Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin defends giving raise to staffer, citing work to be done

On July 14, the Idaho Statesman editorial board suggested the lieutenant governor “had a chance to sit back, kick her feet up, and simply wait out her lame-duck period until she could be replaced.” Is this what you expect from your elected officials? Would it even be appropriate for an elected official to do nothing with six months left in a term of office? I would never do that. It’s not in my nature to sit back and do nothing, and I think it would be unjust to the taxpayer.

As Idaho lieutenant governor, I chose to make something more of this job, not just do the bare minimum required by the constitution. During my term of service, I chaired the Regional Efficiency in Government Task Force, hosted a highly effective and popular weekly Capitol Clarity session, served on the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee, formed the Education Task Force and raised money for charity.

Additionally, I stood up for the rights of the people even when it meant speaking against my fellow constitutional officers. Some people advised me to “get back in my lane,” but when the voice of the people was ignored, I couldn’t remain silent.

Throughout the remainder of this year, my office will continue to offer comprehensive constituent services, as has always been our priority. We are also working to strengthen our state’s election integrity efforts and expand school choice.

In pursuit of these goals, I hired Machele Hamilton, an experienced and talented communicator and event coordinator. She is a wife, mother, grandmother and successful business owner. She worked for the Idaho Senate for many years. In the lieutenant governor’s office, real Idahoans are hired, not lobbyists or IACI staff members.

I am paying Machele a reasonable wage commensurate with her experience and the job duties she is undertaking. (The media’s preoccupation with my small budget is quite ironic given how they ignore things like the personal assistant to the governor’s wife being paid more than the lieutenant governor.)

The editorial implies I am trying to “use up funds meant for her successor while she still holds office, in an effort to hamstring them.” This is blatantly untrue. I am using approximately half of my appropriated budget, leaving my successor proportionately more money than I had in previous years.

The editors make the misogynistic claim that “McGeachin has rarely shown this level of creativity or capacity for strategic thinking.” There is no way I could own and operate several successful businesses, maintain a happy family and marriage, serve in the legislature for 10 years and run a successful statewide campaign with no creativity or capacity for strategic thinking.

I have no doubt these “fake news” keyboard warriors will continue their campaign to sway public opinion with lies and character assaults. I will continue to fight for the people of Idaho and to put America first! As David wrote in Psalm 118, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear; what can man do unto me?”