LEMHI
COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
In lieu of our regular business meeting, the Committee sponsored an open forum on the upcoming proposal to have Fair Elections in Idaho. The guest speaker was Jim Hansen, a previous member of Legislature and member of United Vision for Idaho. He showed a video called “The Road to Clean Elections,” which talked about the comprehensive campaign reform undertaken by both Maine and Arizona in 2000. These two states consider the implementation of their election programs to be a success. It is hoped that an open hearing on Fair Elections will be scheduled in Boise soon and suggested that anyone who is concerned attend.
A few if the points the incumbents in these two states made were:
· The program freed them from the arduous task of fundraising, which is very time-consuming
· It gave them time to meet with their constituents and represent their needs rather than be obligated to large donors
· It gave people a chance to run who were intimidated by the expense involved in a campaign
· The elections allowed for more competition and more diversity—for both parties
· This is a bi-partisan plan that allows talented people to run for office who otherwise might not do so
· It is a good use of public or tax-payer money—it gives money back to the people and reduces large campaign expenses
The Committee has a copy of the video and it available to show to groups or individuals interested in seeing it. It was suggested that we have another open meeting on the topic and try to get the updated version of the video.
The turnout was great and the audience was very active in the discussion. It was suggested that people contact their representatives and friends and share this concept with them. Again, it is a bi-partisan plan that has already had proven success and lets constituents be truly represented in government. Salmon is a rural area that does not need to be governed by corporations or special interests. The Fair Elections Act could return decision making back to the rural areas of Idaho.