Statesman endorsement: ‘Commonsense conservative’ is the right choice for Idaho House of Representatives
Kirk Adams calls himself a “commonsense conservative.” Asked what that means to him, he said, first, he’s a Republican, not a libertarian. Second, it means listening to all sides of an issue and looking for solutions, no matter where they come from.
Adams is a conservative Republican who seeks to find common ground on the issues that matter the most to voters. He is just the kind of person we need in the Idaho Legislature.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Adams in the Republican primary for Idaho House of Representatives, Position B, in District 11, which covers Middleton and mostly rural parts of Canyon County.
We’re endorsing Adams over the incumbent, Rep. Tammy Nichols, who, as Adams rightly described her, is more of a political activist than a legislator.
Adams pointed to several of Nichols’ “no” votes that he said were for no apparent reason other than to score points with a special-interest group. He cited the Idaho Patient Act, a bill to improve shooting ranges and a bill to approve wine storage, all of which passed resoundingly in the House and Senate.
Adams listed property taxes as his top priority, if elected. He said he’s open to looking at all solutions, including lifting the cap on the homeowners exemption or increasing the circuit breaker. Nichols also listed property taxes as her top priority, but she voted in favor of an overly simplistic property tax freeze bill that likely would have done more harm than solved the problem.
Adams said property tax is “the milk cow that’s run dry,” and he wants to take a look at the entirety of Idaho’s tax system, including sales taxes, corporate taxes, local-option taxes and individual income taxes.
He knows first-hand the impact of property taxes as a school board member of the Middleton school district, which has used a supplemental levy for several years.
He points out that when 80% of school districts operate on a supplemental levy, it’s no longer supplemental.
His experience on the Middleton school board is a good foundation for work as a legislator.
Adams said he supports Gov. Brad Little’s stay-home order and supports plans to incrementally reopen Idaho’s economy, while Nichols has spoken at a “Disobey Idaho” rally in defiance of the order.
Adams said, specifically, a wine storage bill that Nichols voted against but passed the Legislature and was signed by the governor, is an example of voting without consideration of the voters of District 11, which includes the Sunnyslope wine region. The bill authorizes third-party bonded wine warehouses, with a $300 annual state licensing fee, to allow for the storing and handling of wines produced by Idaho wineries. District 11 includes the Sunnyslope wine region whose wineries were asking for this ability to store wines without having to ship them out of state. Adams said he would have voted for this bill. Nichols said she couldn’t recall that bill and said she couldn’t recall hearing from any wineries asking for this bill, which concerns this board, because the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission testified in favor of the bill. If Nichols is not hearing from grape growers and wineries, that demonstrates a disconnect between Nichols and her constituents.
Similarly, Adams said he would have voted for the Idaho Patient Act, which Nichols voted against, protecting Idaho patients from lawyers tacking on exorbitant fees to collect medical debt. Nichols voted against a bill that will add, expand and improve shooting ranges in Idaho; Adams would have voted for that. Nichols did vote for an “Idaho Chooses Life” specialty license plate but voted against a “Too Great for Hate” license plate during the most recent session.
We are also encouraged that Adams has attended an open government training program hosted by Idahoans for Openness in Government in conjunction with the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, which he said was eye opening and solidified his belief in the importance of open government.
Adams lost to Nichols in the primary in 2018, which he attributed to the vote being split in a five-way race. He, Scott Brock and David Lincoln received 3,243 votes combined, while Nichols received 2,318. Adams said he has the support of Lincoln and Brock in this primary, which is a two-person race this time around.
Adams will bring a much-needed commonsense, reasonable voice to the Idaho Legislature from District 11.
This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 4:00 AM.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we write endorsements
Who decides the endorsements?
Members of Idaho Statesman editorial board interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The editorial board is composed of journalists and community members. Members of the Statesman editorial board are: Statesman editor Chadd Cripe, opinion editor Scott McIntosh, opinion writer Bryan Clark, assistant editor Jim Keyser and community members John Hess, Debbie McCormick and Julie Yamamoto.
What does the endorsement process entail?
The Statesman editorial board meets with political candidates and asks them a series of questions about policy issues. The editorial board discusses the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. The editorial board generally will not endorse a candidate who does not agree to an interview with the board members.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well-prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues and their understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats. We make recommendations about who the best-qualified candidates for these jobs are.
Why are endorsements unsigned?
Endorsements reflect the collective views of the Statesman’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. Board members all discuss and contribute ideas to each endorsement editorial.
Do I have to vote for the candidate the Statesman endorses?
Of course not. An endorsement is just our recommendation based on the candidates’ backgrounds and their answers to editorial board questions.
Can I disagree with the Statesman’s endorsement?
Of course you can. We encourage voters to do their own research and choose the candidate who best represents your views.
Want your say?
Readers are encouraged to express their thoughts by submitting a letter to the editor. Click on “Submit a letter or opinion” at idahostatesman.com/opinion.
Want more opinions each week?
Subscribe to The Idaho Way weekly email newsletter, a collection of editorials, columns, guest opinions and letters to the editor from the Opinion section of the Idaho Statesman each week. You can sign up for The Idaho Way here.