School issues top concerns

Tamara Lee Poelstra has been knocking on doors, more than 4,000 of them.

People tell her they’re worried about losing their jobs. They can’t pay for health care. They want a good education for their kids.

“You’d be surprised what their issues are and that would be my job – to meet the needs of those who have voted me in,” said Poelstra, a Coeur d’Alene Democrat trying to unseat two-term representative Marge Chadderdon.

Chadderdon is hoping for a third term, and to return to the House Education Committee.

She sponsored a resolution to increase financial literacy in the schools and now wants to increase financial literacy among adults with the slowdown in Idaho’s economy.

An advocate for “lifelong learning,” Chadderdon said she wants to explore ways to increase the opportunities for higher education and workforce training.

“It’s gotta be constant, constant learning,” she said. “The only way to be able to compete globally is to have a strong education system.”

Chadderdon said she tries to keep an open mind and a fair balance on all issues.

Poelstra says she has always wanted to someday run for office – that’s why she took on leadership roles in several organizations, from the PTO at her children’s schools to the Kootenai County Democrats.

She believes the state’s tax exemptions need to be re-evaluated.

“It’s real important that everyone pays their fair share,” she said.

As a member of the Coeur d’Alene School District’s Long-Range Planning Committee, Poelstra said she formed strong opinions about school funding.

“The way we finance schools is not adequate,” she said. “It’s not working. School districts spend too much time raising money just to fund a school.”

Poelstra said her listening skills and ability to communicate with both sides would make her a “qualified and excellent” legislator.