ZAO: Best choice for Dist. 5 senator

On May 21, the voters of Idaho Legislative District 5 will have a clear choice for senator. They can choose a senator with a long history of serving the citizens of Kootenai County, first as family physician and then as an Human Anatomy and Physiology professor at North Idaho College. They can choose a candidate with decades of service to our community and with deep roots in Idaho. They can choose Cheri Zao.

Polling data indicates that voters are concerned about property taxes, the housing crisis and public education. These critical issues seemed to have been lost in this year’s legislative session. Instead the legislature focused on library books, transgendered individuals and sending public dollars to private schools. Cheri will work to return the focus to those issues that are actual priorities to the citizens of Idaho.

Cheri is a moderate Republican who is not afraid to take on the extremists in her party. She will not run in fear from the Idaho Freedom Foundation, but rather, stand on principle and the authentic needs of her constituents.

I have known Cheri for 30 years. If the citizens of District 5 want a Senator who has a track record of service to our community, who will be laser focused on the priorities of her constituents and who is a principled Republican, they will vote for Cheri Zao — Senator District 5.

MICHELLE LIPPERT

Post Falls