost money. Please consider chipping in - your contribution of $25, $50, $100, or $250 can make a huge difference as election day gets closer! If you can lend a hand to knock on doors or make phone calls for me from home as well, please let me know - we could certainly use your help!
