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Malad and its health care infrastructure |
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by Jim Hansen on
9/10/2006
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Malad Valley is a community built by tough Welsh pioneers. A generation ago, Congress recognized that investment in rural health care was indispensible to economic development. Now, Congress has forgotten that lesson and the tough resolve by community leaders to provide for the health of their neighbors.
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Coffee shop in Buhl ripe for conversation |
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by Jim Hansen on
9/9/2006
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When I was visiting business owners in Buhl the other day, I stopped in a coffee shop called the Cosmic Jolt. It is a setting where people feel comfortable sharing their frustrations with the direction our country is going, spiced with specific examples of their own struggles. It is also a place where I enjoy sharing my sense of optimism and hope that change can happen.
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Downey embraces its community gems |
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by Jim Hansen on
9/8/2006
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The little town of Downey, like so many communities in Idaho, celebrates its local gems in August. One would think that incumbents who represent them would make it a priority to be there. But in this era of high-finance politics, they don't. I am so glad I was there and am far richer in heart for the experience I had in Downey that its local chamber of commerce, seniors, students and others put together.
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A month of fairs and getting ready for school |
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by Jim Hansen on
9/8/2006
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I have been meeting so many people in so many places in the district over the past few weeks that it has been hard to keep up on the blog. There is a growing excitement about the campaign, particularly in smaller communities that seldom see incumbents. I have been to lots of county fairs and as school has now started I have particularly been hearing from parents and teachers about school issues they are facing.
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Undermining local schools |
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by Jim Hansen on
9/7/2006
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As school started in communities throughout the district in late August and early September, I have learned a tremendous amount about how schools are coping with change, how they are being ignored by many of their elected representatives, and how they are dealing with the gradual loss of local control and resources.
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Hot temperatures and hot topics |
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by Jim Hansen on
8/14/2006
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In Rexburg and many other towns, the topic of global warming comes up, even though Congress ignores the topic as too complicated to put into a 30-second attack ad. They also have to raise money from big interest groups that would prefer Congress talk about other things. Of course, with the hot temperatures and the increase in mosquito-born diseases, people still talk about it and expect some leadership.
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Jerome deals with growth |
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by Jim Hansen on
8/14/2006
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People in Jerome come from diverse perspectives but have a lot in common with each other as they deal with the immediate effects of growth. They were glad I showed up again to meet more people face to face. Even though big interest groups in Washington, D.C., heavily influence national and international policies, the people in Jerome pay the price.
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Preston people who make a difference |
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by Jim Hansen on
8/8/2006
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The people of Preston often feel left out of Idaho, but they have built a strong community and don't like to be told what to do by the powers that be. They appreciate people who make the effort to meet them in person and who stand up for what they believe in.
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Preserving the arts in Idaho communities |
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by Jim Hansen on
8/7/2006
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The arts are an indispensable part of the life of every Idaho community. In virtually every town I have visited, the topic comes up. I also have been blessed with meeting many amazing artists, arts volunteers and supporters, and art educators. The impact that the arts have on a community cannot be fully appreciated without spending time experiencing what local people have created.
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Families helping each other in Shelley |
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by Jim Hansen on
8/1/2006
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Ten miles south of Idaho Falls is the small but growing community of Shelley. Here is where my great-grandparents came in 1896 with four small children. Here is where my grandfather was born. Here is where strong families helped each other build a community. Here is where families and city leaders continue to help each other grapple with modern challenges.
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