Community forums like these will not, on their own, heal political wounds. But they are a start, writes guest columnist Jean Henscheid. (Getty Images)
In 2022, the financial publication Moneywise ranked Idaho the 10 th rudest state in the nation . Three years on and in the midst of a rancorous election season, media reports and anecdotal evidence suggest that that ranking is unlikely to have improved. According to Moneywise, we have rude drivers and people are mean to service providers. An outburst by a legislative candidate at a North Idaho forum and competing jabs about Proposition 1 give the impression that political interactions in Idaho are also rude.
In many instances that’s just not true.
A recent candidate forum in Caldwell is a case in point. Eight congressional and legislative candidates met for a respectful discussion about the experiences and perspectives that make them the best choice for elective office. Not one candidate shouted or belittled their opponent.
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