Keith Allred has the right ideas to be next governor

Dear editor:

Keith Allred is an excellent choice for governor of Idaho.

Like so many other people, I am tired of politicians who put the interests of their party ahead of the needs of the people. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty.

I truly believe, however, that Keith Allred is different. He is running on the Democratic ticket, but he is not a career politician. His background is as a rancher, a teacher, a mediator, a researcher and a non-partisan problem-solver.

Keith has demonstrated that he respects, and knows how to work with, a wide range of people and ideas.

Common Interest, a group he founded in Idaho, has for the last several years voluntarily researched public policy issues and offered state leaders common-sense solutions to tough problems. Under Keith's leadership, Common Interest has earned thanks from many different groups.

As clear evidence of Keith's ability to reach all Idahoans, his campaign for governor is co-chaired by former Democratic Gov. Cecil Andrus and former Republican Sen. Laird Noh.

One issue especially important to me is education. I want to see my grandchildren receive the best public education possible. Yet, families, teachers, and school districts all around the state are struggling with the loss of $128 million dollars cut by state leaders in 2009.

Keith insisted at the time, and continues to believe, that we can have a balanced state budget without sacrificing our children's education. Alternatives to the 2009 funding cut were possible, such as collecting more of the unpaid taxes already due and owing to the state.

Instead, the current administration laid off tax collectors, left money uncollected and cut school funding.

Keith Allred will give education a higher priority by providing necessary funding, as well as strategic planning. He understands that providing a solid public education system is crucial to the future of our children and to the future of our state.

Keith, his wife, Christine, and their three young children came to Mountain Home to help us celebrate Air Force Appreciation Day. If you didn't get a chance to meet him then, you can learn a lot about him by visiting his website, www.allredforidaho.com. You can read his ideas about many issues important to us, such as growing Idaho's economy, strengthening our school system, gun ownership and health care. You also can use the website to ask him your own questions.

Keith's deep Idaho roots, his intelligence, hard work, and his forward-looking leadership are exactly what Idaho needs.

-- Leslie Goddard