Idaho State Representative District 29A 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.
Biographical Information
X known as Twitter
@DustinManwaring
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I will continue to focus on policy that protects families, promotes small business and entrepreneurship, and preserves our natural resources in Idaho. I will continue to focus on tax policy and work to keep our tax burdens low, invest in our transportation infrastructure, schools, law enforcement, and other important areas like our state parks and recreational opportunities. I will work with legislators from all sides and from all areas of the state to solve the most difficult problems, including our water systems and management, low cost renewable power and transmission, broadband, access to healthcare, and other impacts of technology and from the growth of our state.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
My experience includes being born and raised in Southeast Idaho. I am a husband and father with deep Idaho roots, including understanding our background in agriculture and also as a leader in areas like nuclear energy, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing and technologies. I have over 14 years of experience successfully managing my law practice and six years of experience serving in the Idaho Legislature. I have been elected by my peers to serve as the House Majority Caucus Chair and lead our caucus of 59 republicans. I serve as a volunteer on local nonprofit boards, including the Lillian Vallely Youth Foundation serving Native American Youth and Operation Freedom Recovery helping veterans with mental health and addiction recovery.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
We will continue to see population increases and pressure from growth will continue to affect all aspects of our state and its resources. We must be diligent in how we invest in our infrastructure and things like our schools, at the same time recognizing we have a declining birth rate and encourage different types of workforce development and opportunities like Idaho Launch that can provide new pathways for high school students to obtain the skills necessary to qualify for an Idaho job. We also must be committed to carefully managing our water, forests, and agriculture lands and access to energy for Idaho's future sustainability.
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.
There is no criminal liability for physicians when protecting the life of the mother experiencing life threatening pregnancy complications. Idaho Code 18-622(2)(a)(i) protects the life of the mother when a physician has determined it is necessary to prevent the death of the pregnant woman. Expanding the limited exception for the health of the mother seems to be basis for this question. I believe we need to make sure we are not discouraging doctors from practicing in Idaho or providing healthcare as they follow the law and make medical decisions providing for the health and safety of their patients.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
It is a humbling opportunity to serve as your state representative from District 29 in Pocatello. It is a lot of work and I do my best to listen to voters and to represent all interests in the Idaho legislature. If you have heard something or have a concern about an issue, please contact me directly to discuss it. It is often the case when there are more facts to consider and share so you can understand my position. I will continue to be a reasonable voice in the Idaho legislature that searches for solutions, brings people together, and solves problems. I enjoy the opportunity to serve and would appreciate your support in the upcoming 2024 primary and general election. Thank you!
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
2088475707
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/maryforidaho
X known as Twitter
@maryforidaho
Campaign Website
http://www.maryforidaho.com/
1. What do you hope to accomplish if elected?
I believe we have an emergent situation concerning maternal health care in Idaho. I will do everything within my power to make sure Idaho modifies our bans to protect maternal health and life, and that we do everything we can to recruit and retain obstetricians, pediatricians, emergency room physicians, and especially maternal fetal medicine specialists. Beyond restoring at least the most pressing of our rights to healthcare, my primary focus will be on improving public education, addressing our local and statewide housing crisis, enhancing mental health resources, and restoring civility to our political discourse. Finally, I aim to ensure that every child in Idaho has access to a high-quality education.
2. What experience has prepared you for this office?
My three decades of experience as a trial attorney specializing in civil rights and child welfare law have equipped me with a deep understanding of the legal and social challenges facing our community. My time as a teacher and department head at Idaho State University provided me with firsthand experience in educational issues. My experience as the owner of small law firms informs my understanding of the economic challenges of running a business. My experience as a mother of three and a surrogate mother to other kids informs my understanding of the challenges of parenthood. These roles, combined with my extensive involvement in community service and leadership in various legal and charitable organizations, have prepared me for this.
3. What do you see as the most significant challenges Idaho faces that you might be able to address in this position?
Idaho has a lot of challenges right now. I will support all reasonable and meaningful efforts to protect maternal health, and to recruit and retain our medical providers in Idaho. Beyond our immediate need to restore at least some of our healthcare rights, the most significant challenges include managing our rapid population growth in a sustainable way, including addressing a growing housing crisis and pressures on our water resources; addressing the chronic underfunding of public education; and meeting the mental health needs of our population. These issues impact not only the quality of life but also the economic and social stability of our state.
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.
Yes, I would support such legislation. I trust medical professionals and the individuals directly impacted to make highly personal medical decisions without the fear of legal repercussions. It is vital to respect and protect the rights of women to make informed decisions about their health, especially in life and health threatening situations. Such decisions should be guided by medical advice and personal values, not by restrictive laws that fail to consider the nuances of individual cases.
It is important to elect candidates who not only give lip service to this idea, but who will also commit to doing something about it. Right now, I am concerned that leadership in the legislature is tying the hands of the majority party.
5. What else would you like to tell the voters?
I am committed to serving with integrity, empathy, and dedication. My campaign is driven by a genuine desire to improve the lives of all Idahoans. I will promote freedom to make decisions that should not be interfered with by the government. I will promote fairness for everyone, meaning that everyone deserves dignity and respect. I believe that our tax dollars must be used in an accountable way, to fund the kind of government services Idahoans value, and to invest in our future Idaho. I understand the responsibilities this office carries, and I am prepared to tackle them head-on. I encourage all voters to engage actively in our democratic processes, ask hard questions, and hold their elected officials accountable.