Idaho Statesman endorses in the race for Boise City Council to represent West Boise
The two candidates for Boise City Council, District 1, Laura Metzler and Luci Willits, are both smart, kind and clearly passionate about West Boise.
Whichever candidate wins the race for this seat will need to do a lot of homework, though, between Election Day and the day she takes office in order to learn what the job is all about.
Neither candidate, in interviewing with this editorial board, demonstrated a deep understanding of what the job entails, giving us pause in this endorsement.
The editorial board had a difficult time eliciting definitive answers to questions about important issues such as housing density, property taxes, inclusionary zoning and affordable housing.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board gives a slight nod to Willits, who demonstrated a moderately better understanding of what the job of City Council member will entail when she takes office and was better able to articulate her answers.
A third candidate, David Jones, did not respond to an invitation to participate in an interview with the editorial board. The Idaho Statesman will not endorse a candidate who does not interview with the board.
Metzler and Willits shared a lot of the same talking points, expressing support for law enforcement and having a “clean and safe city.” Both candidates said they want to “preserve the character” of neighborhoods. Both expressed a desire to promote a welcoming environment in Boise. “Keeping Boise Boise,” Willits said. “Still be a welcoming city,” Metzler said.
Metzler, a retired U.S. Postal Service worker, listed her top priorities as addressing growth, protecting natural resources, particularly water, and ensuring Boise is “safe and clean.”
Willits, a former journalist and press secretary for U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, and employee with the Idaho Board of Education and Department of Education, listed her top priorities as learning more about the job, being an effective representative of West Boise, supporting law enforcement and public safety, and turning Boise into “more of a capital city.” In particular, one of her goals is to bring a Fourth of July parade to downtown Boise.
While the candidates shared noble goals, both were short on details.
This is indeed a historic election, the first time in Boise history that candidates will be selected by district, as mandated by a new state law.
Both Metzler and Willits said they would seek to “preserve the character” of neighborhoods and would listen to neighbors when it comes to approving development.
Since council members are now elected only by those voters who live in their district, we are concerned this could exacerbate the already pervasive problem of NIMBYism — the attitude of “not in my backyard.”
We fear voting by district could lead to council members listening only to those loud voices of neighbors who shout down any kind of proposal that includes higher density and not making decisions based on what’s best for the city.
Willits did express support for medium-density as well as mixed-use development, but cautioned that developers and the city need to stick with original agreements made at the time of approval.
When it comes to the problem of rising property taxes, Metzler acknowledged that cities have to stay within the budget, but she rightly recognized that rising residential property taxes can be blamed, in part, on the cap on the homeowners exemption and restrictions placed on cities by the state Legislature.
Meanwhile, Willits raised a red flag for us when she expressed some support for House Bill 389, a new state law that is widely recognized as a poorly thought-out and disastrous bill that’s had wide-ranging negative effects on city budgets. It’s a bill that doesn’t cut property taxes and makes the problem worse.
Overall, we found few other differences between the candidates, though we had difficulty pinning them down on definitive positions on specific issues. Either candidate would be a fine decision for voters in West Boise, but this board gives a tepid endorsement of Willits in this race.
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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