Allred would make best governor

Dear editor:

We respectfully disagree with your endorsement in last week's paper in the governor's race.

You acknowledge Keith Allred's strong campaign but then say he "would have no hope of governing effectively in a Republican-dominated legislature and the last thing we need in government these days is more gridlock."

We, too, would like to see more cooperation and statesmanship in government, but those goals are not achieved through blind partisanship. They are achieved by people, regardless of their political party, who know how to respect and work with others who have different ideas and different perspectives on problems.

Keith Allred is the candidate who has a demonstrated track record of doing exactly that. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents have praised his work through Common Interest. His nonpartisan fact-based approach to issues is why many prominent Republicans support Keith Allred for governor.

Let's also remember that one of the great strengths of our government is the system of checks and balances. We shouldn't expect the legislative and executive branches to always be on the same page!

The governor's job is never going to be easy, but it isn't meant to be. Solutions to the serious problems facing Idaho will come from leadership that brings a variety of people and ideas to the table, carefully listens, and then makes decisions.

Your second reason for endorsing Gov. Otter was that "he tends to represent the general thinking of Idaho's citizens." Are you suggesting that Keith Allred doesn't? We can't help wondering which of Mr. Allred's priorities may run counter to the general thinking of Idaho citizens. His commitment to hard work and to his family? His support for public schools? His belief that Idaho should manage its wolf population itself? His support for Second Amendment gun rights? His belief that highway fees should be borne proportionately and fairly by all users, without special advantages to heavy trucks? His opposition to permitting mega-loads on Highway 12? His belief that we can grow Idaho's economy by supporting small businesses and exploring new ideas and industries?

This year we have the opportunity to bring strong effective 21st century leadership to the statehouse.

Keith Allred deserves our votes.

Stephen and Leslie Goddard