Sellman to seek senate seat

Sher Sellman, Republican Idaho State Representative and long-time Elmore County resident, has announced her candidacy for the state senate seat currently held by Sen. Robbi King-Barrutia.

King-Barrutia, also a Republican, has not made a final decision on her immediate political future but has has not ruled out seeking re-election. She was recently arrested during the opening weeks of the legislative session for her second DUI and is currently obtaining treatment for alcoholism.

With the reapportionment map still not finalized, Sellman cannot state a specific legislative district on her candidacy petition. Most likely Elmore County will be included with Boise County, which would form District 22. Currently, Rep. Sellman represents District 20, composed primarily of Elmore and Owyhee counties.

In her announcement, Sellman said that her constituents "deserve a choice and need a senator who can focus, full-time, on their needs and desires, without distractions.

"My children are grown and gone to their own professional lives, and I have the energy and experience to give my all to serve the people of the district.

"My husband is most supportive of this endeavor. In fact, he enjoys the people he meets through my legislative work."

At present, Sellman sits on the House Local Government Committee. She said that her 12 years of Mountain Home City Council work has given her the ability to tackle difficult land use issues that come with a growing state. Also, she noted that she has worked with the county assessors office to "bring fairness" into the Circuit Breaker laws for property tax relief.

Before becoming a financial planner, Sellman was a high school teacher. She has been one of the most active legislators dealing with the educational reforms dealing with Achievement Standards and Assessment. Sellman said that she is "committed to working with the district's parents, students, teachers and administrators to offer a top notch education for any student in our technological age." One of her main focuses during this legislative session was to help alleviate the teachers shortage, she noted.

She thanked the teachers and administrators for their help during the financial crisis of this state.

"As funds were cut for education, our education community vowed to continue to educate our children to the best of their ability even though they had fewer dollars to do so."

The youth of the community and state have always been one of her top priorities, she said. As a business woman, she promoted many youth projects throughout the community and has been a 4-H leader in the past. Within the realms of her legislative work, she has also worked with the Juvenile Justice System.

From growing up on a ranch, and, with her husband, having ranching interests in Owyhee county, Sellman has deep agriculture roots. She said she understands Idaho's important ag industry. She also acknowledges the importance of the Mountain Home Air Base. Last year she brought the entire legislature to the base for a tour.

Rep. Sellman said that she "looks forward to an active campaign" where she can discuss issues with individuals. "When I came to the House in 1999 I brought the issues and concerns of my neighbors with me. My four years in this office have given me the experience to bring resolution to those issues and to ease those concerns.

"I want to use that experience in the Senate. That's where I can be of greater help in bringing the views my constituents to bear on the problems that face Idaho and finding effective, affordable solutions."

The legislature will be wrapping up in March and the primary is on May 22.

"This is a great couple of weeks to greet and meet folks who still have controversial actions of the legislature on their minds. To listen and explain is one of the most rewarding parts of a legislator's job.

"I am committed to hear people's ideas, to solve problems, and to serve this district and our state well. I send the sincerest thanks to everyone in District 20 who sent me to serve in the House of Representatives. I ask that you now consider me for the Senate."