Endorsement: These two Democrats want to flip Ada County Commission blue | Opinion
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May 2024 primary endorsements
Check here for the Idaho Statesman Editorial Board’s picks in the May 2024 primary election.
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The candidates who win the Democratic primary for Ada County Commission seats in Districts 1 and 3 are going to need to do a lot of homework between now and the general election in November.
Devin Gutierrez, running in District 3, and Jonathan Lashley, running in District 1, are well-meaning and eager to do the job, but after our interview, we wished they had been better prepared, more informed and more knowledgeable about the issues.
We scheduled our interview with Gutierrez before his opponent withdrew from the race. We typically don’t endorse in uncontested races, but since we conducted our interview with Gutierrez, we will make an endorsement in this race.
Gutierrez, a behavioral interventionist pursuing a master’s degree in teaching, said growth, education and behavioral health are his top priorities. He’s a lifelong Ada County resident and says he got interested in politics over “pothole” issues — literally — when he watched a pothole in his mother’s neighborhood sit unfixed for years. He said he’d bring that kind of neighborhood-level service to the job, adding that he wants to make Ada County a better place for his 4-year-old son.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Devin Gutierrez in the Democratic primary for Ada County Commission, District 3. That position is held by Tom Dayley, who is running in a four-way primary on the Republican side.
In District 1, we interviewed two candidates before Preston Fischer withdrew from the race, throwing his support to Lashley.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Jonathan Lashley in the Democratic primary for Ada County Commission, District 1. That position is held by Ryan Davidson, who is running against challenger Clyde Dornier on the Republican side.
Lashley, who has worked in higher education at Boise State and the State Board of Education, said growth and sustainability are his top priorities. He said he would make decisions based on empirical evidence and would seek the guidance of experts. He said he supported New Path Community Housing as a method that works to address chronic homelessness. He said he didn’t support the jail bond and would rather see the county address recidivism and quicker processing of people in jail.
Lashley was critical of the appointment of Raúl Labrador and Ryan Cole to the Central District Health Board.
After the primary, the Democratic candidates will have 24 weeks before the general election on Nov. 5. If the Democrats have any hope of retaking any County Commission seats this year, they’ll need to do a lot more studying to learn the job of county commissioner, the programs and the decisions that have been made over the past four years.
This story was originally published May 12, 2024 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.
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.
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