Idaho State Senator District 9 Choose 1
Idaho Senate 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.
Biographical Information
Term
(208) 713-9583
Campaign Phone
2087139583
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I am running as a Democrat because I believe in this American experiment. I believe the best type of government is a representative one. With diversity, comes strength. I hope to restore the notion of small government, provide transparency, and earn the trust of constituents. Consequences of our legislation has left some, like myself, in the crosshairs by implementing extreme policies. I promise to legislate in the best interests of constituents and never choose party platform or special interest groups over people.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
I graduated BSU with a B.S. in Psychology and obtained a certificate in Mediation. I managed several law offices in Boise, Idaho for approximately 18 years, handling cases in the State and Federal Courts. Recently, I participated in the largest 9th Circuit case in history. I was admitted to law school at U of I and rescinded my application due to Idaho’s political climate. I have seen first hand how laws impact real people and can conceptualize the affects. In my experience, I have learned that laws are black and white, while people live in shades of gray. I understand the role of the legislation, the importance of representation within its bounds, and balancing that role with the judicial and executive branches of government.
3 What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
I believe the biggest challenges Idahoans face are tax relief, protection of agriculture and water rights, growth, public school funding, voting, and access to health care (women’s health and Medicaid). I believe we will continue to see attacks on these and other matters until voters demand more. My legal background has taught me, with great power comes great responsibility and our current representatives are not proceeding with care, leaving real people negatively impacted. I will protect the interests of my constituents and prevent any further government overreach.
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.
Absolutely. The State has done a great job protecting the life of the unborn, while strapping the risks associated with pregnancy to women and doctors. Pregnancy is risky. Consequently, hospitals are closing and doctors are leaving the profession. When doctors are threatened by punitive laws, patients inevitably bear the brunt of the consequences through increased suffering and harm, especially in rural areas. Women will take more risks, such as sepsis, for fear of legal consequences. Women deserve autonomy and privacy. The quality of life and health of pregnant people are most impacted by Idaho’s bans. Forcing patients to travel long distance or flight for health care is not good policy. Idaho’s bans are bad for Idahoan’s.
5. Is there anything else you would like to tell the voters?
I am a fourth generation Idahoan. I won’t pretend to have all the answers and I am eager to listen. Lived experiences are crucial to understanding one another. Our branches of government are designed to provide checks and balances. When the Idaho legislature commits overreach, it is expensive for us all. Idaho deserves better representation. I will commit to doing what is right for the constituents in my district, even when it means standing up to opposition. I will listen to the concerns of our healthcare professionals and women who are impacted. My opponent is constrained to act by party politics and adhere to an extremist loyalty oath. I ask for your vote so our vision of Idaho is accessible and your voice will matter.
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. Is there anything else you would like to tell the voters?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Term
(208) 573-9301
Website
http://symeforidaho.com
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
To represent my constituents to the best of my ability. To make pragmatic decisions that are reflective of the values of District 9. What I find satisfaction from is to help people who have problems with state government.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
I served six years in the Idaho House of Representatives. With my background in business, my education, serving the nation in the military, farming, ranching and community involvement I bring a wealth of experience to the legislature. My experience will be necessary to navigate the complex issues that arise in the legislature.
3 What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
Idaho has become know as an extremists state which is hurting our ability to attract new companies, doctors and teachers to our state. I want to focus on the big issues and for the lesser issues to take a less extreme position.
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 believe the current law allows for those exceptions. However, there is fear amongst the medical community that the current law is too vague and will result in unnecessary lawsuits. Currently, we are losing doctors and doctors don't want to locate to Idaho because of the punitive nature of some of these very issues. I would work with the medical community to craft better language to clarify the law to give more clarity for doctors and families in making these hard decisions.
5. Is there anything else you would like to tell the voters?
I was raised on a farm near Weiser with very fiscal conservative values as we didn't have a lot of money. I have been a Republican all my life. It concerns me that many of the individuals running for positions in the Republican Party just call themselves Conservatives not Republicans. Republicans have always been conservative but that is not the only thing they stand for. I am a Reagan Republican who believes in fiscal conservancy and the lightest hand of Government.