District 20 serves Meridian
Senate
* Rep. Mark A. Snodgrass, R-Meridian; Sen. Shirley McKague, R-Meridian (incumbent); Laurynda "Ryndy'' Williams, D-Meridian.
House Seat A
* Keith Bird, R-Meridian; Joe Palmer, R-Meridian; Rex Kerr, L-Meridian
House Seat B
Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian (incumbent).
* Our endorsement
Rep. Mark Snodgrass has worked for three years to improve Treasure Valley air quality. Sen. Shirley McKague doesn't think there's a problem.
Snodgrass does his homework on issues, especially in education, finds reasonable solutions and looks out for the best interests of Meridian residents. McKague is disconnected and doesn't fully understand the issues.
The air quality issue in particular illustrates why Snodgrass is an easy choice for Meridian Republicans.
Snodgrass, serving his third term in the House, spent two years advocating for a new law that could lead to revamped, Valleywide vehicle emissions tests and cleaner, healthy air for Ada County residents. The new law will actually reduce emission costs for constituents, while improving air quality.
Snodgrass said air quality will continue to get worse if the state doesn't get involved. We agree. McKague doesn't.
McKague said there is no air quality problem in Canyon County so she voted against a bill that could require emissions tests in Canyon County. Let's remember, she doesn't represent Canyon County residents - and her Ada County constituents are already subject to emissions tests. Even worse, McKague insists vehicles do not cause air quality problems, even though vehicle exhausts trigger the Valley's most serious pollution problems, such as ozone.
We also agree with Snodgrass that registration fees or gas taxes may have to be increased to improve roads and that local-option taxing authority does not need to be addressed through a constitutional amendment. (Snodgrass supported the amendment during the 2008 session, but says, given a second chance, that he probably would have voted no).
McKague, unconvincingly, tries to label Snodgrass a closet Democrat. "He's no more of a Republican than Hillary Clinton,'' McKague said. "Mr. Snodgrass consistently votes with the Democrats.''
Snodgrass defends his "redness" with social issues - he's pro-life and against gay marriage.
"I'm more of a problem-solver instead of an idealogue,'' Snodgrass said.
Meridian needs a problem-solver in the Senate. Snodgrass is a clear pick.
HOUSE SEAT A
Keith Bird is a long-time Meridian resident and public servant who deserves to be promoted by voters into the Legislature.
Bird has been on the Meridian City Council for 11 years, worked with the Meridian Speedway for 17 years and has volunteered with the Optimist football organization for 43 years. He is well-connected and he knows his community's history.
Bird's most important political philosophies are in agreement with our board. He wants transparency in government and to make sure spending doesn't go unchecked. He promises to return every phone call and e-mail: "You might not like what I say, but at least I'll listen.''
We also agree with Bird on most of the top issues. He likes the idea of a local-option tax, but not a constitutional amendment; he's not a huge fan of borrowing money but is in favor of bonding for roads; he supports saving open space as long as it benefits the majority of taxpayers; and he's a huge fan of college scholarships, teacher merit pay if "it's done right,'' and a new community college. He promises to be frugal and efficient, which means reviewing tax exemptions.
Bird's opponent Joe Palmer would not interview with our editorial board. He filled out our online questionnaire with brief or one-word answers. He has had no community involvement or political experience. Compared to a seasoned local leader such as Bird, this is no contest.
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