SOUZA: For state Senate

In these turbulent times, there is no one better suited to represent the 4th District in the Idaho State Senate than Mary Souza. Senator Souza’s background in the medical field, as well as her experience with the state’s budget makes her especially qualified to deal with the impact of Proposition 2, which is expected to pass. Proposition 2 expands Medicaid and can be expected to significantly impact the state’s budget as it has in every other state where such expansions have been implemented.

Senator Souza’s opponent has no budget experience, no health care expertise and no standing in the Senate’s majority party, so will be able to accomplish little or nothing. Senator Souza has an established record in the Legislature and has proven her ability to bring together various elements to form a winning legislative coalition.

The senator’s record also includes strong support of transparency in government and she had sponsored bills opening government records which were signed into law. Most important, Senator Souza has sponsored bills to help children, improving foster care for the most vulnerable of our citizens.

The senator’s opponent says she will accomplish more, but that is an unlikely result from an inexperienced politician who would be in the minority should she get to Boise. It is clear that Senator Mary Souza should be returned to the Idaho State Senate to continue her work on behalf of the citizens of Coeur d’Alene and all of Idaho. Senator Mary Souza deserves our vote.

GLENN AVERY

Coeur d’Alene