STRANSKY: Proud to live in N. Idaho

Thank you to my District 2 community for their support and consideration during my recent campaign. Even though I came up short, I did not come up short in my commitment and respect for my community. The positive outpouring I felt, the courtesy and respect shown to me and my campaign volunteers was a tribute to us all.

It had been 10 years since a Democrat had run for office in our legislative district. As a resident of North Idaho for 35 years, I felt it was my time to step up and give North Idaho voters a choice in this election cycle.

My two children were born, raised and educated in North Idaho; this is sacred ground to me. I ran because I felt the negative energy of the rant had taken over the real needs of our community. I found that most people were uncomfortable with extremism on either side of the party lines. I felt a personal tipping point when legislation was being proposed and supported that seemed to represent such a small number of our citizens’ real needs or concerns.

It is my belief that we sometimes forget that the real difference in government is not whether it is large or small but whether it is smart, efficient and representative. We always get the government we want as long as we preserve the right to vote and stay informed.

I was initially concerned whether a woman running as a Democrat in North Idaho would be welcomed in our far-reaching legislative district, but to the thousands of people I spoke with in Hayden, Dalton, Harrison, Spirit Lake, Athol, Rose Lake, Garwood, Bayview, Twin Lakes and Hauser the common theme I found was that most people were thirsty for information and wanted to be heard. They want common ground and they want to move forward with a plan to build quality jobs, quality education and an infrastructure that supports both. They want to get past party lines and vote for the person that best represents their local needs and the future of our state. They want to build a strong community, which meets the needs of our citizens.

As I wind down from this campaign I am more committed than ever to reach out and contribute in our community. I am proud to live here and feel that I owe a debt of gratitude for the benefits this community has offered me and my children over the past 35 years.

Thank you for one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.

CHERYL STRANSKY

Dalton Gardens