MY PRIORITIES
As your candidate for Ada County Commissioner, I am committed to serving our community with a deep-rooted passion for education and a steadfast dedication to lifelong learning.
Housing: I am committed to being a lifelong learner, and welcome new perspectives with an open mind, open ears, and an open door. I would like to address the housing crisis experienced within our county as we respond to this growth, especially to those who are unhoused or struggle to afford a living space. While we currently administer assistance programs partially subsidized by the federal government, it would be appropriate to say we could be taking different or more nuanced approaches. A housing-first initiative is bold, but studies have shown that they are effective in reducing the strain on local government spending long-term. Funding for this is not dissimilar from what we are currently operating with. The housing issue has hit our county especially hard, but the issues have been felt statewide. Wrangling in contractors, developers, and landlords needs to be a state and local joint venture. Housing is a great intersection of many of the services that the county provides. Adequate and stable housing has shown to preclude worsening of mental health issues, disregarding veteran’s needs, emergency room visits, interactions with law enforcement, and substance abuse. Simple fact is if we choose to build from the bottom up, with the most vulnerable populations among us, we set a bold precedent that all people are deserving of comfort, care, and dignity.
Healthcare: I believe that to lead effectively, one must continuously seek knowledge and growth. This is not easily accomplished without having compassion for those around you. I continually look to the struggles of those around me to teach me more about humility and gain new perspectives. With this I propose improved access to mental health services. Statistics show that 19.8% percent of the population is afflicted with some diagnosable form of mental or behavioral issues as well as a high suicide rate of 23.9 suicides/100,000 people. Ada County can be the proactive leader in attending to the needs of its residents in this regard. Currently when a call is made for a mental health crisis often law enforcement is first on the scene. Anyone who works in mental healthcare will tell you this is not only inappropriate and dangerous but may lead to worsening outcomes. Victims and those in crisis have some limited resources available after contact with the police, such as the newly renamed Ada County Victims Services center. While this center and its services do provide for those in need, often more long-term and specialized care from provider teams is necessary. Having a mental health professional, versus the police, arrive and begin initial contact is ideal in these situations. This would mean transferring the Ada County Sheriff Crisis Intervention Team responsibilities to the Ada County Paramedics. Making this change would include shifting budget requirements between the two departments and petitioning the state legislator for more funds for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This merger should show cost savings as well as allowing the said agencies to focus on their specialties. Mental health care is healthcare, and it is time we treat it as such.
Transportation: I believe in giving back to the community that has given me everything. My roots in Idaho run deep, and I understand the challenges and opportunities that our county faces. I am determined to work tirelessly to address issues that matter most to our residents and ensure a better quality of life for all. This means mobilizing the residents of this county. Providing an easier and cheaper mode of travel allows more opportunities for residents. Public transportation is economical and environmentally conscious and opens doors for people who might not otherwise have the means for travel. With the recent proposed route from Amtrak potentially making its way through our valley, now is the time to talk seriously about rail transport. The ability of residents to work, play, and function within our valley relies largely on sometimes very cost-prohibitive automotive travel. We have spent decades building our infrastructure around the car, and the ever-increasing headache of road construction serves as a constant reminder of continual poor planning and short-term relief. As our county and state grows, it is important to invest in our future. The idea of trains and rail are not new to the valley, and we have the rusty old lines to prove it. Existing lines run from the Micron area to the airport and proceed all the way to Nampa. They are currently used for intervalley cargo shipments. A well-connected rail network can enhance accessibility to key areas within the county, promoting economic development and increasing connectivity for residents and visitors alike. By investing in public rail transportation, we can alleviate traffic congestion, reduce air pollution, and provide a more sustainable and efficient mode of travel for our community. Residents are tired of the traffic congestion and tired of the never-ending road construction. It is imperative we invest in something different.