Desi Burbank
As a native Idahoan, parent group president, and proud mother of six, I am committed to fostering strong families, schools, and communities. My nine years as an Army wife have instilled in me a deep sense of duty and resilience. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Utah State University, where I had the privilege of meeting my remarkable and supportive husband.
Idaho GOP Platform Responses
✓+ Strongly Agree ✓ Somewhat Agree O Somewhat Disagree X Strongly Disagree
| Topic | Candidate’s Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| ✓+ | Responsibility in Government | We work for the people and we should work hard. |
| ✓+ | Citizen Involvement | All people should have a voice, but an informed voice is best. |
| ✓+ | Education | Our teachers are superheroes! |
| ✓+ | Agriculture | I grew up in Eastern Idaho in a family very closely involved in the farming and ranching communities. If the farmers had a bad year-we had a bad year. Our famers are crucial to our economy in Idaho. |
| ✓+ | Water | We need to protect our Idaho water |
| ✓+ | Natural Resources / Environment | 8 years ago, when my husband completed his time in the Army and found a job in Boise, I was beyond happy. The words to “Here we have Idaho” (learned during 4th grade Idaho history) kept playing in my mind. I have loved sharing the beauty of Idaho with my children. “And here we have Idaho, Winning her way to fame. Silver and gold in the sunlight blaze, And romance lies in her name.” |
| ✓+ | Energy | My husband and I both own electric cars and are very grateful for the low energy rates here in Idaho. One of our favorite places to visit as a family is Swan Falls where we can appreciate the beauty of nature and the power of its energy. |
| ✓+ | Idaho National Lab | Growing up in Eastern Idaho, the INL was a very important part of our community. |
| ✓+ | Private Property Rights | My degree in Economics was heavily focused on the importance of property rights. |
| ✓+ | State / Federal Lands | N/A |
| ✓+ | Wildlife | The first thing I was excited to do when we moved back to Idaho was get a 208 area code again… the first thing my husband wanted to do was get his fishing license. |
| ✓+ | Economy | In just 8 years, we have seen our area of Boise grow immensely. I am grateful for the jobs these businesses provide. |
| ✓+ | Health and Welfare | N/A |
| ✓+ | American Family | N/A |
| ✓+ | Older Americans | N/A |
| ✓+ | Law & Order w/ Justice | N/A |
| ✓+ | National Defense | I love our veterans! While my husband was stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC (6 years) we were blessed to have friends from the Idaho National Guard stationed there with us while preparing for their deployments. The Idaho National Guard is an important part of our military as a whole. |
| ✓+ | Election of Idaho Judges | N/A |
| ✓+ | Religious Liberty | N/A |
Survey and Interview Responses
How long have you lived in Ada County?
8 years (May 2018) Oklahoma (my husband’s last duty station)
How long have you been a Republican? Any prior party affiliation?
22 years. No
Have you been involved with any political organizations? (IACI, Idaho Majority Club, IFF, etc.)
No
Have you supported candidates from another party?
No
Why are you running for this office?
See a need… fill a need. I was made aware of the opportunity 24hrs before the filing deadline. After a sleepless night and a lot of prayer, I knew I needed to take this leap of Faith. I am heavily involved in my kid’s school, sports, and theatre communities and look forward to zooming out to the amazing State of Idaho as a whole and especially District 15.
Have you held elected office before?
No
What makes you qualified for this role?
I sign up and I show up. I am committed to serving others and making our community better. I understand the issues facing families in Idaho including education, healthcare, affordability, and community safety.
If elected, what 2-3 actions do you intend to pursue in your first year?
Education (let’s fix the funding formula!), supporting veterans, and using our state resources wisely.
How have you served your community (boards, nonprofits, etc.)?
In my school community I have served as PTA President (twice), PTA Secretary (twice), and Idaho PTA Secretary. I cannot use the PTA in any campaign materials, so I will just refer to it as Parent Group I also volunteer on a committee working to bring a Library to West Boise and serve as treasurer for a soccer club/team. I started a Book Swap at Andrus Elementary
Do you consider yourself fiscally conservative?
Yes. I’m very good at saying NO… just ask my children. I believe in the value of working hard and have worked hard to make sure our PTA is spending the funds entrusted to us wisely.
Do you consider yourself socially conservative?
Yes. I believe that the family is the core unit of society and we protect the sanctity of life and of the family.
Give us your one-minute elevator speech for the campaign.
I am running to support what I see as the best part of Idaho, with a commitment to families and community.
What are your top three priorities, and what would you act on first?
I believe Idaho needs to focus on the education funding formula. I also believe tax dollars need to be used wisely, and that we should be asking whether current policies are helping appropriately.
The party calls for reducing non-core state spending. Which programs would you cut or sunset, and what principles guide your budget decisions?
I see the budget as the “B word” and as one of the Legislature’s main responsibilities. I believe resources need to go where they are supposed to go, and I am not afraid to say no.
Do you support education dollars following students to the school their parents choose, including private schools? Why or why not?
I believe parents have the ultimate choice in education. One size does not fit all.
Housing costs and property taxes are major concerns. What specific state actions would you support, and what tradeoffs are you willing—or not willing—to make?
I believe the free market must be allowed to work and do its thing. Government should not get in the way. My approach is “build, baby, build,” while also recognizing that infrastructure needs to be in place.
What is your position on holding employers accountable for knowingly hiring undocumented workers in Idaho?
On the question of holding employers legally accountable for knowingly hiring illegal workers in Idaho, I believe the federal government is responsible.
Medicaid costs are rising, and access remains a concern. What long-term reforms would you support to control costs, improve access, and protect taxpayers?
I believe Idaho needs to provide more private options in order to create a more competitive marketplace for health care.
Would you oppose multi-subject bills—even if you support part of them? Why or why not?
I believe legislators need to be careful not to participate in something bad in order to get something good.
What is your stance on the legalization of marijuana?
N/A