2020 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Paul Amador

NAME: Paul Amador

RUNNING FOR: Idaho Legislature District 4

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Coeur d’Alene

YEAR OF BIRTH: 1982

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D., Educational Leadership, University of Nevada; M.A., Educational Leadership, University of Nevada; B.S., Agricultural Economics, Fresno State

MILITARY EXPERIENCE: N/A

EXPERIENCE IN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICES: State Representative, District 4, Idaho Legislature (2016-present)

YEARS AS IDAHO RESIDENT: 8

FAMILY: Julie (wife of 15 years), Peter (son, age 2)

HOBBIES: Spending time with family, visiting the Kroc Center, reading, outdoor adventures and travelling

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

The birth of our son, Peter, changed my perspective on many aspects of life, including the future of our great state. I like to call Peter my “most demanding and cutest constituent.” In all seriousness, I use the perspective of how my decisions and efforts on education, healthcare, taxes, etc. will affect his future in Idaho. There is still more work for me to accomplish in the Idaho Legislature to improve our children’s future. It has been an honor and privilege to serve in the House of Representatives over the past four years. We have made great strides to improve our educational system, grow our economy, and ensure Idaho is a great place to raise a family.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THREE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES YOU’LL FACE?

I think voters in North Idaho want what we all want: a safe and healthy state to raise our families, a successful and efficient educational system, a business climate that promotes good, high-paying jobs, and the ability to access our public waterways and lands to hunt, fish and recreate. Ultimately Idahoans want to ensure that Idaho is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES?

I will remain committed to the same priorities I have fought for over the past four years in office, focusing my efforts to improve our educational system, ensure Idahoans have access to the training and education necessary for high-quality jobs, limit burdensome regulations on businesses, and keep more of tax-payer’s paychecks in their pockets. I am particularly focused on our acute teacher shortage in rural school districts and am actively working with educational groups on legislation that will help attract and retain high-quality teachers.

WHAT SPECIFIC SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS JOB?

I have years of experience working with non-profits, businesses and governmental agencies to create solutions that better the lives of Idahoans. I have been a committed advocate for our community and those who live in our community through service on multiple non-profit boards, as well as groups that help to advance the economic prosperity of our region and state. I also work incredibly hard to listen to my constituents as much as I possibly can. As the saying goes, “God gave me two ears and one mouth,” so I try to listen twice as much as I talk.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS ELECT YOU, RATHER THAN AN OPPONENT?

I am deeply committed to ensuring that Idaho has a bright future and I believe my record in office bears witness to that commitment. I have been a tireless advocate for our educational system, worked to ensure Idahoans have good paying jobs, and supported returning taxpayer money whenever possible to its rightful owner, the people. I am committed to be an open and accessible Representative for the people, over the past four years I have held over 25 public town hall forums and attended over 200 community functions to listen to the concerns and appreciation of people in North Idaho.