So, I understand your point, I think. And I get that parts of the city (including mine) are probably underrepresented on the council. To me, however, it’s incredibly ironic that the same political party that is pushing districts to provide “equality of representation” is the same one pushing so hard on the state and national levels to disenfranchise underrepresented groups. The hypocrisy of our Legislature never fails to amaze me…

Like I pointed out previously, districting doesn’t automatically result in good candidates. And turnout in most of Boise has historical been low for municipal elections. Why should people who have been willing to get involved in the political process and get out and vote be penalized? I really don’t understand that thinking.

As an aside, it’s obvious you’ve had quite the ideological journey. I didn’t really see much of an explanation on your campaign website. I for one would be really interested in how you got where you are (not to poke holes in it, but because it may highlight things about myself I need to examine). If there’s some way for you to share that, please do so!

Thanks!

The bill, HB413, passed the
House 53-16-1
Senate 26-8-1
Foolhardy? Any guesses how many Democrats voted for the bill?
Are opportunity carpetbaggers foolhardy?

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2020/legislation/H0413/

George Moses and Karen Danley certainly prompted the bill but the votes before the gavel are what matter.
At the time Councilman Bageant noted that in the 2013 election, none of the NEWLY elected Boise City Council members were from the North End. He pointed out Councilwoman Elaine Clegg won majorities in every neighborhood in the city, and said under the bill, five out of six Boise residents wouldn’t be allowed to vote for her (the Editor’s point).

So, I think you’ll find most of us think districting in the city is OK. My objection has more to do with how it was brought about (via legislators not even from Boise) and the fact that if you look at candidates over the years for the council in Boise, you’ll see very few running from the areas of the city that claim to be under-represented. Like I said previously, districting doesn’t suddenly create better candidates.

I’d be a lot more comfortable with the whole districting model if I still got to vote in all races, but the candidates were required to live in the district they are running for. I’m also a firm believer against anything that brings partisan politics to local elections, so we can’t be having partisan county commissioners drawing the lines. How about some sort of volunteer group?

I really want everyone to feel fairly represented (even if I don’t get my viewpoints considered by the Legislature). But part of that is realizing you don’t always win, or at least that’s what all my Canyon County friends tell me.

But as I stated originally, this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. And to suggest it was only Republicans who wanted this change is foolhardy. In fact, I know of several prominent Democrats who would be insulted by that insinuation (e.g. George Moses, Dave Kangas, etc.).

And yes, I fully support the county commission being responsible for appointing members to a citizen redistricting commission. This is a very similar process as is done at the state level, which Democrats claim they love.

The Dems were doing just fine having their way- based on BOISE voters. The Republicans MADE IT A PARTISAN issue.

State control over local issues. Nice republican platform!

True to form Durst is confused.
I make it direct, only because now he is running for State Superintendent- as a Republican. The same B Durst that previously served Democratic legislative District 18 Senator.

And then showed he was really confused whether he was an Idaho resident or a Washington resident, despite being in the Idaho Legislature- ignoring the applicable laws = Zero political credibility.
Only last year did he decide to switch teams- after a couple other runs at Dem education representation. Why would that be?
If you can’t beat em, join em?
And to run for School Super- must be a big burr until his saddle about Idaho education.
I’ll take a guess, but better we wait for his words as to “which ‘friends'” he might lobby concerning the new districts.

JSwift, you are thinking of Dustin Hurst (IFF and friend to I.T support contractor for McGeachin, PMiller).
But oddly enough many IFF supporters (LIBERTARIANS) are supporting BDurst (Dem? in Libertarian clothing) in his quest.
An L is not an R, or D in this case.

The radical right faction in the legislature made the issue both personal and partisan from the get-go. I recommend readers review past news articles regarding SB1111 and HB319 in the 2021 session and about the frustrations expressed by GOP Senator Winder.