Campaign Statement
I am looking forward to serving in the Idaho Legislature to represent the communities in Idaho’s Legislative District 6. My husband, Dana, and I came to Idaho to attend graduate school at the University of Idaho, intending to move back to the Midwest after receiving our degrees. However, we fell in love with Idaho and have lived in Latah County for over 50 years where we raised our two children, became very active in a variety of community organizations, and where I taught science for many years. Since retiring, we enjoy taking hands-on science activities to rural libraries and schools in our district. I want to learn how recent actions of the legislature have affected our communities and how I can help them achieve their goals.
Campaign Phone
2083102922
Campaign Email
kathy.dawes@kathydawesforidaho.com
I will work to bring balance to the Idaho legislature which has gone too far with government overreach. Recent legislation removes individual freedoms, interferes with rights to make personal healthcare decisions, overrides local control by locally elected leaders, and ignores input from medical professionals and law enforcement. I will vet proposed bills, asking: 1) Is it important and necessary to address at the state level? 2) Will it result in negative unintended consequences? 3) If so, can harm be reduced? I strongly believe "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and will support providing preventive healthcare and resources to Idaho communities that will make them less likely to have problems that cost more in the long run.
As a 50+ year resident of Latah County, I was a founding member of several organizations and served on the Parks Board 13 years. I am a retired Jr. High Science teacher and had my own business as a scientific illustrator. These experiences allowed me to recognize community needs and work to meet those needs using my skills as a creative problem solver and moderator. I have followed the Idaho legislature carefully for the past 8 years, studied bills, testified in committee hearings, and in 2022 participated in drafting a successful Resolution (HCR 29) promoting understanding how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) affect children and adults. I have served on an ACEs Prevention Committee of the Idaho Behavioral Health Council for 4 years.
The legislature has not fulfilled its constitutional duty to fund public education adequately without depending on continuing increases in property taxes. As a former teacher, I can address the need for safe facilities, excellent teachers, and creative instructional opportunities. Other challenges include supporting programs and services that help Idaho families with healthcare, childcare, and affordable housing. I will support legislation that assists communities in addressing these issues, especially at the local level. I support the Community School concept: public schools providing services and support for students and families that fit each neighborhood’s needs, created and run by the local communities.
Idaho is very politically polarized, resulting in animosity and extremism. I am a trained moderator and ambassador for the national non-partisan organization, “Braver Angels.” Its mission is to “inspire and equip Americans to practice courageous citizenship across political differences….” I will use my skills as a teacher and trained moderator to work across the aisle in the legislature to collaborate and find solutions to important problems facing our state. My focus is “Bringing Idahoans Together” to talk to each other with respect, listen to constituents and experts, find common ground, and work together to prevent or solve problems to help our Idaho communities thrive. That is what I believe is the job of the Idaho legislature.
Campaign Email
votekenforidaho@gmail.com
Phone
2086699363
Office Sought
Idaho House of Representatives District 6 seat B
If elected, I want to focus on issues that make a real difference in people’s lives. I will work to strengthen public education, support teachers, and ensure schools have stable, reliable funding. I also want to improve access to affordable healthcare and address the rising cost of living that many families are facing. Finally, I will support economic opportunities that allow people to live, work, and raise their families here in our communities.
I have spent more than 30 years working at the University of Idaho, starting as a custodian and working my way up to custodial training manager. I also spent 16 years as a substitute teacher in the Genesee School District. These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how institutions function, how budgets affect real people, and the challenges facing students and families. I’ve worked alongside people from many backgrounds and learned the importance of listening, problem-solving, and showing up every day. I come from a rural farm and military family, where responsibility and hard work were simply expected.
One of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of living, including housing, healthcare, food, and fuel. Families are working hard but still feeling increasing pressure, especially in rural communities. Education is another key issue—ensuring schools and universities have the resources they need while maintaining academic freedom. I’ve also seen how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system during my daughter’s battle with lymphoma, where access and cost were major concerns. These are issues that require practical solutions so the burden does not fall disproportionately on working families.
I’m running because I believe in this community and the people who make it work every day. I’m not a career politician—I’m someone who has worked, raised a family, and lived the same challenges many people here face. I believe in listening, treating people with respect, and focusing on solutions that improve lives. If elected, I will approach this role with honesty, hard work, and a commitment to representing everyone in the district.
