We kicked-off the 2012 campaign in style as over one hundred of my closest friends and supporters joined me for a night of wonderful music, delicious food, and great company at a Tavola.

The night started with music by Steve Eaton and Billy Mitchell.

Representative Brian Cronin and former Attorney General Tony Park warmed up the crowd with encouraging words about my campaign.

Many other candidates were in attendance, including Brandon Durst from D18, Rep. Sue Chew from D17, Mat Erpelding and Holli High Woodings from D19, and Senator Nicole Lefavour.

Then everyone got down to the important business of the evening, the FOOD!

The night wouldn’t have been a success without the hard work of my campaign team: Molly, Rachna, and Eric.

And a HUGE thank you to the wonderful Lisa Peterson of a Tavola for allowing us into her beautiful restaurant and marketplace!

Photos by Stacy
Ericson unless otherwise attributed

Zach Strong

On any day canvassing in District 19 you can enjoy the sight of young families, taking walks, raking leaves, and working in their yards. Every family has its own story with needs that are personal and those that are shared by the community at large.Ryan Strong and Cassie Mills are long-time residents of the District. “We both lived in various areas in the Highlands and the North End before we were married,” Ryan says, “At that point, we liked being close to the foothills for hikes, Hyde Park, easy access to the green belt and to downtown–and we liked the neighborhood feeling. “

Ryan Strong and Cassie Mills
Photo by Ryan
Strong

Now, however, as parents to a five-year-old son and three-year-old twin boys, their priorities have changed. “A few years ago,” Ryan says, “I was most concerned about easy access to mountain bike trails.”  He laughs and spread his hands to indicate the rollicking pirate crew in his kitchen. “Now we’re looking at different issues—school funding, for one.”

It is a Sunday afternoon and Ryan picks his way carefully through Jack O’Lanterns, fresh strands of cottony spider webs, and careful groupings of
beloved plastic rats as he passes out sandwiches to three little boys. (In case you hadn’t noticed with the election coming up in 14 days—it is almost Halloween!)

Noah Strong (above and below)

Like most people, Ryan and Cassie feel the impact of a slow economy. Both named budget freezes as a concern. Ryan works for the City of Boise as a paralegal and Cassie is employed at Community Partnerships, where she aids individuals with disabilities in finding employment. “Right now it is definitely more difficult to find jobs for the people I work with,” she says, “and many cuts to services affect those who are most vulnerable.”

The Strongs face specific challenges right now, since their oldest son has recently been diagnosed with Celiac disease. Cassie peels an apple and points out that this gluten-free shift is a lifestyle change for the whole family. Because of the inevitability of cross-contamination it is easier to revamp everyone’s diet. “We are trying to be more of a whole-food family and make more foods from scratch, have a good garden, focus on fruits and vegetables.”

The general concerns on their minds are shared with many other young families: the economy, schools and education, and the quality of air and water. Asked what they envision for the future of Boise, both parents take a moment to think, and the boys are momentarily quiet, sprawled across the kitchen floor creating bright pastel drawings.

Ian Strong (above)
Noah Strong(below)

Ian Strong (above)

Ryan speaks first, “I’d like to see public transportation expanded, so the nearby suburbs and towns are all linked.”  He appreciates characteristic Boise blend of urban and small town life and a better transportation network is one urban amenity he would like to see expanded.

Cassie nods and adds, “Schools. I’d like to see a greater variety of educational methods incorporated, to serve different styles of learning.” She
smiles, “You definitely start looking at schools differently when you have small children.”

Zach Strong

Cassie and Ryan spend a lot of time in the outdoors camping, hiking, and looking for bugs with their children. They agree that Boise is a great place to live and to raise children. Ryan looks around at the art gallery on the floor and the Halloween decorations they have just put up. “We are just an ordinary family,” he says, half apologetically. It is in warm kitchens like this one that generations of Idaho families have been nurtured, and today’s concerns and responsibilities link families across the District and across the city on this Sunday afternoon and on every day of the year.

Zach Strong

Boise High School on a weekday morning is deceptively quiet. Between bells the halls are empty and the historic school buildings form an educational island amid the bustle of downtown activity. Nestled in the heart of Boise and near the center of District 19, Boise High School is Cherie’s Alma Mater. Principal Ken Anderson points out her place in the Boise High School Hall of Fame. “Before our meeting last week, I didn’t know Cherie personally, but I have known of her work in the community for a long time.” Anderson’s endorsement of Cherie’s candidacy for Legislative Seat A in District 19 came at a time when education is at the forefront of voters’ minds throughout the state of Idaho. These are complex and critical issues that Ken Anderson thinks about every day.

With over 1400 students, the atmosphere is, to a great extent, the responsibility and the creation of the school administration. According to Ken
Anderson, the role of principal is a lifestyle rather than a job. When the school day is over there are games, dances, student productions and events, field trips and other extra-curricular activities vital to the total school environment.  “My wife is an educator, my children participated in high school athletics – at this point in my life school involvement is definitely a lifestyle.”

Anderson is enthusiastic about Boise High and praises the other local high schools as well, pointing out that Newsweek lists Boise institutions in the top 1500 schools in the United States and Boise High School made it into the top 500.  Anderson speaks eloquently about the long-term task of creating a safe, creative, and challenging learning environment for all kinds of students. “We try to emphasize an acceptance of differences and teach students the skills they need to resolve conflicts.” Boise High School has a very diverse and eclectic student body, a calm atmosphere, and
high academic standards. Last year 94% of graduates went on to further education.  Anderson emphasized that a policy of mutual respect is important in establishing an environment where concentration and learning is possible.

“We aren’t perfect, but we try to work every year to emphasize life skills and character education, that will serve the students well, now and in the
future,” Anderson says. “We have used peer mediation with good results in the past, but at this point our students seem to have internalized the ideas and there are very few conflicts that go that far.”  He points out that the school recently had one entire year go by without a fight breaking out.

Anderson cites the book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Undermine Education (2010) by Diane Ravitch, a former proponent of the “No Child Left Behind” concept. Her new book, a surprise bestseller, discusses ideas that Anderson finds useful in his daily work and he recommends it as a fair examination of educational policies and their effect on students.

Anderson describes four main needs that have to be addressed for a school to be effective. First, the staff and student body must buy into the stated goals–this agreement cannot be forced, but is established over time. A second factor is the creation of a positive and encouraging school environment serving a broad range of students. An overall expectation of academic rigor is of critical importance. The fourth factor necessary for student success is a stable home environment, an area outside the control of teachers and administrators.

Asked about recent cuts in funding, Anderson responds by citing the determination of his teaching faculty to continue to provide excellence in the
classroom. “It was a big hit, and right now we are seeing it in positions that are empty due to retirement that we are not replacing—we have three rather than four counselors, for example.”

“If you were King of the World, what would you want for Idaho schools?” This was an easy question for Anderson to answer. Laughing he said, “Hmm, King of the World, eh? I’d like to see all the schools in every part of the state, large and small, have the basic facilities to serve their students and a well-paid and enthusiastic faculty.” He discusses the talent and motivation that he sees in students today. “They have access to so much information, more than we had growing up. They are very aware, motivated, and it will be incredible to see what they can accomplish.”

According to Anderson this broad awareness makes for a committed student body. “Community service is encouraged and the numbers involved in that way rise every year,” he says, citing 300 students involved in community projects last year.

As a former student of anthropology, Ken Anderson has always been curious about how people think and why they do the things they do. His early experiences in union negotiations taught him the importance of “getting to yes.” Part of Anderson’s ability to inspire arises from his basic expectation that it is possible and necessary for diverse groups of people to work together toward realistic solutions. This ability to concentrate on the positive and to envision and enact policies that reflect great expectations makes Ken Anderson an effective leader.

It’s time.  Time to use one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. A tool so potent that it can combat the injustices that permeate our society.  A tool so mighty that it has the ability to shape our state.  What tool? Your vote.

We are obliged to vote. We must be about the business of sustaining life, about championing the rights of all – not just a selected few. We are privileged people, privileged beyond the comprehension of most of the world. And with that privilege, comes opportunity; opportunity to bring about systemic change, opportunity to make a difference. Use your privilege honorably on Tuesday, vote!

Inspiration, sense of duty, civic responsibility – a multitude of motivations bring  citizens step into the voting booth. Friends and neighbors share their thoughts in today’s blog.

“I have never missed voting — and I’m 87.  It’s what citizenship means!”

Bethine Church

I’ll spare you the ‘one vote counts’ lecture, but first of all: I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t. With all that’s going on I have to. Then, I’m a child of the sixties. I saw how political protest and activism made a difference. If you don’t think you one vote counts then get involved — go out and make spread the influence of that one vote.

Jody Bickle

Each year, the stakes grow higher in Idaho’s elections. The world moves faster every day; national and global competition for jobs, intellectual and social capital, and a just and sustainable way of life is fierce. Some candidates prefer to distract the electorate with wedge issues and red herrings; others acknowledge the enormous challenges we face and propose to do something about them. Some candidates would just assume set the clock back to 1950; others look ahead, desiring to create a better future for us and our children. If you’ve given up all hope in humanity, you might choose to stay home and not vote. You could tell yourself it doesn’t matter, but you’d be wrong. If you believe, on the other hand, that people (ordinary, extraordinary, and everyone in between) can make a difference, you have no choice but to vote. It’s one of the best tools we have
for shaping a brighter future.

Representative Brian Cronin, D19-B

Su Voto es Su Voz.  Your vote is your voice.  Participate in the process, you have a right to voice your opinion through your vote.  Do not let pundits and pollsters tell you that your demographic is apathetic and will not turn out to vote.   Participate in our democracy, it is your right!

Natalie Camacho Mendoza

ThankGod for Cherie, Nicole and Brian and the enlightened folks in District 19!  On to Victory!  Be sure and vote. – Tony Park

On Election Day two years ago,  I took some recently-arrived teenage refugees to a polling station to show them how our system works. I introduced them to the volunteers who are trained to staff the station and to the poll watchers who can challenge the process; I pointed out how the booths give privacy so voters cannot be coerced and showed how the ballots are secured in a locked box and the name of the voter announced to prevent fraud.  As I described each step, I became increasingly emotional, until tears were flowing and my voice cracking. I was overcome by the stark contrast in our experiences:  the violence and intimidation their families had suffered from a ruthless monarchy and violent political factions compared to the orderly electoral process I’ve known, of how their parents have never had voting rights compared to my father who was proud to be a poll worker, at how they have never had citizenship in any country compared to my opportunity to serve in public office. This was a
powerful reminder that no  matter how despairing or cynical we may be about US politics, we have an obligation to vote as a minimal way to support the rights and privileges  we have that are denied the majority of people in the world.

Betsy Dunklin

I can’t wait to sport my ‘I voted’ sticker all day!

Amy Herzfeld

Because the Democrats keep calling me until I do!

Carol Growhoski

Loud and often sinister voices try to break into our collective and individual consciousness but in the silence of the voting booth what we have to
say is profound and unimpeachable.

Mike Silva

This is one of the most important elections I can recall. We have a dynamic slate of Democrats from the Governor’s Race to District 19′s legislative races. Our state is very seriously disadvantaged by such an imbalance in power with Republicans overwhelmingly filling elective posts… to the detriment of our schools, our environment, our economy. PLEASE encourage your neighbors to vote and support Democrats to regain some sanity in the process of governing our wonderful Idaho. The debate will improve good bills that haven’t seen the light of day will get
legislative consideration, and our lives will be improved. Thank you for your willingness to work for intelligent candidates and to believe Idaho’s future is worth all our efforts for change.

Gail Bray

This is a very important election and your vote is needed.  Democracy is a participative form of government, not a spectator form.  So get out there and vote—remember, it is about “We the people.”

Ann Pasely-Stuart

We make a real difference when we vote!  Get to your polls on Tuesday & join these Idaho residents who voted Absentee from College in recent weeks.  (If we could just get them to floss…)

Kay Hummel, mother of Wyatt and Charlie Fereday

This election will have an incredible impact on our future. My kids and parents deserve better than the future Butch Otter has handed them. I’m voting for a better future; I’m voting for Keith Allred, Cherie Buckner-Webb, Nicole LeFavour and Brian Cronin.

Colleen Fellows

Here is Ron Coulter’s favorite quote from Samuel Adams that answers this question:

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual–or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. ”

Samuel Adams, The
Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam’s
Sons, 1907), Vol. IV, p. 256.

In Idaho this election is very much about ensuring Idahoremains a compassionate place, which cares about kids having a good education and not
facing crowded classrooms, overworked teachers getting by without the tools, books, and materials kids really need to succeed. Its about being fiscally wise and fully funding preventative programs that keep families and individuals from falling into crisis. It is about electing people who care and restore these values to the state.

Nicole LeFavour

 

Many women fought long and hard for the right to vote. They suffered through prison and torture. The least I can do is show up at the polls.

Cindy Gross, seen here as Thomas Jefferson

I vote because the minority needs to be heard. And I don’t mean “herded up” and carted off.
Spike Ericson

I vote because if I don’t I have no right to complain.
Lola Michaels

Only 46 years ago, my generation faced personal danger to win the right to vote in some parts of our own country.  Now it’s your turn to protect that right.  All you need to do is … vote!  Don’t take this important act of Democracy and freedom for granted.  Vote on Tuesday!

Yvonne McCoy

Voting is something I didn’t do until I got “older”, I could have been voting for years. I remember saying that I was not educated enough, I didn’t know enough about the issues and the candidates. What I didn’t know, was by not voting I was giving my power to someone else to make a choice for me. The power I had to affect change in my life and those I care about was freely given up. I believed the truth, that was in fact a lie; that my vote didn’t matter, that I was not of value as a young person, a poor person, as a HIV positive man, as a someone whowas not part of the social norm.
Duane Quintana
Yes, Virginia — there is a Santa Claus. As in that old essay the spirit of giving and harmony liveYes, Virginia — there is a Santa Claus. As in that old essay the spirit of giving and harmony lives in our hearts, so does democracy. Voting is a gift we give to ourselves, our future, our past, and to each other. Democracy only works when the spirit of giving infuses us all.s in our hearts, so does democracy. Voting is a gift we give to ourselves, our future, our past, and to each other. Democracy only works when the spirit of giving infuses us all. 

I
Vote, because I hope to help more progressive and forward thinking candidates get elected into office.  I vote for people who value environment, education, science, and exploration.  Whether it’s at the local or national level, I believe that those four things are key to our survival as human beings for future generations.  We can’t afford to regress into a mass society of intolerant people, a society where people choose to define being educated and well informed as elitism, a place where compromise and cooperation is a sign of weakness, or a place where limiting social rights and freedoms of a minority group or race is accepted.  If we do the right thing by voting and supporting progressive and forward thinking people, then overtime we as human beings have a real chance at ensuring we never destroy ourselves through ignorance and war.  This is the BIG reason why I vote (I do have more), and I hope that others keep these critical things in mind so that we can leave a better place behind for those who come after us.

Morgan Hill Jr.