The opportunity to select representatives and elected officials is upon us again. It is essential not to be steered by the many distractions and false narratives that many candidates and third parties will put in front of people. Some are putting effort into creating qualifications for potential candidates versus letting the people decide who will represent them. Examining the character, reputation, and motives of all leaders and candidates working in the upcoming elections is critical.
Idaho needs representatives who are focused on what will make Idaho better for the next generation. We need leaders who will stay committed to public education, affordable healthcare, and overall economic growth. We do not need leaders who will chase after the matters of other states, working to reduce the rights of Idahoans.
Idahoans should be concerned when they see local leaders who attempt to influence our local elections through limiting rules and kangaroo courts. Doyle Beck and his committee continue to attempt to put their agenda and ideas forward over the majority, who have asked their representatives to support and vote in ways that matter for them and their families. Actions they take to hang on to power at all costs potentially tarnish the reputations of local businesses like the Smith Group when they use these facilities to hatch their plots.
These local operatives aren’t interested in building on the ideas of our republic. Instead, they aim to create a slim and narrow minority that makes decisions for the majority. Open elections are at the heart of our democratic ways. When these elites fill the field with such charged ideology, the people should start looking closely at the candidates and their characters.
Character is defined as a person’s mental and moral qualities. It is often measured as how someone acts when not being watched. Past Governor Cecil Andrus was a model of high character. Throughout his service, he stayed focused on protecting Idaho’s resources. Idahoans should seek leaders who can remain true to their character and not be detoured by third parties or the flashy issues centered on dividing ideology. These contrasting examples do not make Idaho the strong culture it was previously known for.
The motives and reputations of our candidates are a great way to look at what can be expected from them. Motives are the reasons they act. Reputation reflects the trend of decisions they have made in the past. One of the most significant examples of this was past Senator Frank Church. Senator Church was a tough-minded political leader who was unwavering in ethics and stayed true to the rule of law. Despite the pushback he received from his party and many others, Senator Church pushed forward with his committee on Vietnam, uncovering the unjust monitoring of the NSA.
Leaders and actions like this should be the measuring stick used as voters go out and select the class of representatives and elected officials responsible for all Idahoans and not just the minority of them.
Dan Barker, Master of Human Resources Management, is a local human resources consultant and the vice chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.