Endorsement: Should voters keep Ryan Davidson on the Ada County Commission? | 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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During the primary election this year, this editorial board admonished Democratic Ada County Commission candidate Jonathan Lashley to get more familiar with the issues facing the county and the actions of the commission.
Based on this board’s more recent interview with him, it’s clear that Lashley took that advice to heart.
Lashley is challenging Republican incumbent Ryan Davidson, who is seeking reelection after a four-year term.
While Lashley isn’t our ideal candidate, and some of his positions are esoteric and theoretical, he offers a viable alternative to Davidson, who, in our book, has made some unforgivable decisions.
The Idaho Statesman editorial board endorses Jonathan Lashley for Ada County Commission, District 1.
Chief among our complaints with Davidson is his continued support of Ryan Cole to serve on the Central District Health board.
While Davidson continues to say Cole has “done a good job,” we agree more with Lashley, who says Cole has been an “embarrassment.”
Davidson also supported “constitutional” nominee Doug Traubel for sheriff. Davidson every year votes against a fireworks ban put into place during the hottest and driest times of the summer. He voted against a solar farm project, a decision that hamstrings the owners of the land and cuts off a needed source of energy.
In Davidson’s defense, the sky hasn’t fallen since he and fellow Republican Rod Beck won seats on the commission, and there have been notable accomplishments, such as forward movement on development of the Expo Idaho grounds, a new coroner’s office and an expanded drug court facility that consequently provided more room for the county elections office.
But Davidson also voted for the Spring Rock development, a massive, 3,000-house, 761-acre subdivision in unincorporated Ada County without any sort of impact fees in place, even though an impact fee study was completed four years ago and has languished under Republican control of the commission.
He also voted to cut funding for New Path Community Housing, a proven successful housing first program, explaining only that “we decided to go in another direction.”
Lashley said he supports funding for such programs.
And Lashley presents more of a long-term vision for the county that includes judicious use of impact fees, a proactive approach to addressing homelessness, increased public transportation and a general tendency toward smart growth.
Ada County voters would do well to replace Davidson with Lashley.
This story was originally published October 15, 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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