Endorsement: Who should represent Southeast Boise on City Council? Here’s our pick | Opinion
The endorsement decision in the Boise City Council race in District 4 was an easy one. Jordan Morales and Janet Burke are running for a two-year term in this district in Southeast Boise.
Burke declined our invitation to interview her to hear her views on the issues, and the Statesman generally does not endorse a candidate who does not interview with the editorial board.
Regardless, we found Morales to be well-informed and thoughtful about the challenges facing Boise. He’s knowledgeable about the issues of public safety, housing affordability, homelessness and the Boise zoning code rewrite.
Morales easily earns the endorsement of the Idaho Statesman editorial board in this race.
Morales, a manager of the computer science department at Boise State University, has lived in Southeast Boise for 17 years. He lists his top priorities as affordable housing; safe streets that are good for walking, biking and public transportation; and preserving natural resources.
Interestingly, he also lists as a priority addressing a lack of child care, which is a hidden impediment to economic development.
Morales said he supports the city’s investments of tax dollars in affordable housing programs, and also supports the recent zoning code rewrite.
Morales demonstrates a firm grasp of the nuances of the housing issue, explaining that annexing land south of Boise into the city isn’t as straightforward and simple as some make it sound. Considerations have to be made about the ability to pay for road improvements, providing public transportation and public safety, and developing mixed-use communities so that projects are not contributing to traffic congestion. He also said preserving open space and having clean air are priorities that need to be weighed when it comes to any development.
He said he agrees with the Boise City Council’s decision to approve Interfaith Sanctuary’s move to State Street and feels more services need to be spread throughout the city.
Morales rightly sees the role of a City Council member as representing his district and holding the mayor accountable for providing what District 4 residents want.
And he recognizes it’s a two-way street, making sure he’s communicating with the residents about what’s going on at City Hall.
Morales said he started getting interested in city politics several years ago when he saw the housing crisis in its early stages, yet Boise city government was focused on a downtown circulator and an expensive new library. He said he also expressed his displeasure with the city spending resources advocating for an F-35 squadron at Gowen Field, something he opposed, and said he felt city government wasn’t listening to its residents.
Overall, Morales will bring a measured, smart, thoughtful voice to the City Council and represent District 4 well.
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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