POLITICS: Wanted, a statesman!

In 1870 James Freeman Clarke wrote: “A politician... is a man who thinks of the next election; while the statesman thinks of the next generation. The politician thinks of the success of his party; a statesman for that of his country.” 

I recently had the pleasure of participating in a small gathering to meet Aaron Hayes, who is running for State House Seat 4B. 

Aaron authentically places education at the top of his priority list. Perhaps we all should, while asking out loud: How is it that our state representatives can keep touting the efforts and dollars they are investing in our children through various educational programs, and yet Idaho’s K-12 public school system continues to rank near the bottom of the national metric for per-pupil funding? 

The fact Idaho places above the national average in academic achievement, another national metric, has more to do with smoke and mirrors and our dedicated under-paid educators (who often are subsidizing the state with their own dollars for needed classroom materials), than it does our representatives. Aaron Hayes is not only one of these dedicated educators, but he is also someone who was able to explain the aforementioned dichotomy with passion and clarity. 

As an unaffiliated voter, it was refreshing to hear Aaron’s realistic approach and bipartisan solutions, over the tribal posturing that has become all too common. The only side Aaron is taking is the side of our children’s future, the sustainability of Idaho’s quality educators and the synergy of our community. 

Statesman, found. 

Don’t take my word for it, reach out to Aaron and discover the truth for yourself. 

BRAD BANTA

Coeur d’Alene