Idaho statesman questionnaire

What is your number 1 Goal if elected?
After elected, every legislator takes an oath of office, promising to uphold the Constitution. In a sense, elected officials are hired by the people and are also accountable to the people, to protect the natural, unalienable rights of every citizen. My goal is to uphold the oath of office and to support the principles of our Constitution, which was established and ordained to "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity".

What if anything should Idaho do to raise more money for roads?
I believe the legislature has taken the first step toward accountability in this area by calling for an independent audit of the Department of Transportation. If done, such research may find areas for improvement where cost savings can be made. Traffic mitigation, infrastructure and maintenance will remain a priority. The legislature will need to make some tough decisions next year on how to fund Garvee.

What sales tax exemptions, if any, would you repeal?
I see no reason to repeal tax exemptions. I would prefer that we find ways to reduce the tax burden to grant relief to Idaho citizens.

Are Idaho’s open meeting land public record laws too strict, too lenient, or just about right? Explain...
The more open, the better. I support the publics' right to monitor the activities of both the government and those who have been elected to represent the people. If elected, my goal is to be accessible to constituents and encourage their feedback. Daniel Webster put it well when he wrote: "Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government."

What, if any, steps should Idaho and local governments take to protect open space?
In neighborhoods, Open Space refers to neighborhood parks and common areas, usually maintained by Homeowner Associations who enforce Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CCR’s). Other private and public areas have city, county & state ordinances, laws, and plans to protect open space. Before enacting new laws or ordinances we need to consider the enforcement of those already in place.

Would you support tax relief to businesses or tax incentives to large industries?
Yes. We need to keep existing businesses and attract new businesses to Idaho. From the smallest “Mom & Pop” store to the largest employer, these businesses provide opportunities for employment and contribute to both the tax base and to many volunteer programs that give back to the community.

Do you support teacher merit pay?
How do we define "Merit" Pay? Is it by student achievement or grade level proficiency? What about the teachers who teach hard-to-fill subjects like Math, or who are involved in after school programs? Many great teachers opt out of our educational system within the first five years. What incentives do we currently have to attract and retain such teachers? A teacher evaluation task force is now looking at how teachers are evaluated. Hopefully they will also look at a system used to determine pay.

Should Idaho spend taxpayer money on pre-kindergarten education?
No.

Does Idaho need to tighten its daycare regulations?
I support the laws that protect our children from neglect and abuse. If new regulations are to be written they must be with the protection of the child in mind, and only if the current laws are lacking. One of the most important things that can be done to protect children is to encourage parental inquiry. Parents need to check the background including policy & procedures of any place and any individual when entrusting the safety and care of their children to others.

Name an Idaho politician you like most and why...
The late Senator Wilson Steen of Glenns Ferry. He was both an articulate statesman and a true gentleman, he commanded respect from both parties and treated his colleagues and constituents with honor. He was a man of conscience; a Godly man who did not force his belief on others but would not deny his faith. Since he dates back to the 1980’s many may not be familiar with his tenure. To those who do I’m sure they will agree this quiet, thoughtful man is greatly missed.

Where do you go for advice?
The Declaration of Independence, the US and Idaho Constitutions keep me grounded in the principles of a free society. I believe in private property rights, which means that people should be allowed to run their own lives as long as they do no harm to others. I am in contact with many organizations, institutions, various agencies and individuals to keep informed in matters affecting state government. In personal matters, I rely on my faith.