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When thousands of people donate no more than $100 per person per election, we can build a campaign without money from special interests. _______________________ But it's about more than money. We need your energy and your enthusiasm, too. Sign up to volunteer on Jim Hansen's campaign for Congress.
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Downey embraces its community gems
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Location: Blogs Jim's Blog |
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| Posted by: Jim Hansen |
9/8/2006 |
The little town of Downey, like so many communities in Idaho, celebrates its local gems in August. One would think that incumbents who represent them would make it a priority to be there. But in this era of high-finance politics, they don't. I am so glad I was there and am far richer in heart for the experience I had in Downey that its local chamber of commerce, seniors, students and others put together.
When I went to Downey in August, I met folks of all ages and learned so much about what makes that community work. It faces a lot of challenges -- like so many small communities. But it still hosts its annual South Bannock Fair and Parade and has some incredibly talented people who run its chamber of commerce, senior center and city.
In the parade, I had the pleasure of walking with lots of local folks -- and their horses. The candidates for county and legislative office were there, too. People deserve to see the people who are offering to represent them. I was disappointed yet again by the absence of so many statewide candidates.
The chamber put a huge effort into the community barbecue and for just $8 you could have a barbecued steak dinner with the works, including some early sweet corn! Marsha Elmore is one of Downey's special gems. She cooks at the senior center and while everyone was enjoying the barbecue that evening, she was preparing another meal for the next day, including the most delicious homemade rolls I have ever tasted. I hoped to meet her the next day when I went to the Downey Senior Center for lunch but she had finished her cooking tasks there and was delivering meals to people who were home bound. Linda Henderson, Shelly Vaughn and Lisa Austin helped to prepare and serve the meals that day and Dale Criddle and his son Karl helped as well.
That day at the Downey Senior Center too, we heard from three amazingly talented young women: Talina Smith, Jessica Davis and Mandy Grover: winners of the Marsh Valley Junior Miss competition.
When incumbent representatives spend their August recess with wealthy interest groups, or on junkets with lobbyists, or at fancy overpriced fundraisers in Washington, D.C., they completely miss experiencing these kind of community gems. They are the poorer for it. |
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