David Russell

Name: David Russell

Position Running For: Post Falls Highway District Sub District 1

Phone: (917) 399-5234

Address: 2411 N Titleist Way, Post Falls, ID 83854, United States

Website:

Twitter:

Email: davidjrussell@yahoo.com

Tell us a little about yourself and your family, how long you have lived in the area and your occupation.

I grew up in the New York area and moved to Chicago in 2012. I married my wife, Paige, in 2016 and we have six children. We moved to Post Falls in 2020 to escape the crime and degradation of Illinois. I am a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and work as a financial analyst for a small brokerage. My wife worked in prolife organizations before having children. I have the unique background of starting my career as a financial journalist in Venezuela during the rise of Hugo Chavez. I saw how years of fiscal irresponsibility yielded to socialist tyranny. This has left an indelible impression on me. Along with seeing Reagan win the Cold War, this has been the biggest influence on my political views.

1. Do you have experience as an elected official and if so, what was your position, and how would you describe your voting record?

Yes. I have served as Commissioner of the Post Falls Highway District since 2021, having been selected by the KCRCC at that time. I have voted to cut taxes each year in office, despite historic inflationary pressures. I have also pushed for greater efficiency in the staff, resulting in less overtime and better benefits for workers. Some of my achievements include: 1- Facilitating the installation of a traffic signal at Huetter Rd and Poleline Ave (at no taxpayer cost). This opened a crucial east-west corridor between Post Falls and CDA. 2- Fighting to allow the installation of a water main needed to complete construction on the Kootenai Classical Academy. My efforts ensured this needed charter school would open. 3- Navigating multiple lawsuits involving PFHD. 4- Easing rules for property owners in less developed areas. 5- Spearheading an intersection improvement on Riverview Dr. at the Washington state line. 6- Raising the speed limit on Winch Rd in response to taxpayer wishes. 7- Modernizing Beck Rd in a multimillion dollar project that was completed under budget. 8- Working with the Idaho Transportation Department on a key overpass at Rt 53 and Pleasant View Rd. Our financial oversight also yielded significant savings for local taxpayers. 9- Oversaw importance maintenance of Spokane St Bridge (new deck, pylon protection)

2. Please tell us about your activity as a Republican. Have you previously voted for candidates of other parties? If yes, explain.

I have been a Republican my entire life and have never voted for any other party when partisan choices were available. I grew up under Reagan and will always maintain his vision of America.

3. What is the purpose of government?

The purpose of government is to serve the public good, which requires fiscal responsibility and prudent consideration of investment in public infrastructure. Roads are one of the few areas rightly in the public domain. Overseeing a Highway District requires a balance between fiscal responsibility, property rights, and the long-term transportation needs of the community (which are essential to economic activity and property values).

4. Describe why you are running for this particular office. What are your qualifications? What are your goals?

I am running for this office because I believe I have served the public well in the last four years. I also have an informed long-term view of Kootenai's rapid growth and a desire to deliver the best roads to the public at the best cost. My goal is to ensure roads are maintained and built prudently as this area grows.

5. Describe experiences where you are or have been engaged such as non-profit organizations, clubs, churches, boards, commissions, etc., where you have been of service to others.

I have been involved in political activities like serving as a Precinct Committeeman and helping on several campaigns in previous decades (often in New York, New Jersey and Illinois). I was also engaged in prolife work in Chicago and previously served as secretary of the Holy Name Society at Immaculate Conception Church in Post Falls. I once served on the board of a Catholic School known as the Chesterton Academy. Given time constraints, I am now focused on my family, career and the Highway District.

6. Do you describe yourself as fiscally conservative? Please, elaborate.

I am a fiscal conservative because governments naturally tend toward wasteful spending. At least three things undermine accountability. First is the lack of individual ownership. Second is the ability to tax under legal fiat. Third is the separation (often years) between decisions and consequences. Only a committed fiscal conservative can overcome the resulting natural drift toward waste, debt and higher taxes. I oppose income tax and entrenched government spending -- especially in education and entitlements. I am deeply concerned about the Federal government's spending and our growing complacency with running large structural deficits.

7. Do you consider yourself as socially conservative? Please elaborate.

I am a prolife social conservative and Traditional Catholic. We moved to Idaho to prevent our children from being scandalized by the disordered and immoral behaviors common to Chicago and blue states in general. Coming here was a great decision.

8. Describe which party platform best aligns with your positions on public policy (Republican, Democrat, Libertarian or Constitutional Party) and where do you disagree with that platform.

The Republican party has always matched my views, which are God first and America a close second.

9. Do you have any history of tax liens, criminal record, bankruptcy or conflict of interest that may affect your future decisions or desirability to be voted into office?

No

10. Describe how you will make yourself available to your constituents and vote as their representative with FORTITUDE, adhering to the values and answers you have stated above.

I have often communicated with constituents via email and will continue to do so if reelected. I have opted not to provide my phone number because requests are often detailed and it's easier to have everything in writing so I can provide meaningful responses.