Mary Ellen Nourse for Idaho House 17 Seat B

Mary Ellen Nourse

State Representative Legislative District 17 Seat B

Biography and Background

“A New Voice—A New Vitality” describe Mary Ellen Nourse, Candidate for the Idaho House, District 17, Seat B.
Mary Ellen brings an enthusiastic, from-the-trenches approach to Idaho issues. Mary Ellen worked in Corrections in Idaho for 21 years as an Education Program Manager and Instructor. Mary Ellen has a strong background as an educator and holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. Prior to her retirement, Mary Ellen served 35 years full-time in education, including experience at the high school, community college, university, and graduate levels.
As semi-retirees, Mary Ellen and her husband Jim (a Vietnam veteran) live daily the challenges we Idahoans face at the gasoline pump, the doctor’s office, and the supermarket. Based on her years in Criminal Justice/Correction, Mary Ellen is especially concerned about gang activity and rising crime rates throughout our state
Mary Ellen and Jim are Catholic Christians and active members of their parish in Boise, where Mary Ellen is an assistant volunteer organist. The couple have been married for 27 years. Along with her music interests, Mary Ellen competes in Masters Track & Field meets and is an experienced public speaker and conference presenter. Mary Ellen is looking forward to using these skills to speak up for District 17 in the 2023 Idaho Legislature!

Mary Ellen and her husband Jim are Catholic Christians and active members of their parish in Boise, where Mary Ellen is an assistant volunteer organist. The couple have been married for 27 years.

As semi-retirees, Mary Ellen and Jim live daily the challenges that Idaho senior citizens face at the gasoline pump, the doctor’s office, and the supermarket. Jim is a Vietnam veteran and served in the Idaho National Guard for 23 years; Mary Ellen served in the volunteer Texas State Guard for two years when she lived in Nacogdoches, Texas.

A native Michigander, since relocating to Idaho in 1994, Mary Ellen enjoys the amenities of outdoor—and indoor– Idaho. She enjoys archery at the Boise Parks & Rec Range, and she and her husband Jim enjoy RV-camping in Idaho. Although the couple don’t hunt or fish, Mary Ellen and Jim are supportive of these outdoor sports. Mary Ellen looks forward to the Idaho Senior Games every summer, competing in Track & Field, representing the Boise Life Runners. Mary Ellen and Jim are avid fans of the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, and Boise State University sports teams.

Mary Ellen comes from a strong background in the field of education. After 41 years as an educator, she retired in January, 2021. Mary Ellen has taught at the high school, community college, undergraduate, and graduate levels. She was an Instructor at Northern Michigan University, a Doctoral Teaching Assistant and Instructor at the University of Memphis, and an Assistant Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. Mary Ellen has been a presenter at state, regional, and national conferences. She’s currently a member of the American Educational Research Association, National Catholic Educational Association, and National Coalition of Independent Scholars.

Mary Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, a Master of Science degree from Northern Michigan University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Memphis. Mary Ellen completed postdoctoral coursework in Career and Technical Education Administration through the University of Idaho/Boise Center. She holds an Idaho Professional-Technical Administrator, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, and Standard Teaching Certificate with Endorsements in Communication and Economics.

Along with her music interests, Mary Ellen competes in Masters Track & Field meets. She’s also a member of the Idaho Civil War Volunteers.

Top 3 Issues

Issue 1

KEEPING BIG-CITY CRIME OUT OF IDAHO THROUGH STRONG LAW ENFORCEMENT Based on her 21 years’ employment in Corrections in Idaho, Mary Ellen is concerned about keeping big-city crime out of Idaho. Mary Ellen supports mandatory minimum sentencing, with appropriate sentences for first-time drug offenders. Additional training in STGs (Security Threat Groups) present in Idaho can assist Idaho law enforcement personnel in addressing gang-related activity. Mary Ellen also supports increasing the fixed portion of sentences pronounced on offenders incarcerated due to STG felonies.

Issue 2

FOCUSING EDUCATION ON CAREER PREPARATION AND ENTRY INTO THE WORKFORCE, AND NOT ON SOCIAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS. Employers consider two important criteria in determining whether to hire an applicant: possession of the required diploma or degree, and practical work experience. We need to invest more of our tax dollars in programs that will result in employability of our graduates: career and technical education (CTE), internships, and apprenticeships. Employers who value social justice programs can offer their own training, so Idaho education doesn’t need to divert tax dollars to offer these programs in our schools. Finally, we need to revisit our Idaho Constitution that states that the State (and not parents) is the primary stakeholder in our children’s education. Parents are the primary stakeholders. Funds should follow the student.

Issue 3

TAX REFORM Tax rebates to Idahoans is a first step in providing short-term relief for what we experience at the supermarket and the gasoline pump. Proposals to provide long-term relief need to focus on addressing the problem of escalating budgets. Also, Idaho needs to eliminate school district emergency fund levies, which can be passed without voter approval.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes

“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Except for the provisions specifically noted below, I support the Idaho Republican Party Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”

Sec. 2–death penalty. All life comes from the Creator. The death penalty should be enacted only in cases where the criminal poses a potential threat if s/he escapes. On the other hand, I’ve no problem with these heinous criminals doing hard labor the rest of their lives.