Why are you running?

Because there is a tendency for those in power to forget that government exists to serve the people…not the other way around. As a result, government growth and social costs continue to rise and the cultural values of our heritage (like traditional family values, the rights of the unborn, lower taxes, etc.) get pushed aside.  I stand in support of less government and the traditional values of our heritage. 

What changes, if any, would you make to state tax law to provide local property-tax relief or to achieve other goals? Why? Do you favor shifting school maintenance-and-operation costs to the sales tax? If you favor tax relief, how would you pay for it?

I certainly favor tax relief, and REDUCING SPENDING (by slowing the rate of government growth) is key to making that happen. Also, we need to find a more appropriate, fair and balanced funding source for the education system.  Currently property taxes are the primary source for maintenance & operation funding; but to provide property tax relief without depleting financial support for schools, a shift needs to be considered. But, REDUCING OVERALL SPENDING and NEW PROGRAMS is the key.  

What role should state government play in establishing and supporting a community college in the Treasure Valley ? What role should local taxpayers play?

I’m not convinced it is the role of State Government to be involved with this at all.  Local Government is more in tune with the needs of their respective communities, and thus better equipped to address the issue along with their local businesses. Private funding options for such should be exhausted, and taxpayers should have the right of a vote prior to assuming any new fiscal burden. 

Community colleges are a legitimate vehicle to support specific skill development for local industry and business development.  However, I believe we must not rely on a community college system for REMEDIATION.  In other words, the public K-12 system is sufficiently funded to expect from it graduates with skills commensurate with 12^th grade education standards. 

What is your position on forced annexation?

Annexation in its’ current form is basically taxation without representation. The people impacted need to have a voice on the issue. Local government wanting to expand should have to face the voters and persuade them that annexation is in their best interest.

Are you Pro-Life or Pro-Choice?

Absolutely, positively, PRO-LIFE!

What other changes, if any, would you support in state education law, and why?

I promote choice in education and less government interference in how parents choose to educate their children. Free enterprise brings out the best in businesses, and I believe can also improve the performance of our school system. Charter schools, home schools and private schools are great alternatives that compliment a great traditional public school system. I believe fast growing areas should be able to keep tax revenue they generate to fuel their own infrastructure (like schools).

Do you have a social-policy agenda for state government? What is it, and why? What's your view of the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot to outlaw gay marriage and civil unions?

First, I support traditional family values and less government intrusion in our society. I believe the strength of the traditional family forms the basic building block of a healthy society (not government control). Second, the proposed constitutional amendment referred to in this question does not “outlaw” non-traditional unions, it simply states that one-man, one woman is the only recognized civil union in Idaho . For the reasons stated in my first point, I emphatically supported it.

What, if anything, should the state do to better meet health needs and manage health-care costs?

Implement a healthy dose of tort reform to eliminate frivolous lawsuits that needlessly drive up costs, then get out of the way and let the free market work.  We have a tendency to think government control is the solution, when often it is just the reverse.  We should also support a plan similar to that outlined in current US Senate bill 1955 that allows “Small Business Health Plans” to make it possible for small businesses across the nation to pool their employees to get lower rates.

What, if anything, should the state do to improve transportation?  How would you pay for these improvements?

Our transportation system is a primary portion of the infrastructure that drives the economic viability of our state. As such, it deserves considerable investment. In addition to normal JFAC (joint finance & appropriations committee) appropriations for highways and roads, I supported the portion of GARVEE recommended by JFAC in both the ‘05 and ‘06 legislatures.

What book did you read last, and what do you read regularly? Why? 

“The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman. Due to time constraints I rarely read just for fun.  However, I do frequently read news reports from various sources and position statements on issues I may have to deal with in the legislature.

What do you think of your opponent(s) in this primary election, and what makes you a better choice for voters?

Since I am the incumbent and the only candidate that has held the office, I have a voting record as hard evidence of my positions on the issues (traditional values, less gov’t., pro-life, no forced annexation, etc.). I have also gone through the steep learning curve of understanding “the process” which is critical for effectiveness. I’ve demonstrated a desire to reach out to constituents to get input through meetings, surveys, e-mails & letters. I do not personally know my opponents.

WHAT DOES A FAIR & BALANCED PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM MEAN TO YOU?

Just that…FAIR & BALANCED. Everyone wants property tax relief, including me!  The question is how we fairly obtain it.  I contend that we can do better with our SPENDING.  I have opposed the adoption of new government programs and will continue to do so.

Then there is the issue of how the tax revenue, once collected, is re-distributed.  There is a case to be made for distributing revenues generated by high-growth areas BACK TO THE AREA FROM WHICH THEY CAME as a vehicle to fund the services and infrastructure necessary in those areas.

In the ’06 legislative session, I opposed shifting the burden from M & O (maintenance and operations) to sales tax because no one could truly articulate the impact (ie: who the winners and losers would be). However, once a complete study is done in this area, and as long as we maintain a stable source to the public school system, I do believe there is legitimate room to discuss a compromise in this area.

TAX POLICY PHILOSOPHY:

In a word…”BALANCE.”  I like the theory of the “three-legged stool” tax structure.  No one source should carry an inordinate percentage of the tax burden.  Our citizens should be able to obtain necessary services afforded by an efficient, prudent system, and businesses should be ATTRACTED by an environment that encourages productivity and a low cost of operation.

YOUR IDEAS FOR STATE LEGISLATION TO BENEFIT THE ECONOMY OF THE STATE:

We need to be friendly to business, have a good education system, and a state infrastructure that makes industry want to be here. For the record I do not believe legislation is always the “enabler” for all of this; but to the extent we can foster the aforementioned attributes with laws, I would support it.

WILL YOU SUPPORT A GARVEE BOND(S) TO WIDEN THE INTERSTATE FROM MICRON TO CALDWELL ?

Yes. I view our highways as “investment infrastructure” that paves the way for economic growth.  For this reason, I supported the portion of GARVEE recommended by JFAC (joint finance and appropriations committee) in both the ‘05 and ‘06 legislatures.

HOW CAN LEGISLATORS FROM THE TREASURE VALLEY WORK TOGETHER AS A DELEGATION?

Communicate and strategize…before and after the legislative session!  As your question infers, there ARE regional issues that we as a delegation could garner more mutual benefit for if we would simply PLAN and strategize with one another ahead of time.

PROPERTY TAX RELIEF:

Everyone wants property tax relief, including me!  The question is how we fairly obtain it.  I contend that we can do better with our SPENDING.  For example: Among the appropriations that came before the senate in the last 30 days (that got approved) were state subsidies for truck driver and nurse training. I realize we need personnel to fill these roles, but I am not convinced the state should be in the business of funding such training.

Then there is the issue of how the tax revenue, once collected, is re-distributed.  There is a case to be made for distributing revenues generated by high-growth areas BACK TO THE AREA FROM WHICH THEY CAME as a vehicle to fund the services and infrastructure necessary in those areas.

In the ’06 legislative session, I opposed shifting the burden from M & O (maintenance and operations) to sales tax because no one could truly articulate the impact (ie: who the winners and losers would be). However, once a complete study is done in this area, and as long as we maintain a stable source to the public school system, I do believe there is legitimate room to discuss a compromise in this area.

FUNDING FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION, K-12 AND HIGHER:

See previous paragraph.  Additionally, the public school budget is the largest single line item (by far) in the state budget…and rightfully so.  That said, in the spirit of fairness to all taxpayers, the public school system may have to accept a portion of its’ revenue coming from sources other than M & O. I also believe the system needs to be held accountable for the massive budget it warrants; including the acceptance of competition for services (ie: Charter Schools , Public Schools & Home Schools ).

I believe the state is much less obligated to cover costs of higher education students than K-12. Especially given current availability of grants and scholarships, higher education students need to personally cover their own expenses.