By Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman

BOISE, Idaho — As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth celebrated a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas at the Pentagon, he dropped another piece of news: that Idaho would be a training ground for newly minted Qatari Air Force members.

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The announcement caught Idaho elected officials off-guard.

“First I heard of it was listening to the news,” House Majority Leader Jason Monks, a Meridian Republican, told the Idaho Statesman.

“I don’t believe any Idaho lawmaker was aware,” said Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, a Burley Republican.

Though he supports military partnerships, “Idahoans deserve transparency,” Anthon added. “We need clear information on how this training program will work and how it will impact our communities.”

Gov. Brad Little’s office didn’t answer a question about whether Little was consulted on the idea of the facility before Hegseth announced the plan, but said he has been discussing concerns from the public with Idaho’s congressional delegation and President Donald Trump’s administration.

“It is critical we work with the administration to ensure this agreement is done in a way that protects Idahoans’ interests as further details are finalized,” Joan Varsek, a spokesperson for Little, said in an emailed statement.

Hegseth told reporters Friday that the U.S. would build a facility for the Qatar Emiri Air Force at Mountain Home to “enhance our combined training, increase lethality (and) interoperability.” The base will host and train pilots and fighter jets from Qatar, he said.

Back in 2022, the Air Force announced that Mountain Home would be the location for 170 Qatari trainees, as part of a $12 billion deal the U.S. signed years ago to give Qatar aircraft and U.S.-based training, the Statesman previously reported.

Eight Idaho lawmakers wrote an open letter Sunday to Idaho’s congressional delegation expressing concern about the “lack of consultation with Idaho’s state leadership prior to announcing this deal.”

The lawmakers, including state Sen. Christy Zito, a Hammett Republican, and state Rep. Faye Thompson, a McCall Republican, whose districts include the Mountain Home Air Force Base, sought more information about how many Qatari personnel would live and work at the base, how the program was being funded, and whether there were screening or intelligence processes in place to ensure trainees had no ties to extremist organizations.

Zito and Thompson on Tuesday declined to comment to the Statesman until they had spoken to Hegseth and Idaho’s congressional delegation.

Monks, who saw their letter on social media, said it raised “fair questions” but that he wasn’t overly concerned. Air Force personnel in the past have “done a pretty good job” of reaching out to lawmakers and neighboring communities to explain what’s going on at the base.

“They’ve always been very responsive to any requests (for) information that I know the Legislature has asked, so I don’t imagine this will be any different,” he told the Statesman by phone. All the same, he said, “I think it would have been nice if we had a little bit more of a heads-up.”

House Speaker Mike Moyle, a Star Republican, and Senate Majority Leader Lori Den Hartog, a Meridian Republican, did not respond to requests for comment.

Concerns over foreign governments in Idaho

U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson in a post on X celebrated Hegseth’s announcement. U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo in a Friday statement said he was awaiting “further details about the agreement” but would continue to work with Air Force and base leaders to “protect our long-term national security interests.”

Madison Hardy, a spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, did not respond to a request for comment from the Statesman but pointed to comments Risch provided to the Spokesman-Review. In those comments, Risch said the decision to host Qatari pilots “is in line with other preexisting U.S. military agreements with important allies.”

“Idaho’s congressional delegation is working with the administration to ensure questions about proper safeguards are addressed and that this agreement is implemented in a way that makes America’s military stronger, safer and more reliable,” he added.

The Idaho Freedom Foundation, a far-right think tank, on social media said it “unequivocally condemns” the plan, which “appears to have been made without consultation or consideration for the residents of Idaho or through our elected state representatives.”

“To unilaterally decide that Idaho will host a foreign nation’s Air Force facility, which would house and train foreign nationals whose loyalties don’t align with our own national and state interests, is a completely unacceptable overreach,” the organization said in a statement on X. The Department of Defense’s action “is a flagrant disregard for the autonomy of our state and the security of its citizens.”

State Rep. Ted Hill, an Eagle Republican, has been outspoken in the Legislature about his opposition to foreign governments’ presence in Idaho. In 2025, he proposed House Bill 356 — which Little later signed into law — to expand on rules banning governments from buying agricultural land, water rights and mining claims in the state. Hill declined to comment on this story.

©2025 Idaho Statesman. Visit at idahostatesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Two candidates are running in a special election for a member-at-large seat on the North St. Paul-Maplewood school board in November.

General information about the Nov. 4, 2025, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

North St. Paul-Maplewood school board

Justin Middaugh

(Candidate did not complete the form)

Sam Rosemark

(Candidate did not complete the form)

Four candidates are running for there seats on the Mounds View school board in November’s election.

The candidates are Shauna Bock, Shea Bruce, Tascha Just and Mark Sacay.

General information about the Nov. 4, 2025, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

Mounds View school board (elect three)

Shauna Bock

Shauna Bock. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 46

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, along with licenses as both a Principal and a Director of Special Education. Over the past 20 plus years, I’ve worked across nearly every level of the education system—as a classroom teacher, building administrator, and district-level leader. This broad experience has given me a deep understanding of how decisions at every level impact students, staff, and families.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Security, Safety, and Technology Gaps A 2024 internal technology audit identified urgent needs related to school safety, cybersecurity, and classroom technology. Critical updates are needed for security cameras, visitor management systems, and building access controls, as well as upgrades to the technology students and staff rely on every day. These improvements aren’t just about equipment—they’re about peace of mind. Families deserve to know that when their children are at school, they are safe, supported, and learning in an environment equipped for today’s world. Investing in security and technology is an investment in both safety and student success.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

From a school board perspective, the primary role of government is to serve the public good by ensuring that essential systems—like education—are equitable, transparent, and accountable. Government exists to provide structure, stability, and opportunities that individuals and communities couldn’t create on their own. In public education, that means making sure every student has access to a safe, high-quality learning environment, regardless of background or zip code.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

When someone disagrees with me, I try to listen first—to really understand their perspective rather than preparing my response. I’ve found that listening builds trust, and it often helps uncover common ground. I believe diverse opinions make us stronger, and I’m always willing to re-evaluate my thinking when new information or experiences challenge my assumptions.

Website or contact information: shaunabock.com/

Shea Bruce

Shea Bruce. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 32

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I have ten years of teaching experience and 1 year of health care experience at an autism clinic. I have 2 teaching degrees (K-6 elementary education and K-12 reading), and a Master of Arts in Educational Studies

What would your top priorities be if elected?

I would like to work to increase equity and inclusion in the Mounds View school district

What do you think is the primary role of government?

I believe the primary role of the government is to be the voice of the people and be able to help those who cannot help themselves.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

I am a very good listener; I seek to understand and learn, not to change minds or sway people to “my side.” I truly believe everyone is trying their best and wants to learn, grow, and do well.

Website or contact information: None provided.

Tascha Just

Tascha Just. (Courtesy of the candidate)

Age: 47

What qualifies you to hold this position?

I bring a unique combination of professional expertise and community commitment. As a school psychologist for over 20 years, I’ve supported students across Minnesota in academics, mental health, and crisis response. Locally, I’m a proud Mounds View parent, board secretary for the Native American Parent Committee, and a volunteer with district programs. I also serve statewide as President-Elect of the Minnesota School Psychologists Association and on the Children’s Justice Act Task Force. These roles give me the skills to bridge local voices with statewide advocacy. I know how schools work, what students need to thrive, and how to lead with transparency and care so every child feels safe, supported, and prepared for the future.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top priorities are student safety, academic excellence, and community trust. Safety comes first – from secure entrances to protecting against the 60,000 cyberattacks our district blocks each month. Academic excellence means tackling middle school math while ensuring neurodivergent, multilingual, and advanced learners all thrive. Finally, trust is built when families, staff, and students are heard – just as we saw with the collaborative cell phone policy and new recognition of holidays.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

At its best, the government exists to serve people – not the other way around. Its primary role is to create conditions where families, communities, and individuals can thrive safely and with dignity. That means investing in education, protecting public safety, and ensuring transparency and accountability in how resources are used. I believe the government should function like a good school district: listening to its people, responding to real needs, and using data and compassion to guide decisions. When the government does its job well, it builds trust – not through control or ideology, but through collaboration, fairness, and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Ultimately, the role of government is to safeguard opportunity – so that every child, every family, and every community has a fair chance to succeed.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

My background as a school psychologist has taught me that every disagreement holds a story, and every story holds values worth hearing. When people disagree, I look for the “why” behind their view and the shared goals we might both care about – safety, opportunity, belonging. I’ve found that respect and curiosity open more doors than argument ever will. In my work, I’ve facilitated tough conversations between families, educators, and administrators. The goal isn’t to win; it’s to build trust strong enough to solve problems together. Even when we don’t agree, I always learn something that helps me lead with more clarity, compassion, and humility.

Website or contact information: justforschoolboard.com. Email: TaschaJust1@gmail.com

Mark Sacay

Age: 58

What qualifies you to hold this position?

Dedicated, mission-driven professional transitioning from a 30-year corporate insurance career to the non-profit sector to leverage extensive leadership, project management, and relationship-building skills for community impact. Proven commitment to social justice and civic engagement through hands-on roles as an ESL teacher for the Somali community, a poll worker, and a campaign volunteer for State Representative elections. Deeply engaged community advocate with experience across various non-profits, including Amersand Families, Dorothy Day, and Mission Continues, currently supporting organizations like Indivisible Twin Cities, Unidos MN (Legal Observer-trained), and local church-based social justice initiatives – Isaiah, and Welcome the Stranger. I know have an opportunity to give back to my community, and what better way to do this by running for School Board Member – Mounds View School District 621.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

1. Fiscal Responsibility and Resource Allocation We must be diligent stewards of taxpayer dollars. I’m committed to continuing to ensure our financial decisions are transparent, data-driven, and focused on maximizing the impact of every dollar spent. That means investing wisely in classrooms, staff, and programs that directly benefit student learning and development. 2. Continuous Improvement of Academic Excellence Our schools should be centers of opportunity, where all students—regardless of background—have the tools and support they need to succeed, and this includes high academic standards, robust instructional practices. I believe continuous improvement is essential, and we must stay responsive to the evolving needs of our students and families. 3. Prioritizing Mental Health in our schools The district aims to improve student well-being by expanding readily accessible resources, including on-campus counselors, therapists, and dedicated safe spaces where students can seek support. Also, recognizing the immense pressure on our teachers and staff, I will advocate for professional development that includes training on identifying mental health challenges, as well as access to wellness programs and support services for educators. 4. Strengthening Community Engagement and Communication A strong school district is built on trust, transparency, and collaboration. I will work to improve communication among the board, families, staff, and the broader community. Our students thrive when schools and communities work together, and I’m dedicated to fostering that partnership every step of the way. Together, we can ensure Mounds View Public Schools remain a place where all students feel seen, supported, and set up for success.

What do you think is the primary role of government?

My view is that the government is there to ensure the entire community thrives, not just a select few. That mission goes beyond just security and justice. It requires them to actively promote the general welfare by providing a safety net (healthcare, etc.), making sure the economy is regulated for fairness, and investing in our people through education and opportunities.

How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you?

My approach begins with my strongest skill: making genuine one-on-one connections. I actively seek out individuals whose perspectives diverge from my own to engage in candid, direct discussion. My goal is not to debate, but to listen empathetically and identify shared values. By focusing on areas of agreement first, I establish a foundation of mutual respect that allows us to explore difficult issues with a spirit of compromise and collaboration, always striving to build stronger community relationships.

Website or contact information: marksacayforschools.com/

Two candidates — Michael Overman and Daniel Turner — are running in a special election for the St. Anthony-New Brighton school board in November’s election.

General information about the Nov. 4, 2025, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including material on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties.

To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.

St. Anthony-New Brighton school board

Michael Overman

(Candidate did not complete the form)

Daniel Turner

(Candidate did not complete the form)