Candidate profile: State Rep. Dist. 4 Position A: Luke Malek (R)
Birth date: 10/20/81
Profession: Attorney, Business Consultant
Educational background: BA from The College of Idaho (Major in Politics and Economics, Minor in Music), JD from University of Idaho
Public service (elected or appointed offices): I have worked for several Idaho politicians, and served as the executive director of a municipal organization: The Post Falls URA.
Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): I founded the Kootenai County Young Professionals, serve on the Dirne CHC Board, and I volunteer with 4-H.
How many years as a resident of your city: I have lived in the Coeur d’Alene/Post Falls area since I was nine years old.
Marital status: Engaged
Family: I have a very large, loving and supportive family.
Hobbies: I love to fish, hunt, ski, ride horses, play in the lake, and play music.
1. Why are you running for office?
I believe in Idahoans. I believe that this country’s best days lie ahead if we place trust in individuals, empower the People, and limit the role of government. We are blessed to live in the greatest state in the Union, and I am running because I want to join the fight to keep it that way.
2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
There is an incredible amount of work to be done on job creation, health care, and education.
3. If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
Jobs: Tax increases and massive legislative agendas hinder the ability of business owners to take risks. Leadership can provide a path for economic prosperity. By limiting regulatory roadblocks to growth, listening to the needs of business owners and preserving the values that Idahoans hold dear, Idaho will pull through the tough times we face and come out on top.
Health Care: Idaho needs to be in charge of its health care agenda. No matter what happens on the federal level moving forward, Idaho must not shy away from the responsibility to ensure a system that demands accountability, provides for choice, and doesn’t stand in the way of job creation.
Education: The status quo is failing. Idaho parents need options and teachers need every tool they can effectively utilize. Improving education in Idaho means we will give them those choices and tools. Improving education is about more than test scores. It is about informed and innovative Idahoans who are capable of building tomorrow’s Idaho.
4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
Working in economic development for Governor Risch and then as Executive Director in an agency, I saw firsthand the capability of Idahoans. At Dirne, the generosity and problem solving abilities of Idahoans was humbling. Serving as a Deputy Prosecutor only strengthened my faith in Idaho’s citizens: a people who stand up for what is right. I understand Idaho.
5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
I will take my faith in you to Boise, and be your teammate in innovation and growth. If you believe you are the answer to the problems facing our state and nation and you want someone who will continue to take that message to Boise, support me. Together we can ensure Idaho’s continued greatness.