COEUR d’ALENE — Democratic nominee for governor and former state legislator Paulette Jordan says her background has prepared her to serve as the Gem State’s next governor.

“People know I’m truly sincere because the land of my heritage, my bloodline, is connected to the land,” Jordan said during an editorial board phone interview with The Press on Thursday.

That’s why she values its future, its children, and is “the reason why we have to stand up for communities who have become voiceless and vulnerable,” she said.

When asked which parts of her work experience prepared her for the state’s executive office, Jordan replied: “I carry the generations past and their experiences with me.”

She added that as a land owner, she has experience with the local culture and ways of life. In her capacity as a member of the executive board of the National Indian Gaming Association, Jordan said she worked to promote legislation beneficial to tribal communities.

When asked about her personal financial background, Jordan promised to disclose her information to the public, which she said would show them “how little I make.” The Press is working with the Jordan campaign to gather that information and share it with voters.

People need to see transparency in government, Jordan said, which is why she supported financial transparency legislation as a member of the state legislature. Such legislation would “show that we wanted to have transparency at all levels so people can see where representatives stood” financially, she explained.

She also said she supports creation of an inspector-general office that is independent of the governor’s office. The current ethics committee is insufficient, she said.

Jordan said she has a “very deep understanding” of North Idaho issues. She also said she has been “very accessible” and has been meeting with leaders in towns all across the state.

When asked how she sought to reach younger voters, Jordan said, “It’s all about inspiring people.”

That’s easy to do when you’re sincere about your message, invested in it, and “willing to take action,” she said.

Jordan predicted that on election day, “Women, Gen X, independents, people of color, rural Idahoans, and young people” will turn out to vote. People are saying that her campaign is “unprecedented,” said Jordan. Whether she wins in a close contest or by a lot, Jordan said her hard work “will speak for itself.”

Jordan is facing Lt. Gov. Brad Little, a Republican, in the Nov. 6 general election. Other contestants include Walter L. Bayes of the Constitution Party and Bev “Angel” Boeck, a Libertarian.