Idaho Statesman endorsement: Our pick for Ada County Commission, District 3 | Opinion
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2024 Election endorsements
The Idaho Statesman editorial board’s endorsements for Ada County Commission, state Legislature and U.S. House of Representatives in the 2024 general election.
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We wish more races were like the one between incumbent Republican Ada County Commissioner Tom Dayley and his Democratic challenger, Devin Gutierrez.
There’s mutual respect, cordiality and civil disagreement on the issues in this race for District 3.
This board likes both candidates. Dayley is thoughtful and reasoned in his positions. Gutierrez brings a fresh perspective, has a unique experience that would serve residents well and is running for the right reasons.
Comparing this race with the District 1 race, in which this board endorsed Democratic challenger Jonathan Lashley over incumbent Republican Ryan Davidson, Dayley is perhaps more thoughtful and reasoned than his Republican colleague, and Gutierrez is perhaps not as polished or eloquent as Lashley.
But however respectful, reasonable and thoughtful Dayley is, the results are the same: Ryan Cole is still on the Central District Health board (and would remain under Dayley); the massive, 3,000-acre, 761-house Spring Rock development was approved without any impact fees; a solar farm proposal was shot down; and funding was cut for a housing first program that proved to be successful and saved money.
However much we like Dayley, such decisions are bad for Ada County residents. Another term of such decisions will continue to hurt the long-term health of the county.
For those reasons, the Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Devin Gutierrez for District 3.
Like Lashley, Gutierrez is not the ideal candidate. Some of his answers to our questions were vague, and some of his positions conflicted with one another.
But Gutierrez, since winning the Democratic primary in May, has clearly spent the past few months learning more about the issues facing the county and provided a stark contrast in policy positions to Dayley.
He said he’d seek to remove Cole from the health board, he would have approved the solar farm, he would return funding to housing first programs, and he would support efforts to increase and improve public transportation.
Further, it’s clear that Gutierrez would approach the job through the lens of helping the most vulnerable among us while also doing the best thing for county residents.
Gutierrez would bring passion, authenticity and a much-needed fresh perspective to the Ada County Commission.
This story was originally published October 16, 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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