ELECTIONS, DISTRICT 15

Fred Martin for Senate

I think it’s time for new blood in the Idaho Legislature. Occasionally a candidate emerges who seems well-qualified to serve. I’m backing Republican Fred S. Martin for the District 15 Senate seat.

He’s a conservative businessman with extensive experience in political affairs.

Martin believes in the Republican Party values of lower taxes, less government and more people taking on personal responsibilities. He describes himself as pro-life, pro-family and pro-education. As a former school teacher, he will work to see that the available education dollars are used wisely. He and his wife Darla have six children and 15 grandchildren and Martin has been active for years in scouting, youth basketball and soccer and community affairs such as United Way.

Experience and an unblemished personal record are good things to have in the people who will be deciding laws for us.

BURKE DANA, Boise

Support Betty Richardson

Had enough, fellow Idahoans? I have. That's why I support Betty Richardson for the District 15 seat in the Idaho Senate.

I’ve known Betty for a decade. I know as my state senator she’ll tackle issues with intelligence, compassion, integrity, and fairness rather than the narrow partisanship that now rules the Statehouse. To Betty, people matter, not scoring political points.

She and her husband, Pete, have lived in the area she seeks to represent for 17 years. They raised two children there, educating them in the public school system. She understands the issues that Idaho’s working families face daily, especially the importance of a strong public education system and a stable state economy.

Betty’s record of public service includes a term as U.S. attorney for Idaho and chairman of the Idaho Industrial Commission. Her service at both are benchmarks for achievement and high ethical standards.

Idaho still has miles to go to recover from its recession. Our education system is in turmoil. Working families are, at best, holding their own. Many are still losing ground.

The Legislature needs leadership, rationality and a willingness to build coalitions to move the state forward. Betty Richardson will provide it.

DON ROSEBROCK, Boise

ELECTIONS, DISTRICT 18

Branden Durst for Senate

I’ll be voting for Branden Durst for District 18 Senate on Election Day. Branden is committed to representing his constituents, not capitulating to his party’s wishes.

In contrast to his opponent, he accepted the invitation to visit our neighborhood school to better understand its challenges and triumphs. With education being such an important issue, I am grateful that Branden Durst works to truly understand what’s going on in the classroom as well as what’s going on in the Statehouse. He knows what it means to be a real representative of his district.

During the primary race, I asked Branden a lot of questions before giving him my vote. He and I don’t agree on every single issue, but he earned my support by respectfully listening to what I had to say, and by responding to my concerns. His responsiveness is a refreshing change, one that will benefit the residents in this district as well as the whole of Idaho.

I look forward to having a senator who better reflects District 18, who wants to hear from (and learn from) his constituents, and who is thoughtful and innovative. This is why I’m voting for Branden Durst.

NANCY MERRILL, Boise