Nate Murphy: "The election is going to be about my record in public service and the issues."

I decided to run for the Idaho House of Representatives because I believe that special interests in Boise are using their influence to silence the voices of the middle class. I’ve seen first-hand how hard this recession has hit Idaho. Too many people are out of work. Too many families are struggling. Short-term solutions will never be enough. - Nate Murphy

"Nate Murphy knocked on 8,000 doors and spent just $10 on his successful 2011 campaign for Pocatello's school board, but the 22-year-old's current bid to become one of Idaho's youngest-ever legislators is exacting a higher price," according to the Associated Press. "He's running for Pocatello's District 29 House seat as a Democrat in a Republican-dominated state. He also has a misdemeanor marijuana conviction from 2008 he knew he'd likely have to explain to voters before November."

The article goes on to explain how, in March, "he was accidentally outed as gay after Idaho's only openly gay lawmaker told The New York Times that Murphy would be taking up her legacy.That's how his father and grandmother found out about his bisexuality. Given those distractions, Murphy is working hard to refocus voter attention on the topics that matter to him, not diversionary issues he says distract from his core message of improving Idaho education, a theme that won him his School District 25 trustee seat last year."
“At the end of the line, I think the election is going to be about my record in public service and the issues important to my district,” he said.

According to Nate:

We have a responsibility to the next generation to craft long-term economic solutions that take into consideration the legacy we want to leave our children.
 
I will work hard to create an environment that is successful in recruiting and maintaining living wage jobs. Strengthening our education system is a critical part of rebuilding Idaho’s economy. Education is an economic issue, especially in Pocatello, where the two largest employers are Idaho State University and School District #25.
 
When politicians like Tom Luna try to replace teachers with computers, it can have devastating effects on Pocatello’s economy. In an increasingly global world, education must be the crux of any successful long-term economic strategy.  We need to keep teachers in our classrooms. We need smaller class sizes. If elected, I’ll work to increase funding for education and make higher education more affordable.

I believe that part of creating a future for our children involves protecting the things that make Idaho special. Idaho’s scenic beauty is a gift that should be preserved and passed on to future generations. Working to keep Idaho’s air and water clean is a crucial part of preserving that beauty. If elected, I will work to protect Idaho’s public lands and open spaces. Outdoor recreation is a defining characteristic of life in Idaho, and I don’t want to ever lose that.

Lastly, I believe that people’s faith in democratic institutions can only be restored when we have an open and transparent legislative process. Corruption tarnishes the integrity of our government and gives democracy a bad name. If elected, I will work towards reforms that hold leaders accountable for their actions and promote ethical decision-making.


Learn more about Nate and his positions at:


facebook.com/murphy4house
and Natemurphy.org

Cherie Buckner-Webb Receives Honor from American Mothers, Inc.: Named National Mother of Achievement for 2012

Idaho State Representative Cherie Buckner-Webb was named National Mother of Achievement for 2012. The ceremony was held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC during the organization’s annual convention.

National Mother of Achievement— State Representative, Cherie Buckner-Webb, is the first woman in the State of Idaho to receive the honor of being named Mother of Achievement by the Idaho Chapter of American Mothers, Inc. As a state recipient, she was eligible for the national honor of being named National Mother of Achievement. Winners were announced on May 4, 2012, at the annual convention of American Mothers, Inc. Buckner-Webb was one of only five National Mothers of Achievement in the inaugural class of 2012. According to Miki Farris, 2012 Awards Chairman, “She should be very proud, as there were many great candidates nominated for this recognition.”

Buckner-Webb, a fifth generation Idahoan, is the founder and principal of Sojourner Coaching. Her business expertise includes cross cultural collaboration, leadership development, facilitation, consultation and coaching. Cherie works with business, education and community organizations. She is a respected motivational speaker, in high demand for her presentations. Buckner-Webb is a gifted gospel, jazz and blues vocalist. She is the recipient of the State of Idaho Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts. She donates many hours to community organizations and is the winner of numerous awards including the Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2010 she was elected to the State of Idaho House of Representatives where she proudly serves today. She earned her B.S. in Management and Organizational Leadership from George Fox University, and a Master of Social Work from Northwest Nazarene University. Cherie is married to the Reverend Henry Webb and has two adult sons and one granddaughter.

“We are very proud of having the state of Idaho represented at the national level, said Joy Weller Miller, McCall resident and former National Board President. “Her achievements as a mother and a woman are outstanding, and we are delighted to see her recognized nationally for her accomplishments.”

American Mothers, Inc. – The ideals of American Mothers, Inc. (AMI) began in the heart and mind of Anna Reeves Jarvis as she sought to heal the hearts of families caught in the conflict of the Civil War. Organizing a day of love and friendship across battle lines, this simple observance grew into a national holiday known as Mother’s Day.

American Mothers, Inc. was organized as a division of the Golden Rule Foundation and was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1950. On June 1, 1954, it became a completely independent organization, non-profit and now tax-exempt. AMI is the official sponsor of Mother’s Day. It embraces all faiths.

The first National Mother of the Year was presented by Honorary Chair Sarah Delano Roosevelt in 1935 at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Every year since then, AMI has named a remarkable mother from among Mothers of the Year for 50 states, Puerto Rico, and District of Columbia for this important honor. In the 1960’s, AMI expanded to support the specific needs of young mothers and the selection of National Young Mother of the Year. All mothers are honored at an annual convention in recognition of the invaluable contribution mothers make to the future success and happiness of their children and society.

AMI is an interfaith, non-political, non-profit organization for women and men who identify with our purpose of strengthening the moral and spiritual foundations of the family and the home. It is dedicated to continuing its pledge to promote these age-old values and principles upon which America was founded. The fracturing of family life can be resisted and altered. AMI stands ready to help the nation rededicate itself to its family commitments and strengthening mothers and families.
Women fill many roles in today’s world. Our most vital and important one remains that of nurturing children. Whether in our care through birth, family ties, foster care or adoption; community service, employment or legislative interest; women are the primary caregivers who mold and shape future generations. It is motherly love, for our own children and those whom we serve, which motivates us to teach, contribute and take part in our communities. The collective voice and wisdom of mothers across this nation benefits children, families and society. We are American Mothers.