Statesman endorsement: Diana Lachiondo is the better choice for Ada County Commission
Diana Lachiondo has distinguished herself not only as an Ada County commissioner but as a board member of the Central District Health Department.
Lachiondo, first elected in 2018, has been a key player in Coordinated Growth in Ada County, an effort to manage growth along with other jurisdictions that has included workshops, town halls and neighborhood meetings. The effort is looking at impact fees, an update to the county’s land use code and a transportation action plan.
Lachiondo also recognizes that cutting spending now, in such areas as capital expenses, might mean increased spending later.
We have also been impressed with how Lachiondo has conducted herself on the Central District Health board, reasoning with other board members to move Ada County back to Stage 3 when it was needed and advocating for mask mandates in Ada and Valley counties, which over time have proved to be the correct course of action.
For these reasons and more, the Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Lachiondo for another term as Ada County commissioner in District 1.
Her opponent, Ryan Davidson, repeats the usual refrain of “limited government, low taxes,” without specifics, wanting to cut for the sake of cutting. He also brings an overly partisan bent to the campaign, attacking “failed Democratic policies” and warning against turning Boise into “another Portland or Seattle.”
We are also concerned about Davidson’s involvement in some controversial events in the past, including the use of a cardboard cutout of Donald Trump putting Hillary Clinton in a headlock at the Ada County Republican Party’s booth at the Western Idaho Fair when he was Ada County Republican chairman. As chairman of the Ada County Republican Central Committee, Davidson used his own party’s money to pay for advice related to his private lobbying business in 2018.
Lachiondo and Davidson diverge in several key areas. Davidson said he wouldn’t have voted for mask mandates, which Lachiondo voted for. Lachiondo, as a Democratic commissioner, works in a spirit of bipartisanship with Republican elected officials at the county level, including the sheriff, coroner, clerk and prosecuting attorney. Davidson is clear that he would approach the job with a partisan lens.
Lachiondo has a firm grasp of the county budget, recognizing those parts — 85% of the county budget — that are mandated by the state. At the same time, she maintains aspirational goals of reducing homelessness and addressing opioid addiction.
She recognizes the need to ensure that growth pays for itself. She helped initiate a study of impact fees charged to developers, noting that Ada County residents are weary of existing taxpayers shouldering the bill for new people moving in. She has met with representatives of all six cities to discuss a county-level impact fees ordinance, noting the needs in the county jail and the coroner’s office. She said she would also work to add emergency medical service to the list of services that can use impact fees.
She also recognizes that the question of funding the sheriff’s office does not have an either/or answer. She said it’s important to fulfill constitutional obligations and make sure the sheriff’s department is fully funded but at the same time work on the root causes of police calls for service, such as mental health issues and drug addiction.
Lachiondo has been on the commission for just a couple of years, but she demonstrates a vast and deep knowledge of the job, the county’s budget and the goals to make Ada County an even better place to live. She deserves your vote.
This story was originally published October 8, 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, newsroom editors Dana Oland and 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.
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