In the current pandemic, it is essential to have leaders and elected officials in our community who exemplify the way someone should act and the rhetoric one should put forth. A good example would be people who listen to what experts in the field of health and science say. People who socially distance and wear masks to keep others safe. These attributes describe the current Latah County Commissioner Tom Lamar perfectly.
“Science is saying masks are working,” Lamar said. “Masks are allowing our economy to be open, and are keeping our hospitals from being overwhelmed.”
Lamar, who is up for re-election this November, has been passing out masks with his name and job title on them since July. Actions like this further prove Lamar’s passion for the safety of this community.
“During a pandemic, there are a few options to give us the freedom to interact with others,” Lamar said. “Wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance, washing our hands and avoiding indoor interactions are all proven effective tools when used together.”
Though he aligns with the Democratic Party, Lamar grew up in a Republican household and learned early on how to work well with people who have different beliefs than him.
Lamar said his parents taught him how to have a strong work ethic and about conserving natural resources. He has had a wide variety of jobs throughout his time in the community — including a janitor, a teacher and a baker. Furthermore, he’s been the executive director of the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute since 1990.
“For more than 35 years I have been getting my hands dirty alongside other Latah County residents to improve our land, our communities and our economy,” Lamar said.
It is because of this work ethic that he has received praise and bipartisan support from people on all ends of the political spectrum — most notable praise has come from the former mayor of Moscow, Marshall Comstock, and a fellow Latah County Commissioner, Dave McGraw — both of whom identify as Republican.
Lamar is a vocal critic of the Idaho government’s failure to provide sufficient funding to educational institutions — at all levels of education. He has consistently lobbied at the state level to advocate for adequate funding for education. He also worked to enhance inclusive access to higher education by providing financial assistance for local youth who attend a community college.
“Idaho must start supporting both K-12 and higher education at a necessary level to help make Idaho more competitive within the United States,” Lamar said. “If we do not, Idaho will continue to fall at the bottom of state funding levels, resulting in continued depressed educational and economic achievements.”
For these reasons and many more, I believe residents of Latah County should vote for Tom Lamar for County Commissioner. Or if you are not registered in Latah County — much like myself — get involved in his campaign. Wear his masks. Put up his signs in your window. If you have a few extra dollars, donate to his campaign, which even has a Venmo so you can donate from the comfort of your bed. I implore you to help Lamar and his cause in any way you can.
Aaron Bharucha can be reached at [email protected]