Idaho has a chance to elect a real leader

Idaho has an unusual opportunity next month to elect a savvy, ready-to lead, non-politician as governor. Keith Allred is all of that, and more. He is a five-generation Idahoan with leadership experience and smart new ideas. 

Over the past five years, as founder and director of The Common Interest, he demonstrated a new way of involving citizens all across the state in the most important issues we face. By first giving citizens clear and unbiased information, then inviting their input, Allred was able to influence legislative action, including reducing property taxes by indexing the homeowners exemption to rising home prices. 

He was a key player in fending off Gov. Butch Otter’s proposed increases in the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

The clearest evidence that Allred, who is running as a Democrat, is a different kind of candidate is the support he is getting all across the state from Republicans, including business leaders and former office holders. Just recently, Jerry Evans, former superintendent of schools who said Idaho schools “cannot afford another four years like the last four,” joined the growing list of Republicans who support Allred.

The choice is clear: an incumbent who is a captive of special interests and his own stunted political ideology or a talented newcomer with new ideas and practical solutions for a state in need of a fresh approach.

I am voting for Keith Allred and I hope you will, too.

MINDY CAMERON

Sagle