Idaho State House District 16 A Choose 1
Idaho House of Representatives members serve a 2-year term and are responsible for translating the public will into public policy for the state, levying taxes, appropriating public funds, and overseeing the administration of state agencies. These responsibilities are carried out through the legislative process — laws passed by elected representatives of the people, legislators.Candidates who filed as Independent (IND) will show up on the General Election Ballot November 8.
Biographical Information
Website
http://www.soniagalaviz.com
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1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I’m grateful to be running for my second term in the House of Representatives. My focus and north star continues to be public education in Idaho. If I am elected again, I would like to bring legislation that helps address inequity in rural school facilities funding, state testing exemptions, and help for special education. I will also continue to work with Fish and Game, Ag, and Office of Species Conservation on legislation related to grizzly bear and wolf depredation of livestock. In addition to working on bills, I will continue to work toward bipartisan cooperation and developing the collaboration necessary to do the work of Idaho. I am committed to working beyond party politics in order to bring forward meaningful legislation.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
I have taught as a public school teacher for 20 years in Title 1 schools in Idaho. I don’t think anything could have prepared me more fully for the experience as a Legislator. I appreciate the lessons I have learned within our public schools about the importance of finding common ground, seeking to understand, and working together for the best opportunities for our students. I will continue to utilize those standards and values as I approach my relationships within the statehouse and with legislation. I'm also grateful for my Idaho upbringing. I grew up in a rural town in the panhandle of Idaho. That experience in rural Idaho allows me to consider legislation, viewpoints, and the scope of work as it impacts every community in Idaho.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
Idaho is a very conservative state, one that I have grown up in and recognize the values and priorities of Idaho conservatives. I do not recognize the Republican party in our state at this point. I would imagine many Republicans would say the same thing. It is imperative that we get our politics back to the center where we can work together and listen to each other. Elections have always mattered, but perhaps now more than ever. This primary season is particularly important as many reasonable Republicans and Democrats face far right candidates that bring extremist views and political division to the ballot. It is important for all of us to work to ensure that we elect those who represent Idaho values and sensible politics.
4. Would you support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications and allow for medical and family decisions regarding continuation of that pregnancy. Please explain your response.
I would absolutely support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women trying to access healthcare related to their pregnancy. I am horrified that we were unable to bring legislation that would address the health of the mother this last session. Many people are committed to bringing legislation that removes criminal liability for physicians and puts in protection for women seeking care related to their health and any complications that may arise during pregnancy. In truth, there is only a handful of folks that are blocking these efforts to bring a fix to this untenable law. We need to continue to advocate for an amendment to the law that hurts women and jeopardizes our healthcare professionals.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
I was honored to serve this last legislative term and feel grateful to represent District 16 as their representative. I care deeply about Idaho and am proud of the work I was able to do during my first term. I am committed to listening, learning from others, engaging with stakeholders and our state's agencies, and seeking the input of constituents, to craft and promote the best legislation possible for Idaho.
Biographical Information
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
Candidate has not yet responded.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
Candidate has not yet responded.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
Candidate has not yet responded.
4. Would you support legislation to remove criminal liability for physicians and pregnant women experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications and allow for medical and family decisions regarding continuation of that pregnancy. Please explain your response.
Candidate has not yet responded.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
Candidate has not yet responded.