I believe in fostering economic development that benefits all Idahoans. By investing in local businesses, supporting job training programs, and advocating for fair wages, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy. My commitment is to ensure that the benefits of economic growth reach every community in Idaho, creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.

I believe in responsible environmental stewardship to preserve Idaho's natural beauty for current and future generations. By promoting sustainable practices, investing in clean energy initiatives, and safeguarding our public lands, we can strike a balance between economic development and environmental conservation. Together, we can ensure that Idaho remains a place of stunning landscapes and clean air and water.

I believe in a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. Every person should have access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including affordable and safe family planning services. I will champion policies that protect reproductive rights, promote comprehensive sex education, and ensure that healthcare decisions remain private matters between individuals and their doctors.

I believe that quality healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Accessible and affordable healthcare is crucial for the well-being of Idaho families. As your representative, I am committed to expanding access to healthcare, addressing healthcare disparities, and working towards a system that prioritizes preventive care, mental health services, and the overall health of our communities.

I believe in fostering an inclusive and accepting Idaho for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Supporting the rights of the queer community is not just about equality; it's about creating a diverse and vibrant state where everyone feels safe and valued. I will advocate for policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights, fight against discrimination, and promote a culture of acceptance and understanding.

As a candidate for the Idaho legislature, my top three issues stem from my deep commitment to the well-being of our communities and the preservation of our state's unique identity. Firstly, women's and maternity health is a cornerstone of my platform. I believe that every woman deserves access to comprehensive healthcare throughout all stages of life, including maternity care that is both affordable and compassionate.

Secondly, I am passionate about advocating for the rights of every individual to lead their authentic life. This encompasses supporting LGBTQ+ rights, championing diversity and inclusion, being sure to honor and value the humanity of each person

Thirdly, Idaho's natural resources and beauty are treasures that must be protected for future generations. I am dedicated to implementing policies that promote sustainable practices, safeguard our environment, and preserve the stunning landscapes that make our state so special.

These issues are not just priorities for me; they are reflections of the values and aspirations of the people of Idaho. As your representative, I will work tirelessly to address these challenges and enact positive change for our communities and our state.

Yes, I wholeheartedly support legislation to amend and clarify Idaho's abortion law. The current ambiguity in the Idaho Code has resulted in maternal care deserts, contributing to the departure of 22% of OB-GYNs from their practices as of last summer. Additionally, the loss of half of our perinatal subspecialists and the closure of three labor units across the state further exacerbate this crisis.

It is imperative to protect maternal health and future fertility by addressing these challenges. There should be no exception to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) when a pregnancy endangers a woman's acute and long-term health.

Furthermore, the current rape and incest exception in Idaho Code is excessively restrictive, as it necessitates a filed police report. This requirement overlooks the reality that two-thirds of rape victims and three-quarters of incest victims do not report their assaults, as indicated by the National Crime Victimization Survey.

Therefore, I advocate for amendments that broaden the scope of exceptions, ensuring that women have access to safe and necessary healthcare without undue barriers. It is essential to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of women in Idaho, particularly in rural areas where access to care is already limited.

No, I do not support public dollars being used for private education, whether through tax credits, education savings accounts, or any other means. Idaho currently ranks last in the nation in dollars spent per child on education. It is the state's responsibility to ensure a robust public education system, just as we provide essential services like fire and police protection.

Public education is a cornerstone of our society, providing equal opportunities for all children to learn and succeed regardless of their background or financial situation. Using tax dollars to fund private education diverts essential resources away from public schools, exacerbating existing disparities and widening the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students.

Furthermore, public funds should not be allocated to support private institutions that may not adhere to the same standards of accountability and inclusivity as public schools. We must prioritize investing in and strengthening our public education system to ensure that every child in Idaho has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.

No, I do not agree with policies that define sex and gender as the same thing or criminalize doctors for providing gender-affirming care to youth. Conflating sex and gender is an outdated concept reminiscent of a bygone era. Both medicine and society have progressed beyond such narrow definitions, understanding that gender identity is an internal experience, unique and personal to each individual.

Moreover, there is a fundamental lack of understanding regarding gender management approaches in teenagers. We only inhibit the onset of puberty. We save active hormonal and surgical approaches until time and adulthood allows an individual to make a final decision. Post-pubertal transitioning leads to significant challenges, given the mismatch between appearance and gender identity fosters discrimination and undermines the well-being of transgender individuals and identities.

As a society, we must prioritize providing comprehensive and affirming healthcare for all individuals, including transgender youth. Criminalizing doctors for offering essential gender-affirming care only serves to perpetuate harm and discrimination against the transgender community. It is imperative that we support policies that affirm the existence and dignity of transgender people and ensure that they have access to the care they need to live authentically and safely.

To alleviate the financial strain on low-income families, I advocate for the elimination of taxes on groceries and feminine hygiene products. These are essential items that should not be subject to taxation, as they disproportionately impact those with limited financial means.

Furthermore, I aim to address the fiscal damage inflicted on rural and smaller communities, such as Garden City, by legislation like HB389 passed in 2021. This legislation has hamstrung these communities' ability to afford proper growth infrastructure, unfairly burdening current taxpayers to subsidize new development. I believe in revisiting such policies to ensure that they promote equitable growth and development across the state while protecting the interests of all Idahoans.

If elected, I aim to tackle the healthcare crisis with a medically informed approach, focusing on accessibility and affordability. I hope to address housing affordability in our district and advocate for policies that uplift all residents. Additionally, I'll fight against legislative overreach surrounding Roe V. Wade reversal, working so our lawmakers don't interfere between patients and providers, while valuing the life and well-being of mothers. I'll listen, learn, then act prioritizing constituent concerns. As your representative, I'll ensure our community's voices are heard and their needs met.

My life as a physician has equipped me with invaluable skills in listening, problem-solving, and empathy. I've learned the importance of understanding individual needs and collaborating on effective solutions. Through community outreach and advocacy, I've witnessed firsthand the challenges facing our district. My commitment to service, coupled with my understanding of healthcare and community needs, has prepared me to be a strong advocate for our district. As your representative, I will listen to constituents, work tirelessly to address their concerns, and fight for policies that improve their lives.

One significant challenge facing Idaho is the decline in women's healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This has resulted in a loss of OB-GYNs and maternity specialists, leading to closures of labor and delivery wards in rural hospitals. Legislative mandates interfering with patient-provider relationships further exacerbate the issue by impeding access to recognized standards of medical care. As a legislator, I will prioritize healthcare accessibility, advocate for evidence-based healthcare policies, and work to address the disparities in women's healthcare access across the state.

Yes. The criminalization of the practice of nationally recognized standards of maternal medical care is wrong. Every woman deserves the right to make medical decisions based on their health and well-being, free from fear of legal repercussions. Allowing medical professionals and families to make informed decisions regarding the continuation of a pregnancy in such circumstances is essential for ensuring the safety and autonomy of both the pregnant individual and their family. It is impossible to legislate for every potential medical contingency. Protecting these rights is crucial for upholding medical ethics and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.

I'm committed to action, not just words. I prioritize environmental sustainability in my own home by using solar panels and xeriscaping. I advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, ensuring equality and protection for all. Most importantly, I will oppose legislative intrusion into medical decisions, particularly between a mother and her doctor. I pledge to fight for your rights, prioritize healthcare, and champion progressive values in Idaho House District 16B.

I feel your organization aligns with my values and was an obvious choice when considering endorsements. [Do I mention that I have had Wildlife License Plates on at least one vehicle since moving here in ‘92]. I have been on your mailing list for some time and have been able to see how impactful CVI has been in Idaho. Our beautiful trail systems and backcountry, much of which have been exposed to by wonderful guides such as Leo Henessy, embody the reason I have spent 30+ years of my life here. It’s healthy for both mind and body to be outdoors.

I’ve been making calls to constituents since January and from my conversations these are the topics I hear about most:

Universal access to Healthcare. As a retired physician this is my Northstar (numerous issues within this including Women’s Healthcare, Reproductive Rights, LGBTQ+ care, Basic Access)

Securing Public Education.

Open Primaries / Rank Choice Voting which would move Idaho politics and policies to a more productive, centrist approach

Retired Family Physician (29 year total practice time in Idaho), retiring in July 2021 .

Up until this point my activism has been leading by example. Most recently, submitting testimony opposing Idaho Power’s proposed rate changes to rooftop solar. My current home has an 8 panel legacy system which is a net contributor to the grid on an annual basis. I am water conservation conscious and despite my home being unmetered for water, I still have dual flush toilets and xeriscaping rather than grass. I went as far as to build a strawbale home (13400 S Can Ada Rd, Melba) and in the process lobbied (unsuccessfully) to have Ada County adopt the Pima County, AZ Strawbale Building Code.

Clean breathable air is a huge issue in the Valley. Our regular inversions affect the health of each and every one of us. Promoting Carbon Neutrality is a piece of this. I applaud and would like to accelerate the efforts of Boise to move in this direction. To that end, living within the Boise City Limits, Energy, specifically Electricity / electricity rates affect my constituents lives the most on a day to day basis. I would like to revisit the rooftop solar issue to encourage rather than discourage distributed energy production and conservation (including home battery storage) ultimately along with the development and move towards a microgrid concept which I believe would be more resilient than our current highly centralized system. I would look to promote projects that would reduce tailpipe emissions, be it EV charging infrastructure or community design creating reduced need to drive at all.

Yes.

Yes

Yes

Yes and yes.

Yes.

Yes.

Beyond Healthcare, these priorities are my priorities. As a Democrat, the current Idaho Legislature can be a challenging environment. However, Moderate Republicans do exist there. Supporting and defending the Open Primaries Ballot Initiative and subsequent passage is Job One. And I am also aware that there is an element within the Republican Party that has plans to undermine it if the Initiative passes. Beyond that as I have already mentioned what most directly affects my district, District 16 will be rooftop solar and building programs that support it rather than discourage it. Whether it is the Greenbelt or the Foothills Trail System access, maintenance and protection require continuing attention for my local constituents. Advancing Carbon Neutrality, Public Land and Wildlife diversity policies matter to our greater Idaho community.

My NorthStar is Healthcare, inclusive of physical and mental well-being. –

In too many circumstances our Legislature has chosen to insert itself between a patient and their provider, a place that the Legislature does not belong. Too often their mandates violate recognized standards of medical care.

I also know Public Education is the pathway to opportunity– A well rounded comprehensive education is not just about earning a living wage, it is about having a roadmap for navigating the world and its challenges throughout life.

From my conversations, it’s clear our district needs a strong voice addressing the looming healthcare crisis in Idaho. It needs a dedicated advocate who will prioritize healthcare accessibility, education, and economic growth.. I am committed to stepping up to the task. In the next two years, my district needs a legislator who will listen to constituents, work tirelessly to address their concerns, and fight for policies that improve their lives. I will be that advocate, ensuring that our community's voices are heard and their needs are met. This doctor isn’t going anywhere.

So many to choose from but if I have to choose:

The bill that should have passed but didn’t is S1241, the summer meals program to help feed low income children. While the outlay from the State budget would have been 0.01% of the General Budget, it would have brought back to Idaho $16.3 million of Idahoans’ Federal tax dollars that will instead just go to other States.

The Bill that is now Law that shouldn’t be is H710, the Library Book Ban Bill. Books are not where children are seeking out harmful material. If anywhere it is the Internet.

My approach to crafting bills hinges on tolerance while staying true to my values. Listening to constituents, learning diverse perspectives, culminating in action that reflects our shared interests will be my model. Collaboration across the aisle, with the other chamber, and the governor is vital. I will engage in open dialogue, finding common ground to pass laws that benefit all Idahoans. By fostering respectful communication, we can ensure effective governance and positive outcomes for our state.

I believe that healthcare is a fundamental right, our legislature continues to treat healthcare as a privilege. The last several sessions has seen numerous attacks on the provision of appropriate care, needed care, going so far as to contradict medically recognized National Standards of Care. This has put physicians and other providers at odds with their training and oath. It has put patients at risk. And it has created a looming healthcare crisis that is spilling over into the business community and their recruitment efforts.