Ada Democrats Say Yes to Community College:

(BOISE) – Citing recent electoral successes and an identified base of voters who favor expanding local educational opportunities, the Ada County Democrats have committed to activating their grassroots organizations behind the Community College Yes initiative.

“The education of our workforce is not a political issue,” noted Brian Cronin, Chairman of the Ada County Democrats. “But the best way we can contribute to advancing the issue is to mobilize our political machine behind this worthy ballot initiative. We have expertise in running successful grassroots campaigns in Ada County and would like to lend our experience and sizeable volunteer corps to this important effort.” In 2006, Democrats re-elected all seven incumbent legislators and picked up five additional legislative seats and a county commissioner seat.

With the initiative needing the approval of 66.67% of voters in Canyon and Ada Counties to pass, a strong turnout and a decisive victory by education supporters in Ada County is crucial to the ballot measure’s chances. Last year, Democratic candidates in Ada County ran on a platform that included support for the creation of a community college district in the Treasure Valley and are united in their support of the initiative.

“It’s time for the Treasure Valley to join together on this issue,” noted Sen. David Langhorst. “Population growth, a booming economy, and looming workforce shortages compel us to pursue the establishment of a community college district. We owe it to our young people to provide as many post-secondary education opportunities as possible.” 

Langhorst will be joining fellow D16 legislators Margaret Henbest and Les Bock to walk on Tuesday, May 15. Mayor Dave Bieter will also be going door to door next week on behalf of Community College Yes! Details can be found below.

Cronin called upon Republican party officials and elected officials to make a similar commitment.  “I sincerely hope the Ada County Republicans and those officials who have not yet spoken out on this issue will not only endorse the initiative, but also use their party apparatus on behalf of the effort,” said Cronin. “Meeting the 2/3 threshold is a significant challenge, even for a well-financed initiative that enjoys substantial popularity. But we’re quite confident that if the Democrats get their people to the polls and the Republican Party does the same, we’ll have the numbers we need to get it done.”   

UPCOMING EVENTS:

District 16 Walk with Sen. David Langhorst, Rep. Les Bock, Rep. Margaret Henbest and volunteers
When:  Tuesday, May 15, 6:00 PM - 8:30PM
Where: Catalpa Park, (between 36^th and Collister)

Walk with Mayor Bieter for Community College Yes!
When: Saturday, May 19, 9:30 a.m.

Where:  Community College Yes! Campaign office, 809 Bannock

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