DeLange seeks House seat

Hayden City Council Member Jeri DeLange announced that she is running for District 2, House Seat B in the Legislature held by Phil Hart.

DeLange said she decided to enter the race because she strongly believes that lawmakers should not attempt to place themselves above the law.

"Hart is entitled to his own views, but it's inappropriate for an elected official and lawmaker to demand a special standard that is not equal to the same other citizens are bound to by state, federal, and local laws," she said in a press release.

DeLange believes change is needed.

"It's important to elect a representative who is respected and can work well with other legislators throughout the state to best represent the interests of North Idaho and its constituents," she said.

DeLange said "There is a huge difference in abiding by the law, and making a statement against a law you disagree with because there is a process in place to change the law. It's called legislation. Breaking the law is illegal."

DeLange has 26 years working in business and government. She is serving her 11th year on the Hayden City Council and has been employed by the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission for the last several years. She also serves as a legislative committee member for the Association of Idaho Cities and is an elected precinct member of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee.

She said her knowledge will serve her well in the Legislature.

"Decision making is not easy and the most important job of a legislator is to listen with an open mind to both sides of an issue before making a decision," she said. "Elected officials need to have a broad understanding of all the issues as well as look at possible future impacts."

Her top priorities will be economic growth and development, fiscal responsibility, education and ensuring that government is efficient in providing services without wasting taxpayer funding.

A native Idahoan who was born and raised in the Silver Valley, DeLange moved to Kootenai County in 1995. Since that time, she has been heavily involved in community and public service in various leadership roles such as the Panhandle Area Council, Coeur d'Alene Basin Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Lutheran Academy of the Master.

She is married to husband Barry and they have five children and 10 grandchildren.