Hearn runs as Democrat for Sims' state house seat

COEUR d’ALENE — Coeur d’Alene School Board Trustee Tom Hearn announced Tuesday that he is running on the Democratic ticket for House seat 4b. The seat is currently held by Rep. Kathy Sims, R-Coeur d’Alene.

Hearn, 66, of Coeur d’Alene, currently in his second year on the school board, said he plans to maintain that position if he is elected to the state Legislature.

“I do not need to resign from the board,” Hearn said, adding the administration is well aware of his intentions.

He said if he is elected he will keep his responsibilities as a legislator separate from his school board duties.

Hearn will officially announce his campaign at Art Spirit Gallery, 415 Sherman Ave., on Thursday at 11 am.

Hearn has lived in Coeur d'Alene for 35 years. His wife, Kathy, is a retired Post Falls school teacher. Tom was a small business owner in Coeur d'Alene and owned a mental health clinic for 26 years.

They raised their children in Coeur d’Alene and their grandchildren also live in Coeur d’Alene and attend public schools.

Hearn said he appreciates the quality of life in Coeur d’Alene and added his candidacy is all about ensuring that quality remains for future generations.

“Idahoans value responsibility, freedom, hard work, fairness, our families, our churches, our communities and our independence. Those values are my values,” Hearn said. “We deserve to have a local and state government that supports these values and works for all of us; a government that is as lean, effective, efficient and hardworking as Idaho workers.”

Hearn’s campaign platform revolves around shared Idaho values, real support for public education, support for law enforcement and improving mental health.

Hearn said he feels strongly regarding tax reform and vows to fight for continuing to improve the quality of life for the people of Coeur d’Alene.