Terri Pickens on Government Reform

Use line-item veto sparingly and responsibly

A: It is not the role of the executive branch, specifically the office of the governor, to legislate. We have co-equal branches of government in Idaho. However, if granted line-item veto power in Idaho, I would use it sparingly and responsibly--as a tool to protect taxpayers, ensure fiscal integrity, and prevent wasteful or politically motivated spending. The goal should never be to punish legislators or score political points, but to uphold transparency and accountability in how every dollar is spent. I would carefully review each budget item to ensure it truly serves Idahoans--improving schools, infrastructure, health care, and local communities--rather than benefiting special interests. When used wisely, the line-item veto is not about exerting power; it's about safeguarding public trust and ensuring government works for the people, not against them.

End one-size-fits-all, anti-local control regime

A: The executive branch provides the leadership that either pushes Idaho toward a state-run, one-size-fits-all, anti-local control regime, such as what the current governor has presided over; or, the executive branch can use its great power to keep over-zealous politicians in check. Meeting legislators where they are and demanding accountability for our constituents will be a top priority. The people of Idaho want local control. I will push back against this governor’s policies that have taken control away from local libraries, schools, told cities they can’t be welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, told them how to better plan their growth, or any of the recent nonsense like forced cooperation with and allocation of local resources to federal agents.