Ruxton for D14

Excellent piece by Becky Sundin Mitchell, candidate for Idaho Superintendent for Public Instruction, identifying some of the impacts of the education funding decisions made by our current legislators. Smoke and Mirrors, indeed. Our kids (and our communities) deserve better.

Smoke and Mirrors A lot of words without saying a single thing

This is a great reminder of the power of conversation. Door knocking, phone calls, meeting community members at events…it’s all important.

DOOR KNOCK OF THE DAY (May 23). An issue came up at two doors that isn’t often mentioned: Regulations. The concern is that in its drive to claim that Idaho is “the least regulated state in the nation,” the legislature is ignoring the potential loss of important consumer protections that people expect or take for granted.

During these conversations at the door, we agreed that an over-regulated society is not beneficial. It can stifle legitimate, important free market and economic interests.

We also agreed that when the legislature believes regulations and professional licensing requirements are unnecessary because “the free market is self-regulating,” people’s property and lives can be put at risk. If your house burns down due to faulty wiring by an unlicensed electrical contractor, the legislature's response should be more than just telling the homeowner to use a different contractor the next time.

Reasonable regulations serve a rightful role in balancing the free market with protecting people from undue harm by forces and circumstances beyond their control.

The legislature and the executive branch should focus on eliminating redundant, conflicting, and obsolete regulations –not eliminating important consumer protections as a consequence of blind obedience to political slogans.

The Grill for the People event hosted by 50501 yesterday started with a bit of a weather challenge, but that didn’t stop any of us.

It was a great day filled with community, conversation, good food, and an opportunity to support veterans in need.

I was grateful to be among a group of candidates who truly value community and who showed up to participate yesterday. I’m honored to be running alongside so many smart, energized, committed, clear-eyed, and compassionate people this election cycle.

Days like yesterday remind us that when people come together with purpose and heart, great things happen.

Save the date! June 11th, Discovery Park, 6-8 pm. Watch for details!

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who showed up to support my primary election campaign. To those who hosted events, offered advice and support, sent donations, distributed literature, and VOTED - thank you! We were successful in the primary, but now the real work begins. It's going to be a long, very busy 5+months until the general election in November. Together, we can make a difference. Let's do this!

I'm planning on attending this event on May 25th....hope to see you there!