Candidate Profile-State Senator District 2- Shirley McFadden (D)
Birth date: August 1954
Profession: Retired from Verizon (telecommunications)
Educational background: B.S. University of Idaho
Public service (elected or appointed offices): Governor’s Workforce Investment Council
Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Sec.-Treas. North Idaho Central Labor Council. Donor to the Kids Wish Network, local Search and Rescue, the University of Idaho Foundation, Family Promise, Disabled Veterans and others.
How many years as a resident of your city: 5 years in rural Athol, an Idaho native and lifetime resident
Marital status: Single
Family: A wonderful, loving man has shared the past 14 years with me. My mother and brother also live in north Idaho.
Hobbies: Reading; Horseback riding; Cooking; Managing our property for timber, pasture, and wildlife habitat; Huckleberry picking; Shooting; Playing with our dog.
Why are you running for office?
After 30 years of one party rule, Idaho can do better. Idaho needs leadership with a wide spectrum of ideas. Our system of government was set up with this idea in mind. Restoring balance to the legislature can help insure that the voices of more Idaho citizens are being heard.
What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
Education
Jobs
Economy
If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
1. Educators are aware of the important role of technological learning. We need to bring teachers into the decision making process when changing Idaho public education policies. The large taxpayer dollar expenditures proposed in the recently passed laws needs to be re-examined. Education should be about critical and creative thinking, not just the ability to pass a test.
2. The millions of dollars in tax breaks given to the top 17% could have been spent on creating good paying jobs and lowering the unemployment rate. Or, if the tax break had been dispersed to all taxpayers, Idaho’s working families would have had more money to spend and support the jobs in their local communities.
3. Consumers are powerful drivers of the economy. Each of us can help by supporting our local, small businesses and purchasing Idaho made and made in the USA products. We need to look for ways to keep money in the hands of Idaho consumers so that they can strengthen the state economy.
What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
I have worked in both the public and the private sector. As a former teacher, I have experience in the classroom. Working on a family farm in southern Idaho, I have appreciation and respect for those that work and value productive land. And, a 29-year career in various positions in telecommunications has taught me cooperation and patience.
Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
Talk to me and tell me what is important to you. Many of you have already shared some good ideas and new perspectives with me. It is the job of the legislature to serve the people of the state. It would be an honor to be your voice in Boise.