On Oct. 31, the Idaho Statesman declined to endorse for House Seat A in District 21. Its reasoning, understandably, is that it was were unable to meet me or my opponent for an interview. While my opponent made the conscious choice not to meet with the board or respond their request, a family conflict resulted in my inability for us to find a mutually convenient time to meet. In absence of that interview I will tell you what the Idaho Statesman could not:

I am the right choice right now for District 21 House Seat A.

I chose to run for this seat to give voice to those not being represented in Idaho. I have gone door-to-door meeting with thousands of constituents in my district since May, and I hear the same concerns: What are Idaho lawmakers doing about ethics, jobs and education?

Our Legislature has had very serious ethics problems while at the same time single party politics has discouraged compromise from those who should set the highest standards. My experience working in government contracts has helped me develop communication and cooperation skills to implement real-world solutions. I always hold myself to high personal standards and I strongly support effort to create an independent ethics commission. My opponent views this as more “government bureaucracy.” Seriously?

I will also strongly support efforts to motivate the Idaho economy and get Idahoans back to work at a living wage, with benefits all Idahoans deserve. The same old tax breaks for those not impacted by this economy has never worked, and never will work. I will labor tirelessly searching for the employment innovations and solutions that will work for all Idahoans.

I have already voted no on Props 1, 2 and 3. As your representative, I will vote against any efforts to revive these laws against voter wishes. My opponent has already endorsed these laws despite the fact that the majority of Idahoans have vocally rejected them. I advocate for true education reform. Idaho needs education reform created with input from all stakeholders; parents, students, lawmakers and teachers. Our state deserves grassroots education reform with clear and measurable goals, and most importantly clearly identified costs.

A vote for me is a vote to make your voice heard in the Idaho state Legislature.

Craig Kreiser, a Boise Democrat, is a candidate for House Seat A in legislative District 21.