Lowman announces candidacy

SANDPOINT — Chuck Lowman, a District 1B candidate for the Idaho House of Representatives, is focusing his campaign on three areas: education, economy, and efficient government.

Lowman, a past Eagle Scout, missionary, and veteran, said North Idaho is facing many important issues, which prompted his decision to run for office. 

“I firmly believe that respectful, truth-focused dialogue is one of the most important things we can do to combat the division so common in politics these days.”

In regards to education, Lowman said he said it is the Legislature’s duty to ensure that public schools are general, uniform, and free for students. 

“I firmly believe that our public schools play an important role in preparing all children to be participating members of our republic form of government,” he said. “Our rural schools, though, struggle to provide for the needs of our students when compared to the schools in our large population centers.”

He also identified parents as the primary educators in the home.

“I want to ensure that the best resources are available to help parents prepare their children to be contributing members of our community.”

Economically, Idaho needs to become a leader in innovation, infrastructure, and small-scale agro-industries, Lowman said. To accomplish this he suggests implementing policies that encourage and foster growth while allowing the free market to do what it does best, like reducing unnecessary restrictions. 

Gradual change over the last few decades has brought new challenges to rural communities in regards to being able to benefit from natural resources and lucrative businesses like ranching, Lowman said. 

“We’ve also seen a change in paradigm from a multi-use land ethic on our federal lands to more of a preservation land ethic, and so that’s removed folks in our communities from being able to make a living off of our federal lands,” he said. “That’s a concern that I have — how do we encourage economic growth in our community so that we’re not dependent on external sources to fuel our economy? That means finding ways to bring dollars into our community.” 

Lowman has been active in Christian missions throughout Africa, the Middle East ands the Far East, and also served in the Army for over 10 years, deploying for 39 months to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, before “coming home” to Idaho in 2019. 

After being immersed in the Army lifestyle, Lowman said his family has been positively impacted by Sandpoint’s community and all it has to offer, motivating him to run to keep that sense of togetherness alive within the community. 

“In running for this office, my goal is to serve my community and work hard to protect your God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Lowman said. 

Information: chucklowman.com