Mary Lou Shepherd
Party: Democrat
Age: 71
Personal: Married, seven children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren
Education: North Central High School, Spokane, Wash. Attended Alan Hancock College, Santa Maria, Calif. and North Idaho College, Coeur d’Alene
Professional: Directly out of high school I worked for AT&T in Spokane. With seven children to raise, I spent many years at home with them, doing volunteer work at the various schools. I began as a room mother, and became PTA presidents for elementary, middle and high schools. I worked with a high school booster club to raise the funds to build a football stadium and track facility. I am proud that my name is on a bronze plaque at that stadium. Owned a tavern/restaurant in Prichard from 1979 to 1987; now retired.
Political: For many years I helped with candidate and issue campaigns. In 1996 and 1998, I became the campaign manager for state Rep. Larry Watson, whose seat I now occupy. I was appointed to that seat in 1999, and was elected to it in 2000 and 2002.
Key issues: The top issues in District 2 are jobs, taxes and education, and health care is about even with them. I work diligently to assure that Idaho is a “business friendly” state for both new businesses and those looking to relocate to Idaho, and with economic development groups on local projects. District 2 is not seeing prosperity as in some parts of the state. Citizens cannot afford everyday expenses and taxes are a major entity in their daily lives. This year the 1% increase in the sales tax that was legislated in 2003, will sunset. The state will lose approximately $170 million at that time. I will be vigilant that whatever the proposals will be to replace that tax, they will not impact the lives of middle and low income people. I will be eager to take a look at options that are being spoken of, that would relieve some of the burden of property taxes. Education is the number one priority for most Idaho residents. Our children must have a quality education to compete in tomorrow's world, one that will see increasing technology and the need for knowledge to teach it, or work with it. That will take proper funding, as will being certain that all our students are able to pass the tests that they are being required to take now. Increasing mandates require funding and I will support proper funding of our education system. The quality of education today equates to the quality of the economy tomorrow.
Money raised/spent: Had raised $2,301 as of June report
Top contributors: Top donors included: PAC for Education, $1,000; Robert and Jeanne Buell, $500; and Union Pacific Railroad, $500.
Key influence: Mother
Favorite book: The Year of the Fires by Stephen Pyne
First priority if elected: My first priority will be the same as it has been since 1999, working with my constituents when they have problems, always being available to them, being cognizant of the issues that touch their lives, and listening to the way they wish me to represent them.
Website: http://www.idaho-democrats.org
