Andrakay Pluid

What inspired you to run for elected office?

I have been serving as a prosecuting attorney for the City of Bonners Ferry for eight years. Prosecution is my favorite area of the law and it is always the field of law I aspired to. I decided to run for County Prosecuting Attorney to help make sure that Boundary County is a safe place for my kids to grow up and for people to live and work.

Besides political experience, what unique qualifications would you bring to the office?

I am a lifetime resident of Boundary County and I feel I know the community well. I bring to this office an unparalleled desire to keep Boundary County a safe and just place to live.

What are the three most important issues facing the district and what are your solutions?

In terms of prosecution the largest issues facing our county are drug use and abuse and the resulting crime that often comes with drug use. Our county's law enforcement agencies work hard on a daily basis to help keep the community safe and drug free, they need the accompanying support from the County Prosecutor to vigorously pursue all cases, drug cases included.

What issue is not being given enough exposure in your race and why is it important?

This isn't an issue that applies to my race as I am running unopposed.

If you could only get one thing across to voters during your campaign, what would it be?

I value your safety and security and the community's safety and security. I will do everything in my power as Prosecuting Attorney to protect the citizens of Boundary County by helping to secure justice and aggressively prosecute crimes in our county.

What is the most critical environmental issue facing the region and what do you propose to address the issue?

This issue also doesn't particularly apply to my office. On a personal level, I believe the health and management of our forestry resources are critical to the environmental health of North Idaho. It's devastating to experience wildfires such as the ones that have plagued the West this year and in prior years. One of the most important ways to help reduce wildfire damage and danger is sustainable forest management.

Should any funding for local law enforcement be redirected to social and community-based programs? If so, why and what programs? If not, why not?

In our community, our law enforcement agencies already work on a shoestring budget. Redirecting funds would ultimately mean fewer officers and deputies patrolling and responding to emergencies. In a county our size, reducing officers will only mean slower responses or no responses to "non-emergent" situations. I certainly support social and community-based programs, but not at the expense of public safety.

Should the government spend more money on education?Why or why not?

Education is one of the most vital tools in creating long term community stability. An educated population tends to commit fewer crimes, is less likely to fall prey to substance abuse (chiefly illegal substances), and contributes to the economy in meaningful ways. However, I don't necessarily believe that throwing money at education from a government level is the answer. Certainly money buys "new and better"—but it doesn't necessarily fix systemic problems within the American education system.

Should governments be allowed to pass requirements such as mask mandates in the event of a pandemic? Why or why not?

The government has an overall responsibility to protect the health and safety of the public. In times of crisis, the government typically must act on the best available information. If the best available information from health officials and medical professionals suggests that the governmental body should consider specific health measures, such as masks, they have the ability to enact state or local laws that require those measures and they should have that ability. Knee jerk reactions typically do not result in the best law or policy, thus any ordinances or laws enacted by a government should be carefully considered. Enforcement of the ordinance or law needs to play a key role in that discussion as well.

What improvements are needed in Boundary County?

Boundary County needs to continue to be a place that people want to live, work, and raise their families. It needs to be safe, have sustainable jobs and a sustainable economy, provide educational opportunities that give our children the best possible start, and continue to be the friendly and welcoming community I grew up in. As a community we need to come together to achieve all of these goals. Boundary County is already a great community, but as citizens, we need to continue to work, to volunteer, and to improve so that it can stay this way.