Johnson is the right pick for all of District 1

I grew up in Sandpoint, so I spent a lot of time hiking, backpacking and riding questionable horses on slippery trails. It was great. That’s why I want my own kids to have the same opportunities.

That’s also why I plan to write “Steve Johnson” on my ballot for Idaho State Senate, District 1, this November. Like Steve Johnson, I want public lands to stay public lands, so my kids can camp and hunt and fish. I like Steve’s promise to preserve open spaces, rural lifestyle and access to public lands way more than Scott Herndon’s plan to sell our public lands to the highest bidder (which, let’s face it, would be some out-of-state corporation).

Make no mistake — I’m also all for Steve Johnson’s promises to lower property taxes and ensure quality education, including providing for trade schools, healthcare and technology training, for Idaho students. Both are huge. For me, though, access to the mountains and trails I grew up with is key.

I like dragging my kids out of bed early on a weekend to climb up to an alpine lake. I like having a choice of public spots to launch my kayak. While hunting’s not my jam, I like that my kid is excited about deer season. Because I like these things, I’m so glad to have the opportunity to write in Steve Johnson this November, and hope to encourage everyone else who likes our public lands (and lower property taxes) to do the same.

TALITHA NEHER

Sandpoint