Endorsement: Idaho Statesman’s pick for Boise City Council in District 5 | Opinion
Voters in Boise City Council District 5 have two good choices in Meredith Stead and Jeremy Gugino.
The two candidates don’t differ a lot in their positions, but they do differ a little in approaches.
Stead, a marketing professional currently with Albertsons, was appointed by Mayor Lauren McLean to the Boise City Council in August to fill the vacancy left by Holli Woodings. She previously served on the Boise Planning and Zoning Commission for six years. She would approach the job as an insider with experience in how city government decisions get made.
Gugino was communications director for Reclaim Idaho, and he previously held communications positions for Democratic legislators and politicians, and was a lawyer and a TV journalist. He would approach the job more as an outsider and from a constituent’s perspective.
Our decision in this race was not unanimous, and we all appreciated Gugino’s focus on constituent services.
But the majority of the board members felt Stead’s deeper firsthand knowledge of what she’d face as a City Council member would better serve the residents of District 5, which covers the East End, Harris Ranch and the North End as far west as 15th Street.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Stead for this seat.
But the endorsement comes with a recommendation: Make sure you continue to listen to the residents. Gugino aptly expressed what many residents feel — that city government is distant and not responsive to those on-the-ground issues that affect city residents’ day-to-day lives.
While Stead will be well-equipped to make decisions on zoning issues and development proposals, it will be equally important to communicate with residents and address their concerns, and relay to residents what’s happening at City Hall.
Stead has an extensive record of volunteer service, serving on the FUNDSY board, the community advisory board of Boise State Public Radio, Leadership Boise and Conservation Voters of Idaho.
Both candidates are well-informed on the location of Interfaith Sanctuary on State Street and hold similar views. Both supported City Council’s decision to approve it with conditions, but Stead demonstrated a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding the impacts to the neighborhood.
Similarly, on the Boise zoning code rewrite, both support the rewrite in general and recognize the need to be aware of negative unintended consequences. But again, Stead demonstrated a deeper knowledge of the complexities, which will be important as the City Council will be tasked with assessing the success of the rewrite in the next year.
Gugino likely would provide an outsider’s voice on the council and more independence when it comes to whoever is elected mayor, which some voters may prefer.
But because of her experience as a Planning and Zoning Commission member and knowledge of city issues, Stead gets our endorsement.
This story was originally published November 1, 2023 at 4:00 AM.
CORRECTION: Jeremy Gugino was previously communications director for Reclaim Idaho but has not held that position since 2020.
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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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.
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