Balukoff makes run for governor's office

SANDPOINT — Fresh from announcing his state governor candidacy in early December, A.J. Balukoff kicked off a statewide listening tour with a visit to Sandpoint last week.

According to the Democratic candidate, the tour will be a valuable opportunity to hear what Idaho residents want to see changed in their state government. It’s a great way to meet the people Balukoff aims to serve as governor, but he also aims get acquainted with state’s regional concerns and issues, he said.

Balukoff spent most of his time in town visiting with local residents at a Monday meeting hosted by the Bonner County Democrats.

Especially informative were discussions over local issues like the effort to establish a Scotchman Peaks wilderness, he said.

“That’s part of my goal — to talk to people and hear what the big issues are to them,” he added. “They know best what kind of challenges they’re facing.”

A certified public accountant turned athletic club chain owner, Balukoff cites education as a major priority — particularly in light of poor per-student funding and horrible nationwide educational rankings. Economic issues are another big issue for the candidate, who points to Idaho’s number one status in the percentage of minimum wage jobs as a grim statistic. Finally, Balukoff laments the one-party state of Idaho politics, which he says results in a repression of ideas.

“That just does not promote an exchange of ideas where the best rises to the top,” he said.

While Balukoff recognizes that, given the dominance of Republicans in Idaho politics, Democratic candidates face an uphill battle, he’s excited for the opportunity to talk publicly about Idaho’s issues until November. With experience on the Boise School District Board and other administrative bodies, he’s excited to pursue the next step in his efforts as a public servant.  

“I think people just need to get to know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.