Today, with great pride, I announce the honor of having my candidacy for governor of Idaho endorsed by one of the greatest leaders to ever serve in that office, former Gov. Cecil Andrus. I’m also proud to announce endorsements from William Bishop, who served as Director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security under five governors, including Gov. Otter; and from two very accomplished educators, Jim Cobble, Superintendent of the Camas County School District, and Pete Bailey, retired Deputy Superintendent of the Boise School District.
The endorsements from Gov. Andrus and these other distinguished leaders send the message that Idaho is ready for leadership that will truly make education a top priority, invest in our economy, and restore balance and transparency to state government. I hope you’ll read below the case each of them makes for why voters should elect me the next governor of Idaho. People like Gov. Andrus, Director Bishop, Superintendent Cobble, and Deputy Superintendent Bailey have contributed heart and soul to helping make our state great, and I look forward to serving in that tradition.
“As a successful businessman and the longtime leader of the Boise School Board, A.J. knows that a sound educational system is the engine room of true economic expansion. If you care about Idaho’s future, you know we have to invest in our children by providing the best educational system we can. A.J. knows that is the key to Idaho’s future. A.J. also knows one of the keys to my success as governor was an ability to bring people together and transcend partisan differences by leading people to focus on the greatest good for the greatest number.”
Regretfully, Butch Otter, after 40 years in public life, still doesn’t get these basic points. The result of his one-party rule is cronyism with contracts let by the state to single firm bids made by Otter contributors which have cost the taxpayers millions of dollars. This has to stop and A.J. will stop it.
Won’t you join with me in voting for A.J. Balukoff to be our next governor? Together we can restore education as Idaho’s first priority and put ethics back in the office of governor.”
–Cecil D. Andrus, former four-term governor of Idaho
“Idaho is no longer a state of innovation, advancement and opportunity. That decline has taken place under Butch Otter’s tenure as governor. It was my privilege to work for the state of Idaho in Emergency Management under five governors – beginning late in Cecil Andrus’ last term, continuing through most of Butch Otter’s first term. I worked in a similar position in Montana before I came to Idaho.”
As the former Director of Idaho Homeland Security, I know firsthand what good gubernatorial leadership is. Gov. Otter simply doesn’t provide it. He is just not proactive on issues facing the state of Idaho – not in emergency preparedness or in matters concerning the health and wellbeing of Idaho citizens. A.J. Balukoff represents the potential for a renewed bright future for Idaho – he’s dynamic and, most of all, willing to act. It’s past the time for a change. Please consider Mr. Balukoff for our next governor. We need real leadership.”
–William Bishop, retired Director of Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security
“As a school superintendent for nearly 30 years in three Idaho districts, a school board trustee for six years, and father of three, I value education. Gov. Otter calls education a priority, but he orchestrated the deep cuts that have devastated all Idaho schools. He ignored the public to pass Students Come First—which should be known as the Otter-Luna laws. We have seen a mass exodus of teachers from Idaho. Many districts cannot even fill open positions! A.J. Balukoff understands that successful companies treat employees well. Like most superintendents and principals I know, I am voting for A.J. for governor.”
–Jim Cobble, superintendent, Camas County School District, who wrote this op-ed.
“Having recently retired from a 30-year career in the Boise School District, I had the privilege of working closely with A.J. Balukoff. As president of the Boise District Board of Trustees, he displayed the highest level of integrity and expertise. His leadership in opposing the Luna laws reflected his support of dialogue as a crucial element in decision-making and his support of local control of schools. A.J. understands the critical role of education in the future of a healthy Idaho.”
–Pete Bailey, retired deputy superintendent, Boise School District
Visit AJforIdaho.com