Not enough of us are secure in living wage jobs.  The price of groceries goes up and up, yet the Republicans think we should pay tax on our food.  I’d eliminate flat taxes which place higher burdens on those with fewer resources.  I’ll work for sound tax policy that prioritizes small businesses and middle class families, not big corporations and special interests which don't re-invest in our state's economy. I’d make impact fees for developers pay for better quality schools, so we better educate our next generation for jobs of the future.  In day care centers that are currently unregulated, we need to protect our children by enacting minimal safety standards and requiring background checks.  Having worked in District Two schools, I’ve felt the need for smaller class size and optional all-day early childhood education. 

I’m in favor of health care that’s affordable for everyone, and support services for seniors so we can live independently at home as long as we wish.  I’m one of the millions of retired boomers who can’t make payments on individual policies.  Even those of us with jobs find too few employers provide coverage these days.  Idaho’s middle class families deserve representation that will put their health and quality of life above the special interests of big pharmaceutical corporations. The last census showed growth of the over-60 population in this Panhandle to be double the growth in the state, which is twice as much as the change in the country!  Number of those of us 60-69 is projected to double in this district by 2010.  Dignity and autonomy for Older Adults is one of the reasons I’m running for change!

Protecting Idaho's public lands for multiple users is paramount as we face a period of rapid and unmanaged development. I’ll fight for more stringent ethical reporting requirements aimed at legislators, lobbyists and high government officials and more open government, transparent and available to every citizen.

How I’ll work with The Common Interest

My goal as State Representative will be to inform your organization about current legislation and the legislative process, in your worthy effort to make data and opinion from both sides available to your members. 

Thoughts and attitudes about the influence of partisan politics and/or special interests in the Legislature

We all know our Democracy works best when everyone participates.  It’s my turn to represent rural North Idaho in Boise.  Our unique quality of life has come into question under the party that’s been so long in power in the legislature.  It seems to me that partisan politics are a gift from our founding fathers to ensure that informed debate will help us think about every issue brought before legislators.  If we are to be diligent in serving the majority of the people who entrust us with public office, we must listen to every viewpoint and decide based on the common good. 

A masters degree in Education of the Exceptional Child launched a career of making the system work for individuals.  I’ve taught all ages and worked with school districts to see how well the Emergency School Aid Act was integrating kids on playgrounds, in cafeterias, and in classrooms as a result of federal funding. I was hired by the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, as Program Specialist, to work with incarcerated youth, helping them to see themselves as contributing citizens, and helping their communities to value their contributions.  I came to North Idaho in 1981 and found the log cabin just north of the Bonner/Kootenai county line, where I've lived ever since, heating and cooking with wood. In North Idaho schools, I’ve been both Resource Teacher and Consulting Teacher, assisting parents, teachers and specialists to individualize support for exceptional students. Most recently, with North Idaho Linkages Caring for Older Adults, I convened town hall meetings and focus groups in the five northern counties to get agencies, providers and seniors to work together to improve quality and accessibility to health care and support services, and empowering senior independence remains one of my passions.