Julie's Biography

hr

Leadership

A lot of candidates talk about it during political campaigns, but to Julie Ellsworth leadership has been a part of her life — both from inside and outside the Idaho Legislature.

In the legislature, Ellsworth was elected by her peers to serve as House Majority Caucus Chairman – one of the most powerful positions in Idaho’s House of Representatives. Outside the legislature she has been actively involved in the community helping out in the schools, sporting activities, and fundraising efforts.

“Both these roles do a lot to shape my life,” Ellsworth said. “I know what it takes to organize and lead fundraising efforts for the schools. I also know what it takes to negotiate with House and Senate leadership and the Governor and how to work toward a consensus on important issues,” she said. “These are the kinds of leadership skills we need to resolve transportation funding and ensure a bright future for Boise State University and our public schools.”

Ellsworth is running for the District 18 House seat, partly because she thinks it is important to elect leaders who can get District 18's issues heard. If she wins, she’ll be in familiar territory. During her 10 years in the House, Ellsworth earned the reputation as one of the most effective members of the Legislature.

“Her election to the Caucus Chairman sums up what her colleagues thought of her,” said House Speaker Lawerence Denney. “As with many others who know Julie, I respect her intelligence, common sense and leadership.”

Ellsworth offers a stark contrast from her opponent, who has accomplished little during his two years in office. Rep. Branden Durst has no influence with the majority in the House.

“He debates on a lot of bills, but he’s typically on the side of more spending and bigger government without offering realistic options for paying for it,” Denney said. “District 18 has lost a lot of clout in the House of Representatives. Julie Ellsworth, with her experience and leadership ability, would provide District 18 with the kind of strong representation it deserves.”

Ellsworth wants to come back in a different role if she wins in November. She said she plans to ask for a seat on the Joint Finance–Appropriations Committee, which sets the budgets for all of state government — including public schools and transportation.

“This is the area where I think I can be the most effective, because I understand how state government works,” Ellsworth said. “Every year there is a great deal of pressure to increase spending and raise taxes. I will promote the kind of quality services we all want while pushing for the kind of accountability that Idahoans demand.”

That’s what leadership is all about.

Community Accomplishments:

  • Parent Volunteer in the local schools for fundraising and classroom activities.
  • Teacher — Idaho public schools
  • One of nine leaders in the US selected by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (a bi–partisan group) to meet with the government leaders of Israel and Egypt, 1997
  • Treasurer of "Gang Busters" an organization established to combat gangs and graffiti, 1996
  • Helped to establish PAYADA in schools (Parents and Youth Against Drug Abuse).

Legislative Accomplishments:

  • Majority Caucus Chairman (2 terms) elected by peers to leadership
  • State Affairs Legislative Committee Vice–Chairman
  • Judiciary Rules Committee Member
  • Environmental Affairs Committee Vice–Chairman
  • Electrical Restructuring Interim Committee Member
  • Successfully called for an audit of the State Insurance Fund
  • Helped obtain the state’s high bond rating. Met with financial experts from Wall Street and answered questions about Idaho.
  • Carried the "anti–terrorism" Legislation
  • Drafted Idaho’s "Do Not Call List" legislation
  • Helped draft legislation cracking down on Medicaid fraud which has resulted in the State recouping millions of dollars.
Julie Ellsworth