Why You Should Vote by Moscow-Pullman Daily News

WHY YOU SHOULD In Whitman & Latah Counties

Voting times & locations, plus the scoop on: 3 congressional races, 6 state races, 5 state ballot issues, 3 legislative races, 4 county races & 3 county ballot issues

2 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

INSIDE THIS ISSUE IDAHO

U.S. Senator

Risch vs. Mitchell | 3

U.S. House, 1st District

Ringo vs. Labrador | 4

Governor

Balukoff vs. Otter | 5

Attorney General & Lt. Governor Wasden vs. Bistline, Little vs. Marley | 6

Treasurer

Crane vs. Silver | 7

Secretary of State Denney vs. Woodings | 8

Superintendent Jones vs. Ybarra | 9

State Senator, District 5 Schmidt vs. Carlson | 10

State Representative, District 5, Positions A & B Agidius vs. Jordan, Nilsson Troy vs. Osborn | 12

Latah County Commissioners

Walser vs. Obermayr, Lamar vs. Greene | 14

WASHINGTON

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE

Statistics: We can do better Only 60 percent of the voting eligible population heads to the polls during presidential election years, according to the Center for Voting and Democracy. This number drops to 40 percent during midterm elections, such as this year. So where do we rank as Americans? Some other countries are much further ahead when it comes to attracting and retaining voters. n More than 90 percent: Australia, Belgium and Chile n More than 80 percent: Austria, Sweden and Italy.

Why so low? The California Voter Foundation recently released its statewide survey on the attitudes of infrequent voters. The numbers are indicative of the nation’s feelings toward voting, according to the CVF. Here’s what they found: n Too busy: 28 percent of infrequent voters and 23 percent of those unregistered to vote said their schedules and time allowances get in the way of them voting n Contradiction? Even with busy schedules, 93 percent of infrequent voters agreed that voting is an important part of being a good citizen. Eighty-one percent of nonvoters agreed.

Who are the nonvoters? The CVF survey also found

that nonvoters are disproportionately young, single, less educated and more likely to be of an ethnic minority than infrequent and frequent voters. Forty percent of nonvoters are under 30 years old, compared to 29 percent of infrequent voters and 14 percent of frequent voters.

Other numbers n Infrequent voters are much more likely to be married than nonvoters, with 50 percent of infrequent voters married compared to only 34 percent of nonvoters n About 76 percent of nonvoters have less than a college degree, compared to 61 percent of infrequent voters and 50 percent of frequent voters n Among nonvoters, 54 percent are white or Caucasian compared to 60 percent of infrequent voters and 70 percent of frequent voters Voter turnout in the U.S. fluctuates in national elections but has never been as strong as other well-established democracies.

Effect of young voters Americans ages 18 to 29 have much at stake in all elections, yet only 23 percent will “definitely be voting,” according to a survey by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. These young voters may have more at stake

than any population in how the political process plays out over the coming decades. A study last year by the Urban Institute noted that the generation currently in and graduating from college have accumulated 7 percent less wealth than their parents had at a comparable age. It estimated that today’s young Americans, the besteducated generation in U.S. history, nonetheless will lose at least 3 percent in earnings over their lifetimes, according to the study.

Changing the apathy The low perennial turnout of young voters is especially troubling to nonprofit leaders who are focused on building a more invested citizenry of educated voters — both young and old. Rock the Vote, the 24-yearold get-out-the-vote organization started up by a music industry executive, has a goal this voting season to register 400,000 new voters under age 30 and to encourage youth to make their presence felt at the polls. If enhancing their personal wealth and setting up their futures for financial success will ever be important to young people, now is the time. Young voters cannot afford to sit out yet another election while letting other people make political decisions for them.

Initiatives

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE

U.S. House, 5th District

History: People died to give you the right

Measures on guns, class sizes | 16 McMorris Rodgers vs. Pakootas | 18

Whitman County Assessor, Palouse Levies

Hawkes vs. Reynolds, City roads and pools | 19

Whitman County Sheriff Myers vs. Assenberg | 20

Think back to the early American patriots who stood up for the right to vote and literally gave their lives for that freedom. Those times may seem like they are in the distant past, but there are still many countries in the world where voting is a point of cultural

oppression. You owe it to those who went before you to carry out your civic duty. The founding fathers believed that an informed electorate was necessary to maintain an effective society. In the beginning stages of voting, eligible voters were

expected to not only research issues and candidates, but also publicly speak about them at meetings. Voting was a privilege that citizens took very seriously, and voting still is something that many members of our United States military have fought hard to protect.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 3

Mitchell aims to unseat Risch in U.S. Senate “ “ Risch seeks second term in Washington, D.C. By Terri Harber Daily News staff writer

The incumbent for the Idaho U.S. Senate seat up for grabs in November, James Risch, has been described as one of the most conservative senators serving in Washington, D.C. He’s seeking a second term. His Democratic opponent, Nels Mitchell, says his boyhood hero was the late Idaho Sen. Frank Church. Risch and Mitchell differ greatly about issues affecting Idahoans. Mitchell said he would advocate for Idaho’s colleges and universities by doing his best to ensure they obtain needed grants and research opportunities. He also said he wants to make sure all of the state’s public education needs are fulfilled by having a teacher-in-residence on his staff to assist on education issues at the federal level. Risch said schools must be managed and controlled at the local level and not by the federal government. The senator supported school choice vouchers and the student loan bill in 2013 that reduced the interest rates. In addition to improving education, Risch said creating jobs is a top priority. “Jobs are created by the private-sector and not by the government,” Risch said. “I believe that providing regulatory relief and a lower tax rate are key to promoting job growth in the economy.” Risch is the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. After the release this summer of the committee’s report on “21st Century Barriers to Women’s Entrepreneurship,” Risch said he is willing to “continually examine any

James E. Risch

n Age: 71 n Affiliation: Republican n Occupation: U.S. senator, previously two terms

as Ada County prosecuting attorney; 11 terms in the Idaho State Senate, terms as lieutenant governor and governor. n Education: Bachelor’s degree in forest management, University of Idaho; juris doctorate degree, University of Idaho

n Lives in: Boise n Family: Married, three sons and seven grandchildren

Nels Mitchell n Age: 61 n Affiliation: Democrat n Occupation: Attorney and part-time teacher at

American companies I believe that get a tax break providing regulatory when they ship jobs relief and a lower overseas. Eliminate tax rate are key to promoting job growth that tax break and give them credit for in the economy.” bringing jobs home.” James E. Risch U.S. senator

“who shut down the government for 16 days,” characterizing that as “reckless and a danger to our country.” Mitchell is against Idaho taking over federal lands but he said he would like to see the federal government manage such sites “more responsibly.” Mitchell said he is strongly opposed to the Upper Lochsa land exchange that would allow Western Pacific Timber Company to swap about 39,000 acres of logged private land for roughly 23,000 acres of Forest Service property. The parcels are located mostly in Idaho County, though previous versions included sites in Latah, Bonner Kootenai and Clearwater counties for possible trade. The legislative deal-making process that replaces the Dean Hare/Daily News administrative one should be U.S. Sen. James E. Risch, left, listens to a question during a “more open and transparent,” Republican meeting on July 16, 2011, at the Best Western Plus Mitchell said. The issue of Upper Lochsa University Inn in Moscow. was not included in Risch’s barriers there are to loaning that tax break and give written answers. His chief of to women. Any gender bias them credit for bringing jobs staff has said publicly that it has no place whatsoever in home.” isn’t a high priority project at the lending process.” Mitchell said Risch voted this moment. But he strongly opposes against the “Bring Jobs Home Risch says reducing the legally requiring employers Act” that would have done national debt is the most to hire women and minori- just that, adding “this is the important issue facing fedties. second time in the last three eral legislators in 2015. He Mitchell said job creation years Risch has helped block would do this by “reducing is his No. 1 priority and that efforts to close this loophole.” the size of the $3.8 trillion 18,000 Idaho jobs have been Mitchell also supports per year government spendmoved to China since 2001. raising the minimum wage to ing and lowering taxes.” “American companies get a $10.10 an hour. Mitchell said the most tax break when they ship jobs Mitchell criticized Risch important thing is overcomoverseas,” he said. “Eliminate for being one of the senators ing the “dysfunction and gridthe University of Idaho School of Law n Education: Bachelor’s degree, Columbia University; juris doctorate, University of Idaho n Lives in: Boise n Family: Married, two daughters

Nels Mitchell Candidate for U.S. Senate lock, and shrill partisanship” in the Senate so that “we find solutions and not just blame everything on the president.”

Campaign finances According to Opensecrets. org, as of June 30, Risch had raised, $2,457,173, spent $1,288,665 and had $1,165,062 in cash on hand. Top sectors from which donations originated for Risch were finance-insurancereal estate, energy-natural resources, and single issueideology. Mitchell had raised $194,376, spent $120,847 and had $73,530 in cash on hand and was $5,000 in debt. Top sectors from which donations originated for Mitchell were the catch-all classification “other,” finance-insurancereal estate and lawyers-lobbyists. NOTE: A request for a 30minute telephone interview with Sen. James Risch was denied by his staff. Topics were addressed in writing and answers were emailed to the newspaper by his staff. Challenger Nels Mitchell answered questions by telephone. Additional information was obtained from candidates’ websites. Terri Harber can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to tharber@ dnews.com.

4 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

U.S. House, Idaho 1st District: Labrador vs. Ringo Rep. Raúl Labrador seeks third term as Idaho State Rep. Shirley Ringo hopes to take his seat By Terri Harber Daily News staff writer

U.S. Congressional Rep. Raúl Labrador, R-Eagle, is seeking a third term in office, but Idaho State Rep. Shirley Ringo, DMoscow, intends to spoil the incumbent’s career plans. Each candidate was asked what they thought the most important issue facing Congress would be during 2015. Those answers were politically telling. Labrador said it was “our crushing national debt.” The $17 trillion debt is “hurting our economy and making it difficult for Idaho families to find good jobs. ... If we don’t change the way Washington spends money, we won’t be able to pay for basic government services,” Labrador said. That would include reforming “our entitlement programs to ensure they are available to our citizens in the future,” he said. Current conditions are “unsustainable and threaten our security as a nation.” Ringo said many policies put in place during the past 30 years have “resulted in middle class workers not getting a fair shake and we really need to address those.” That would include implementing a living wage and stemming the torrent of wealth that has entered the hands of only the very rich, she said. “The Supreme Court made it easier for the wealthy to buy elections. And those entities are able to buy the smoothest, best-financed lobbyists to perpetuate policies favorable to them,” Ringo said. “I’m looking to change those policies.” She’s also running because she said Congress is overfilled with elected officials solely “focused on ideology or political ramifications of their choices.” This mindset has resulted in inaction, Ringo said. A living wage would help Americans — Idahoans particularly — because the Gem State leads the nation in minimum wage jobs. More than 25 percent of Idaho’s work-

Raúl Labrador Age: 46 Affiliation: Republican Occupation: U.S. congressman Education: Juris doctorate degree, University of Washington, 1995; bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature, Brigham Young University, 1992 n Lives in: Eagle n Family: Married, five children n n n n

Shirley Ringo n Age: 73 n Affiliation: Democrat n Occupation: Retired math teacher, 14 years in

Idaho State Legislature n Education: Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Washington State University n Lives in: Moscow n Family: Married, three children, one grandchild

File photo by Dean Hare/Daily News

U.S. Rep. Raúl Labrador, RIdaho, talks with the Daily News editorial board on Aug. 18 at the Federal Building in Moscow.

State Rep. Shirley Ringo, DMoscow, makes a point during a meeting at the 1912 Center on Jan. 26, 2013, in Moscow.

force would see an upward bump as a result of raising the hourly minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10. Infrastructure investment also would help create jobs and benefit industry. It should be a budget priority, she said. Ringo also said she would find ways to help small businesses obtain more grants and work to eliminate regulatory red tape. And, she said, “I’d fight to make the federal government buy American-made products.” Labrador pointed to three areas of focus for economic development. Lowering the

national debt already has been noted. Reducing regulation also would help because “businesses are forced to spend a disproportionate amount of money on compliance rather than investing in more employees.” He’d also like to work on reforming the tax codes to tighten up loopholes that make it unfair and difficult to collect revenue from citizens, whether they are rich or poor, Labrador said. “I will continue working to ensure that our regulatory structure protects consumers and the economy without being an overwhelming bur-

den on business and industry,” he said. He cites as examples his bill to remove federal restrictions on geothermal energy exploration and efforts to advance the Grazing Improvement Act to help America’s agribusiness families — both of which aim to improve conditions for Idaho businesses. Ringo, a retired teacher, said education plays a significant role in the economy as well, as it helps “young people develop their capabilities and achieve their potential.” She intends to ensure funding assistance for local school districts to hire and keep more teachers. A college or vocational education should be affordable, and could be, she said, “with some simple reforms.” That would include reducing federal student loan interest rates, capping repayments to 10 percent of the former student’s income, and forgiving all federal loans for students who devote 10 years of their careers to public service, Ringo explained. Labrador wants to see the states and local school systems have ultimate say in education. The federal government doesn’t have “a legitimate role,” he said. He also is a proponent of charter schools. Labrador said the federal government shouldn’t be establishing standards in education, because, “I don’t want the government experimenting with my children.” Labrador has also expressed opposition to Common Core, an initiative to develop uniform education standards for children in grades K-12 for mathematics, English and literature. Labrador, who worked as an immigration lawyer, said an immigration system revamped by Congress could greatly benefit the United States, even economically. “I believe in a step-by-step approach that begins with securing the border, increasing interior enforcement and

creating a reliable worker verification system,” he stated. Ringo agrees there are issues to address, but the solution should be “a comprehensive overhaul” of the immigration system, not a “piecemeal” approach, which she said Labrador favors. Not all of the necessary issues would be addressed because, at some point, “politics would take over,” she said. There are approximately 100,000 immigrants in Idaho alone. Only some of them are documented workers, who are taken advantage of by “unscrupulous employers who pay them subpar wages,” she said. “The system is absolutely broken and a lot of people have been left in an unfortunate situation,” she said. Both houses “should hammer out a solution that deals with all of the problems.”

Campaign finances According to opensecrets. org, as of June 30, Labrador had raised $406,378, spent $240,328 and had $416,522 in cash on hand. The top sectors from where Labrador’s contributions originated from agribusiness, finance-insurance-real estate, and the catchall classification of “miscellaneous business.” Shirley Ringo had raised $141,559, spent $127,682 and had $13,877 cash on hand. The top sectors from where Ringo’s contributions originated are the catch-all description of “other,” labor, and lawyers and lobbyists. Note: A request for a 30-minute telephone interview with Rep. Raúl Labrador was denied by his staff. Topics were addressed in writing, and answers were emailed to the newspaper by his staff. Challenger Shirley Ringo answered questions by telephone. Additional information was obtained from candidates’ websites. Terri Harber can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to tharber@ dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 5

Economy and education in governor’s race Challenger Balukoff thinks people are ready for a change; incumbent Otter sees no reason to alter his formula By Lane Oliver Daily News staff writer

The race for the governor’s spot in Idaho’s November election has centered on two main themes — education and the economy. According to A.J. Balukoff, president of the Boise School Board and the Democrat challenger to incumbent Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, one will lead to the other. “You’ve got greater disparity now among our school districts and we’re not meeting the constitutional mandate,” Balukoff said in a Sept. 14 Idaho Statesman story. “Getting the schools on track and moving us off the bottom is going to be very important to economic development.” Balukoff said fixing education, creating schools that produce graduates, raising the state’s minimum wage and Associated Press working to bring good-paying Republican incumbent C.L. “Butch” Otter, left, speaks with Democratic challenger A.J. Balukoff for jobs to the state will benefit all Idahoans, the Idaho State a moment after the gubernatorial debate on Oct. 9 at Idaho State University. Journal reported Aug. 31. a solution that their own speed. In 2013, the an educated work force and Balukoff, an accountant meets the needs Legislature approved Otter’s keeping costs and taxes “preand businessman who co-owns of all Idaho stu- request for $35 million more in dictable and sustainable,” the Boise’s Grove Hotel and the dents and allow operational funding to help the Statesman reported Sept. 4. CenturyLink Arena, played a more local con- needs of school districts. “I see no reason to change major role in the grassroots trol,” according Otter is hoping the recent that success formula,” he told campaign to overturn the to the Idaho upturn in the economic out- the Statesman. Students Come First laws put Statesman on look will weigh in his favor. Balukoff said the Gem forth by Superintendent of Sept. 11. He points to Idaho’s recent job State’s political culture, conPublic Instruction Tom Luna. Otter, who growth, which has climbed dur- sisting of 20 years of one-party “Governor, under your Balukoff is seeking his ing the past 18 months. rule, has harmed middle-class watch we are second to last in third term as “That didn’t happen by acci- families and others struggling the nation in school spending,” governor, also dent,” Otter said Sept. 14 in to get by. He said politicians The Spokesman-Review reportsaid he believes the Statesman. “It happened tend to cater to wealthy politied Balukoff said Oct. 3 during e d u c a t i o n because we did certain things.” cal action committees. the first gubernatorial debate. drives economHowever, Idaho ranks as “People want to see balBalukoff wants voters to ic prosperity. one of two states with the high- ance. We have a strong field know Otter allowed cuts in the In 2012, after est number of minimum-wage of Democrats and that illuseducation budget to grow durvoters rejected workers, at $7.25 an hour. And trates that people are ready for ing the recent recession — by the so-called the numbers don’t look much change,” Balukoff said Aug. 31 a larger percentage than any Otter Luna Laws, better for per-capita income or in the Idaho State Journal. other state, according to ESPN’s FiveThirtyEight blog — and which he supported, Otter cre- income not just from wages but that these cuts have made ated an education task force to from all sources. In 2006, when Medicaid expansion it hard for districts to keep come up with a five-year plan Otter first took office, Idaho’s The candidates differ on good teachers, the Statesman to address teacher compensa- per-capital income was 42nd tion, restore funding, expand in the nation; now, according the issue of Medicaid expanreported Sept. 11. Balukoff’s plan to fix the broadband Internet access to the U.S. Bureau of Labor sion. Balukoff said caring for people without means costs problems consists of “bring- and explore the feasibility of Statistics, Idaho ranks 49th. Otter said his strategy Idahoans $80 million to $90 ing together Idahoans from all a mastery-based system that sides of the issue to develop enables students to achieve at for economic development is million a year, and that accept-

C.L. “Butch” Otter Age: 72 Affiliation: Republican Occupation: Governor Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, College of Idaho n Lives in: Boise n Family: Married, four children n n n n

A.J. Balukoff n Age: 68 n Affiliation: Democrat n Occupation: Accountant,

businessman n Education: Brigham Young University n Lives in: Boise n Family: Married, eight children

ing Medicaid for more people is an easy decision, the Daily News reported March 26. He said the savings could be used for roads, schools or even tax cuts, the Statesman reported Sept. 14. Otter, on the other hand, even after the task force he appointed recommended doing so, has not supported Medicaid expansion.

Other candidates Also running are Libertarian John T. Bujak, Constitutionalist Steve Pankey and independents Jill Humble and Marvin “Pro-Life” Richardson.

Campaign finances Otter is reporting around $613,698 in campaign contributions and $476,236 in expenditures. He has around $588,852 cash on hand. Balukoff is reporting around $1,817,282 in contributions, including $1,590,350 in contributions from himself. He is reporting around $1,802,636 in expenditures and has $52,467 cash on hand. Lane Oliver can be reached at (208) 8834634, or by email to loliver@dnews.com.

6 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Attorney general has contest, but not an active campaigner

Bruce Bistline steps back after challenger C.T. ‘Chris’ Troupis defeated by Lawrence Wasden in primaries By Lindsey Treffry Daily News staff writer

Democrat Bruce Bistline, while running against Lawrence Wasden for Idaho Attorney General, hasn’t actively campaigned against the four-term incumbent after Wasden handily defeated GOP challenger C.T. “Chris” Troupis. “I filed on the last day. I detest the fact that that kind of a decision, between Troupis and Wasden, could be made during the Republican primary with no alternative for the voters who are not part of the closed Republican primary. And while I would probably never have bothered to run against Wasden, because my differences with him are fairly nominal, my differences with Troupis are legion. I saw no alternative but to file to provide a choice in the general election, in the event that Troupis won the primary,” Bistline told Eye on Boise in May. Bistline is still in the race, but he hasn’t actively campaigned since his statement to Eye on Boise. He has said he wants the office to improve its record of standing up for the rights of Idahoans. Bistline is a Boise attorney who has served as a board member for Boise State’s Andrus Center for Public Policy. Wasden, on the other hand, is a 24-year veteran of the Office of the Attorney General, having previously served as chief of staff to the attorney general, deputy chief of staff and as a deputy attorney general representing the Idaho State Tax Commission. He also served as a deputy prosecuting

Lawrence Wasden n Age: 56 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Nampa n Family: Married, four children, seven

grandchildren n Occupation: Four-term Idaho attorney general n Education: Juris doctorate, University of Idaho; Bachelor’s degree in political science, Brigham Young University n Website: www. lawrencewasden.com

Bruce Bistline n Age:

Unavailable n Affiliation: Democrat n Work: Attorney n Education: Unknown n Lives in:

Boise n Family: Unknown n Website: No website

attorney in Canyon County and as prosecuting attorney for Owyhee County. Wasden recently sued the state Land Board, on which he serves, contending it wasn’t meeting constitutional requirements in its management of lakefront cottage sites. He also recently requested a stay on samesex marriage after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the marriage ban. But the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the appellate court’s decision, and Wasden dissolved the stay days later,

Geoff Crimmins/Daily News

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden talks Aug. 19 during an interview in Moscow.

despite Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s opposition. The Idaho attorney general and his or her office provides legal representation for the state, furnished to the state’s agencies, not the personal interest of individual citizens.

Campaign finance Wasden is reporting around $10,796 in contributions, $9,342 in expenditures, nearly $13,500 in outstanding debt and more than $32,440 cash on hand. While Bistline received contributions for the primaries, this period he received none. He filed no expenditures, but has $300 remaining cash on hand. Lindsey Treffry can be reached at (208) 883-4640, or by email to ltreffry@dnews.com.

Little, Marley vie for lt. governor

Incumbent says he’d like to top job some day By Lane Oliver Daily News staff writer

The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate when it is in session — voting only in the case of a tie — and fills in for the governor when he is out of the state. Brad Little, a Republican who currently holds the seat, was appointed to the position in January 2009 by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, when then-Lt. Gov. Jim Risch resigned to run for senator. Little was then elected in 2010. Prior to being lieutenant governor, he was majority caucus chair in the Idaho Senate. Little is a third-generation rancher and businessman from Emmett. The Idaho Statesman reported May 2 that Little said he would like to be governor, and he would have run for that position if Otter had not decided to seek a third term. “To be governor is my highest aspiration,” Little said in the story. “I’d be way better at it now than I would have been six years ago.” Little went on to say fair, predictable and simple tax codes, along with developing the workforce and education at all levels, can help Idaho rise from the setbacks of the recession. That would help shield the state from cuts in federal spending expected to continue, he told the Statesman. “The best cure is to grow the economy,” Little said in the story. Bert Marley, Little’s Democrat challenger, said in an Idaho State Journal story Feb. 13 that “concern about the direction the state is headed led him to join the race.” “We’re more concerned now with what looks good politically than we are about what is good for the people of Idaho,” Marley said in the story about the current state leadership. “We can turn state government around,” Marley went on to say, “but that turnaround has to start at the top — leadership that will put the needs of hardworking families and the middle class first, instead of rewarding good political connections.”

Brad Little n Age: 60 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Emmett n Family: Married, two children n Occupation: Lieutenant

governor n Education: University of Idaho

Bert Marley n Age: 66 n Affiliation:

Democrat n Lives in: McGammon n Family: Married, two children n Education: Bachelor’s

degree, Idaho State University; Master’s degree, Utah State University n Occupation: Businessman, former senator

Marley and A.J. Balukoff, the Democratic candidate for governor, have been touring the state together since Marley won Balukoff’s endorsement. Both candidates said their campaign would “focus on reinvesting in education and establishing state leadership that operates on accountability and transparency,” according to the Journal.

Other candidate David Hartigan is the Constitution Party candidate.

Campaign finance Little is reporting around $122,836 in contributions, $96,463 in expenditures and almost $237,000 cash on hand. Marley is reporting around $14,762 in contributions, $16,274 in expenditures, $5,000 in outstanding debt and nearly $20,000 cash on hand. Lane Oliver can be reached at (208) 8834634, or by email to loliver@dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 7

Incumbent experience versus CPA experience in race for Idaho treasurer Tenured state banker faces off against Twin Falls CPA, own record By Bill McKee Daily News staff writer

Incumbent Ron Crane has certainly got the experience in Boise politics, with eight terms in the Idaho House of Representatives prior to becoming state treasurer, but Democrat challenger Deborah Silver likely knows a thing or two about numbers, as an owner and operator of a private CPA firm for nearly three decades. Silver, 56, from Twin Falls, has been quite vocal in questioning Crane’s ability to responsibly keep records, most recently citing reports issued earlier this year by an independent state audit that said Crane’s office was responsible for more than $10 million in losses of taxpayer money due to “inappropriately transferred investments” in 2009. Crane, who has been head banker for the state, taking in and disbursing taxpayer funds and investing idle state and local money, since 1998, has indicated he believes the recent audits are “politically motivated.” It started with a securities lending agreement signed by Crane’s office in 2000, according to a Feb. 23 article in the Idaho Statesman. Under the still-active agreement, a subsidiary of Key Bank loans out Idaho securities. The borrowers put up cash, while the bank, in return, uses that cash to purchase more securities. The process has made Idaho money in the past, said Crane, who worked in two banks for about six years prior to his political career, but when the bottom fell out of the housing market during the recession, mortage-backed securities decreased sharply in value,

“

The treasurer should be impeccably honest.” Deborah Silver Idaho state treasurer candidate losing Idaho millions. The administration also apparently overrode internal controls during the process in 2009 as they transferred funds from one securities pool to another. Last month an audit by the state auditor’s office indicated Crane’s office has no significant deficiencies with accounting or administrative procedures, though results of another review into the 2009 transfers are still pending. “The treasurer should be impeccably honest,” Silver said in an Oct. 7 Idaho Statesman article. “We’ve had some real problems with that.” Such inquiries aren’t the first into the activities of Crane’s office. Several other concerns have been raised with spending by the department under his tenure, including whether it was appropriate for Crane to be using a state credit card to purchase gas for his drive to and from his home in Canyon County, chartering limousines for Idaho’s delegation at an annual bond rating visit to New York City and the spending of unbudgeted funds at the annual Smart Money, Smart Women conference. Each of those issues, however, has been “satisfactorily” resolved, and according to Crane, have been overblown

RON CRANE Affiliation: Republican Age: 65 Occupation: Owner, operator Crane Alarm Service Lives in: Nampa Education: Associate degree, Bible Missionary Institute n Community involvement: member, Caldwell Chamber of Commerce; founding member, Lifeline Crisis Pregnancy Center; board of trustees, Nampa n n n n n

Christian Schools n Previous elected office: 16 years in the Idaho House of Representatives prior to his election to the state treasurer post in 1998 n Family: Married, six children, several grandchildren n Website: http://www.cranefortreasurer.com/

DEBORAH SILVER n Affiliation: Democrat n Age: 56 n Occupation: Owner, operator Hayes & Silver CPAs,

former auditor and professor of accounting at College of Southern Idaho n Lives in: Twin Falls n Education: Bachelor’s degree, Boise State University n Community involvement: member/board of directors, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest n Previous elected office: Eight years as Democratic county chair for Twin Falls n Family: Married, two grown children n Website: http://democracy.com/silverfortreasurer

by both the media and his opponent. “I didn’t think they were significant issues then, and I don’t think they’re significant issues now. We were able to respond to every one of them,” he told the Statesman. He was also recently involved in a bit of confusion over a fake $10,000 award from the governor to a local student. While in Moscow attending a press conference for the state’s higher education savings plan, IDeal, Crane showed confusion as he was introducing a student from the University of Idaho. In what was later construed to be a joke to cover his confusion, he announced she would be receiving a $10,000 scholarship award from Gov.

C.L. “Butch” Otter and the first lady, while there was, in fact, no such award. The current state treasurer has, for the most part, been fairly nonvocal in his campaign, particularly when he bowed out of an Oct. 8 debate with Silver — which would have been his first in 16 years as state treasurer — due to a reported case of laryngitis. Another debate was scheduled for Oct. 16 on Idaho Public Television. Crane, who holds only a twoyear associates degree from Bible Missionary Institute, has instead been attempting to remind the public of his many years of experience managing the state’s $3 billion portfolio and of the other investments that he’s made for the state

“

The (recent) audit findings focused on $10 million in losses. They don’t give me credit for the gains.” Rob Crane Idaho state treasurer that have paid off. “The (recent) audit findings focused on $10 million in losses. They don’t give me any credit for the gains,” Crane said in the Oct. 7 Statesman article. Gains, when combined over his 16 years, that accrue to more than $1 billion, he said. Silver — who, aside from being a certified public accountant for more than 30 years, is a small business owner and taught accounting for five years at College of Southern Idaho — said the gains for which Crane is taking credit for can easily be accounted for through inflation and changes in federal interest rates. She maintains he has been, at best, negligent in his accounts management, which she said is what the post is really all about. “The Idaho treasurer’s job is to safeguard the taxpayers’ money,” she said in a response to questions by KTVB. “Idahoans work too hard to have their tax dollars thrown away in risky investments and excesses of politicians.” Information on campaign financing for each candidate was unavailable. Bill McKee can be reached at (208) 883-4627, or by email to wmckee@dnews.com.

8 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

The future of the electoral process in Idaho Candidates for Idaho secretary of state talk partisanship, changes needed for elections By Bill McKee Daily News staff writer

The two candidates vying for Idaho’s head of elections both promised to check their partisan politics at the door if elected, but voters will have to look at the future each has planned for the electoral process to decide if that’s really true. Either candidate will be a fresh face in the office that oversees Idaho’s elections and business certifications. The position has been held by only two others for the past 40 years — Republican incumbent Ben Ysursa, who served three terms, and Pete Cenarrusa, also a Republican, who served seven. Republican Lawerence Denney, with nine terms as a state representative and three as speaker of the House until he was ousted from the post by his party in 2012, lauded his political experience during their first debate for Idaho secretary of state Oct. 6. But it was that same experience that Democratic challenger Holli Woodings of Boise said was a problem, and a large part of why he no longer holds the speakership. “He was ousted by his caucus when he was House speaker. I believe that’s because he showed a lot of partisanship,” she said. “I think we both have history, but I think my history shows a lot more of working across the aisle.” But the 27-year-old Woodings’ history — while it includes the founding of a public relations firm for energy, conservations and environmental interests and being named one of 2013’s Women of the Year by the Idaho Business Review — is still significantly shorter, having only begun her first term at the Capitol as a state representative in December of 2012.

Idaho Education News/Courtesy

State Reps. Lawerence Denney, center, and Holli Woodings chat Oct. 6 with moderator Jim Weatherby before the City Club of Boise forum.

“

I think I had a good I want to update the relationship with the office to a place where minority party. I think people can access the there are very few tremendous amount places you can have of information at that partisanship in this office and to continue office.” the legacy of fairness.” Lawerence Denney Idaho secretary of state candidate

Holli Woodings Idaho secretary of state candidate

Denney, a 66-year-old farmer who lives in his hometown of Midvale, said during the Oct. 6 debate that when he was replaced as speaker, the first person to stand up to recognize his service was the minority leader. “I think I had a good relationship with the minority party. I think there are very few places you can have partisanship in this office,” he said. As head of elections, Denney said he believes it

would be best to do away with Idaho’s primary elections. According to an Oct. 6 article in The Spokesman Review, Denney, who was a strong proponent of the closed primary system when it was adopted in 2011, which has continued to see a low turnout of voters since, said primaries aren’t actually elections, but nominations by parties, and thus shouldn’t be under the purview of the state. “There’s kind of a misnomer that the primary is an

election. It’s not an election, it’s a nomination process,” he said during the debate. “In my opinion, it should not be run by the state government, but by the parties themselves, because we are selecting our candidates.” Woodings disagreed with that assessment, saying what her opponent wanted was to actually create “additional barriers between people and the ballot.” Instead, Woodings said she wants to take the office into the 21st century and make access to voter information, such as lobbyist data and campaign expenditures, more easily accessible by updating Idaho’s Secretary of State website so it’s easier to navigate, according to an Oct. 7 story by The Associated Press. “I want to update the office to a place where people can access the tremendous amount of information at that office and to continue the legacy of fairness,” said Woodings, who has demonstrated her intentions with the creation of IdaVotes, an app for smartphones and tables. As potential members of the state land board, which the secretary of state holds a seat on, both candidates said they approve of the decision to auction off state-owned lots at Priest Lake and Payette Lake, according to a Sept. 28 article by the Idaho Statesman. The process has already netted the state more than an additional $32 million and is expected to raise about $200 million during the next several years. According to votesmart. org, Denney has raised $42,265 in campaign funds, while Woodings has brought in $29,515 for her campaign. Bill McKee can be reached at (208) 883-4627, or by email to wmckee@dnews.com.

Lawerence Denney n Affiliation:

Republican n Age: 66 n Family: Married, four grown children n Lives in: Midvale n Education: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics, University of Idaho n Occupation: Farmer n Community involvement: Deacon, Community Baptist Church; Adjutant, American Legion; member of Veterans of Foreign Wars; member, NRA n Previous elected office: 20 years of political experience, his first term in the Idaho House of Representatives 1991-92, then again from 1996-2012. He was elected Speaker of the House in 2006, and remained in the post until he was ousted by his party in 2012. n Website: http:// denneyforidaho.com/

Holli Woodings n Affiliation:

Democrat n Age: 35 n Lives in: Boise n Family: Married, two children n Education: Bachelor’s

degree in English, Boise State University, 2007 n Occupation: Founder of Woodings Group, an energy consulting firm n Community involvement: Vice president of her neighborhood association, co-founder of the Idaho Clean Energy Association, has served on the Idaho Council on Industry n Previous elected office: Idaho House of Representatives, 2012-present n Website: http://www. woodingsforidaho.com/

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 9

Jones, Ybarra campaign to take Luna’s seat By Lindsey Treffry Daily News staff writer

Jana Jones and Sherri Ybarra may stand on different ends of the political spectrum, but their educational ideals are mostly the same. Jones and Ybarra, candidates for Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction, are looking to take the reins from Tom Luna, a two-term superintendent known for his Luna Laws, or Propositions 1-2-3, a failed education campaign. Ybarra, a Republican, comes with experience as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and a program and curriculum director. Jones, running as a Democrat, founded and operated Progressive Day School in Idaho Falls, was asked by former Republican Superintendent Jerry Evans to join Idaho’s Department of Education in the Bureau of Special Education, and later led Gov. Cecil Andrus’ Office of Children. Both candidates have similar thoughts on Common Core, classroom technology, charter schools, early childhood education and education funding. Ybarra told KTVB in Boise the most important issue facing education is children not being prepared for college, technical training or the workforce when they graduate from high

school. Jones said it’s access to high-quality public education, regardless of where students live in the state. During a late September candidate forum at the College of Idaho in Caldwell, both candidates said the rush for teachers’ pay to be based on job performance should be slowed down. Jones said Idaho needs to attract good teachers first. When it comes to technology, Jones said classroom access is important, but Ybarra said schools are already struggling and some have been forced to operate with four-day weeks because of lack of funding. “We can’t put the cart before the horse,” Ybarra told the forum. A debate in Twins Falls took the issues further. Ybarra said her priority is to improve literacy proficiency, professional training and development, and to revamp the state’s accountability system for schools, Magic Valley’s Times-News reported. Jones said her priority is to raise teacher pay to attract more qualified teachers — and the Legislature needs to figure out how to pay for that. During their campaigns, Ybarra was criticized after Idaho Education News found her website contained nearly the exact same language as Jones’. Jones had published her

Jana Jones n Age: 62 n Affiliation: Democrat n Occupation: Vice president of MAXIMUS, a national government consulting firm for K-12

education practices n Education: Doctor of education in educational leadership, Idaho State University; bachelor’s and master’s degree in special education, Utah State University n Lives in: Idaho Falls n Family: Married, three daughters, three grandchildren n Website: janajonesforidaho.com

Sherri Ybarra Age: Unknown Affiliation: Republican Occupation: Federal programs/curriculum director at Mountain Home School District Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education; master’s degree in educational leadership; education specialist’s degree in educational leadership, with an emphasis in superintendency from the University of Idaho n Lives in: Mountain Home n Family: Married, one son n Website: ybarraforidaho.com n n n n

site two months before Ybarra announced she was running, yet similar language appeared in a 46-word paragraph that only had the difference of eight words. Ybarra said she was surprised to learn the two sites had the same language, and she has since removed the paragraph. She later removed identical language on where supporters can leave a comment. In early August, Ybarra’s website erroneously cited her former GOP rival Randy

Jensen as a member of her campaign team, The Associated Press reported. Jensen was listed as one of five members of her campaign team, even though Jensen said he had never accepted an invitation to work with Ybarra and declined to endorse her. Ybarra’s site had also incorrectly listed House Majority Leader Mike Moyle of Star as a senator within the section of state lawmakers who have publicly endorsed her, the AP reported.

Campaign finance Ybarra reported about $300 in contributions, $376 in expenditures and approximately $294 cash on hand. Jones received about $7,400 in contributions, reported about $4,570 in expenditures, has $500 in debt and $20,616 remaining cash on hand. Lindsey Treffry can be reached at (208) 883-4640 or by email to ltreffry@ dnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ LindseyTreffry.

Five things to watch in Idaho during November elections Associated Press

BOISE — Idaho voters return to the polls November. Here are things to watch as the General Election approaches:

What’s the point? The majority of Idaho’s most fiercely contested races were determined in the GOP primary election. However, in Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s run for a third term, he’s facing serious opposition from Democrat A.J. Balukoff. Balukoff has criticized Otter on his education policy and has spent thousands on ads pinpointing his failures. Another closely-watched

race is for superintendent of schools. With incumbent Tom Luna deciding against running for another term, political newcomer Sherri Ybarra is running a modest campaign as the Republican candidate. Her opponent, Jana Jones, barely lost in 2006.

Will Ybarra’s strategy work? Ybarra has expanded her campaign footprint since winning the May GOP primary by spending less than $3,000 and rarely traveling outside her home in southwest Idaho. She’s reaching out to voters in a personal campaign, describing herself as a “non-politician.” Both sides

say her approach may not be enough to beat the recognition Jones has built up — even in a GOP-dominated state.

What about the tea party? Tea party voters are still frustrated with incumbent Republicans, who they view as not being conservative enough. Now the question is whether they’ll show up in November to vote for the Republican candidates after being unhappy with the incumbents for so long.

Democratic comeback? Idaho Democrats have lined up high-

quality candidates in several key races. However, the last time a Democrat held a statewide seat was in 2006, and the party hasn’t sent a candidate to Congress since 2008.

Will Fosbury flop? Former Olympic champion Dick Fosbury, a Democrat, is challenging state GOP Rep. Steve Miller of Fairfield for his legislative district in central Idaho, which includes the posh resort cities of Sun Valley and Ketchum. Fosbury — known for revolutionizing the high jump — is now hoping to clear a different kind of bar in his district.

10 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Idaho State Senate battle pits Schmidt against Carlson Candidates talk health care, taxes By Terri Harber Daily News staff writer

Incumbent Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow, is seeking his third term in the Idaho State Senate and to represent District 5, encompassing Latah and Benewah counties. He will be facing John Carlson, a Republican from Moscow. Medicaid expansion is a hot topic for both candidates. Back in August, a committee looked at various health care options for lowincome adults and reported to Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter that Idaho should expand its Medicaid eligibility, the same recommendation it issued in 2012. An estimated 77,000 Idaho residents don’t qualify for Medicaid, living at the poverty level but not poor enough for coverage, or the Affordable Care Act tax credit. Schmidt would like to see Idaho expand Medicaid to help deal with this gap affecting low-income residents. Counties also would benefit because they are responsible for indigent health care costs, he said. Latah County alone pays $800,000 to $900,000 each year for these residents. But for Republican officials worried about the more conservative wing of their party, “it’s going to take some courage to make this call,” Schmidt said. Schmidt said the GOP can’t keep putting this off by saying there are problems that need to be remedied before taking action. If so, they should “fix it,” he said. Carlson suggested Idaho legislators watch what other states are doing to offset this

Dan Schmidt n Age: 60 n Affiliation: Democrat n Occupation: District 5 senator, physician and

former Latah County coroner n Education: Medical degree, University of Washington School of Medicine; bachelor’s degrees in anthropology and human biology, Stanford n Family: Married, four children

John Carlson n Age: 72 n Affiliation: Republican n Occupation: Retired after more than 40 years as

a rural sociologist in the Department of Agriculture Economics and Rural Sociology at the University of Idaho n Education: Bachelor’s degree in forest management, Washington State University; Master’s and Ph.D. in sociology n Lives in: Moscow n Family: Married, three children

coverage gap. “Other states are doing innovative things in regards to privatizing, co-pays and different options,” he said. “I’m opposed to just automatically giving something for nothing. I think most people prefer to contribute to what they get.” Both candidates are against allowing recreation marijuana use in Idaho. Schmidt said he’s not ready to support legalization, but Carlson said he would be open to considering controlled medical use of cannabis. “Permitting recreational use would be a big mistake and those states that have are going to find that out,” Carlson said. He expects Moscow and other Idaho communities near the Washington border will be dealing with repercussions of the loosened marijuana laws. Limited, controlled allowance of hemp as an agricultural crop also might merit

consideration, Carlson said. Both candidates are interested in overhauling the state’s funding system for road and bridges. Idaho’s most recent fuel tax increase was in 1996. Vehicles have become more fuel efficient and many now run on alternative fuels. Schmidt sees the fuel tax as “too volatile” because pump prices aren’t stable. Higher prices lead to reduced vehicle usage and less money for such infrastructure needs. It might require officials cobbling together an array of funding sources, but he pointed out that state GOP elected officials are leery about anything that might be construed as a tax increase, even if it’s long overdue and necessary for good stewardship. “They aren’t even having the conversation yet,” he said. Carlson said a user tax might be the least objectionable solution because it

“

They aren’t even having the conversation (about a fuel tax) yet.” Dan Schmidt Idaho state senator

“

I’m a low-tax person, not a no-tax.” John Carlson Candidate for Idaho State Senate would fund expenses related to something people use. Setting up a dependable, adequate funding stream “has got to happen somewhere down the line,” he said. “I’m a low-tax person, not no-tax,” Carlson added.

Campaign contributions Information is from Idaho Secretary of State financial disclosure documents covering the period of May 31 to Sept. 30, 2014: n Dan Schmidt’s total campaign contributions were $16,984 and total expendutures were $6,244. His ending cash balance was $22,827. n John Carlson’s total campaign contributions were $2,842 and total expenditures $2,485. His ending cash balance was $2,467 and outstanding debt to date was $2,025. Terri Harber can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to tharber@dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

WHY YOU SHOULD VOTE

It makes you smart Good? Great! An informed citizenry is one of the most critical elements to a democracy. Without it, our country could suffer social and financial injustices. As Americans, we decide who is guiding the federal, state and local agenda — a monumental responsibility. You can help strengthen the voice of America by first discovering who is running in races that affect you the greatest. After you register to vote, look in your sample ballot mailed from your county elections office. The Daily News, local TV, radio news and Internet searches are other sources that can help build a baseline of knowledge to guide your voting decisions.

Evaluate your candidates As you read candidate materials you collect, try to figure out what you make of your prospective vote-getter on both a personal and political level. What can you draw about the candidates’ stance on specific issues? To help keep notes and opinions straight, you can make your own candidate report card to help match up your personal feelings on how he or she matches with items that are important to you.

Consider others Seek the opinions of others who have a stake in political campaigns. The League of Women Voters recommends you interview three people (not family members) such as a shopkeeper, neighbor or politically active volunteer, to find out which candidate they support and why. Learn what has shaped their political opinions. It may be a certain policy that has helped them grow their business or organization. It could be a long-standing loyalty to a certain party.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 11

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For more information, or to order your plaque, call 208-883-4636.

12 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

The race for state rep, a numbers game Education, health care take

the front seat for candidates

Jordan and Agidius hope to balance the state budget By Samantha Malott Daily News staff writer

While both candidates for Idaho State Representative, Position A, agree education, the economy and the state’s infrastructure need improvement, their solutions are quite different. The race between the Republican incumbent Cindy Agidius and Democrat Paulette Jordan is full of varying solutions to some of the state’s most pressing issues. For both, one of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed is Idaho’s lackluster education system. Jordan said education needs to be the Legislature’s top priority, and using the money available currently through the state’s rainy day fund is one way to do that. During the past session, the amount of the state’s revenue being put away into the rainy day fund was doubled from 5 percent to 10 percent, she said. “It is nice to see that there are extra funds we can invest back into education,” Jordan said. Jordan said she doesn’t think the rainy day fund should be completely dismantled, but she believes the amount of revenue being set aside should be decreased back down to 5 percent to protect Idaho in case of a disaster or another recession. Agidius said the state already began taking a necessary step forward this year with returning money to education, but she doesn’t believe the economy is out of the woods yet. “I support the rainy day fund because if we had not had that during the recession, the cuts to education would have been much more severe than they have been,” Agidius said. “We need to be careful, prudent and put money aside ... the Democrats want us to use that money right away.” When it comes to the state’s economy, Agidius said hitting Idaho’s businesses with a

large minimum wage increase would be detrimental. Small increases over time would be a better route, she said. “We just can’t afford to put any of our businesses at risk,” she said, adding Democrats want a huge increase right away. Jordan said the minimum wage needs to keep up with the cost of living and inflation, and being the state with the highest number of minimum wage jobs is not something to be proud of. Jordan said Agidius is continually talking about corporate tax cuts, but Jordan said that is not the best way to generate money for Idaho because it hurts communities struggling to keep small businesses and schools afloat. “Corporate tax cuts is obviously not working. They’ve been doing it for 20-plus years,” she said. “We have to stop putting the extra burden on families who are working harder for less.” Jordan said one of the best ways to generate revenue for the state is to invest in infrastructure, helping draw more people and businesses into Idaho. Agidius said funding to improve infrastructure in northern Idaho will have to come from an increase in the gas taxes and fees for vehicle registrations. “There probably needs to be a small gas increase,” she said. “I think it is going to be a difficult push.” Jordan said it is all about balancing the state’s checkbook. She criticized Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter for wasting tax dollars on frivolous spending, such as paying legal fees to fight gay marriage in Idaho. One thing both opponents can more closely agree on is that the state is not doing enough when it comes to mental health care. “I don’t believe we are doing an adequate job,” Agidius said, adding she had a family member who was suffering from mental

Nilsson Troy, Osborn agree on goals

Cindy Agidius n Age: 54 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Moscow n Family: Married, four children n Education: University of

Idaho

Paulette Jordan n Age: 34 n Affiliation:

Democrat n Lives in: Plummer n Family: Married, two sons n Work: Tribal Enrollment Director n Education: University of Washington, 2003

health issues and there was no where to take him but jail. One new facility has been built so far, with funding asked for by the governor, and two more are in the plans following reviews of the newest, she said. “We have to start talking about it and addressing it on a legislative level,” Jordan said. “I would propose to get that ball rolling again, create the discussions, develop the bill and push to get it passed. ... We can find the funding. We have to be creative and, of course, prioritize it.”

Campaign finance Jordan reported about $4,198 in total contributions and about $589 in expenditures. Agidius reported total contributions of $2,450 and no reported expenditures. Samantha Malott can be reached at (208) 883-4639, or by email to smalott@dnews.com.

By Shanon Quinn Daily News staff writer

Gary Osborn and Caroline Nilsson Troy agree education is a pressing issue and acknowledge a need for change to Idaho’s current health care system, but they differ in plans to address the situation. Osborn, a Democrat, and Nilsson Troy, a Republican, are vying for Idaho State Representative, Position B. Independent David Suswal will appear on the ballot, but he did not respond to requests by the Daily News. “We all want all Idahoans to be healthy, and yet some of our neighbors and friends are falling through the cracks under the current makeup of health care coverage. I will work with stakeholders, other legislative leaders, health care providers and community members to find thoughtful, Idaho-based solutions that address increasing health care costs,” Nilsson Troy said. Osborn, on the other hand, said he would push for the expansion of Medicaid. “I look at the Affordable Care Act and part of that act was the Medicaid expansion for anybody who made less that $12,000 a year, and it was a no-brainer,” he said. “I think everyone thought every state would take it, and then we didn’t take it.” Osborn said the people stuck in the middle are now forced to rely on the indigent care system. “Last year it was almost $900,000 in Latah County — what a huge part of the budget,” he said. The candidates agree the Idaho-funded Community Crisis Centers are a step in the right direction in addressing mental health concerns. “We don’t want to put folks struggling with mental health issues into jail when we can make treatments available to help them succeed,” Nilsson Troy said.

Caroline Nilsson Troy n Age: 52 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Genesee n Family: Married, four daughters n Occupation: President of Nilsson Advisory Group (nonprofit consulting) n Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, University of Idaho; Leadership Idaho Agriculture graduate

Gary Osborn n Age: 56 n Affiliation:

Democrat n Lives in: Near Troy n Family: Married, three sons n Work:

Farmer n Education: Troy schools, University of Idaho

Osborn agreed but said Medicaid reform would add another dimension to care. “We need Medicaid reform to keep them on their meds, and if they get off of their medications, we need these regional centers to help them,” he said. The two candidates agree addressing the state’s education system is a priority. Nilsson Troy said providing a rich K-12 education prepares youth to succeed in a global workplace and post-secondary education and is increasingly important to individual success. She said she supports recommendations made by the Governor’s Task Force for Improving Education, which include raising teacher salaries and restructuring the career See position B, Page 20

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 13 For campaign updates, visit: tomlamar.org

for Latah Count y Commissioner

facebook.com/tomlamar.org @LamarTom

“For more than 30 years I have been getting my hands dirty, alongside other Latah County residents, to improve our land, our community and our economy. ” Tom Lamar demonstrates his support for Latah County agriculture by handing out 1,000 bags of Lamar Latah Lentil soup during the campaign.

— Tom Lamar

ote tuesday, november 4 Thanks for your vote! see website for votin g locations

IDAHO BORN. IDAHO EXPERIENCE. IDAHO RESULTS. Rooted in the hard work of a fifth-generation Idaho farm family and shaped by a sprit of individual responsibility, Caroline raised support for the University of Idaho and built public-private partnerships for the betterment of our community and our state. Her experience and connections will bring home results for you!

A VOTE FOR:

STRONGER EDUCATION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT District 5 Seat B | Representing Benewah & Latah Counties Paid for by Troy for Idaho - Steve Busch, Treasurer

Paid for by Lamar for Latah Margaret Dibble, Treasurer PO Box 9868 / Moscow, ID 83843

14 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Obermayr and Walser seek to upgrade medical plan Both say Medicaid expansion would save the county money By Shanon Quinn Daily News staff writer

The candidates for the District 1 seat of the Latah County Board of Commissioners have differing opinions on what the most important issue facing the county is at this time. Incumbent Richard Walser, a Republican, said although there are a number of issues facing the county that concern him as a citizen — such as the economy, drugs and problems with the jails — from a commissioner’s point of view, the county is moving right along. His challenger, Democrat Kurt Obermayr, though, said the biggest issue is economic development. “Our old economic base of agriculture, forestry and the university will not provide the jobs for our future,” Obermayr said. “Ag and forestry are both so mechanized that they will never provide the jobs they used to, although they will always be a large contributor to our economy. The university is struggling from the lack of state support. We have a poverty rate that is higher than the state average.” Both candidates, though, agree the expansion of Idaho’s medicaid program would benefit the county and help when it comes to covering indigent health care expenses. “Our county would be helped greatly if something were done to take the burden off our local people by someone with deeper pockets,” Walser said. “The county spends between $700,000 to $900,000 a year — for our part — for people without resources. That’s quite a bit of money for the county. We have a $3.5 million budget, so that’s a big piece of it.” Obermayr said the county is providing indigent medical care in the most inefficient

and expensive way. “I will work through the Idaho Association of Counties to bring Medicaid reform and expansion before the Legislature, and, if necessary, move to a referendum to bring the issue before Idaho voters. Because our federal taxes are already paying for Medicaid expansion, I would use the county savings, $800,000 this year, for property tax relief, and the state savings should go to school funding,” Obermayr said. Another issue in Latah County — and Idaho — is how to fund and manage public defenders. Walser said the county is well-served by its public defenders, despite the fact that the American Civil Liberties Union has “cast a doubtful eye” on Latah County’s system. “We examine credentials as commissioners, we don’t just pick names out of a hat. They know the case load from years gone past. We don’t provide an office or office space, but if they need to hire detectives or an expert witness, it doesn’t come out of their budget,” he said. Obermayr, on the other hand, is an advocate for change. “The public defender system should be state financed and operate under standards that meet constitutional requirements. Without a state system of financing to spread the risk, counties are vulnerable to several complex trials in one year blowing a huge hole in their budget. The money counties currently spend on the system could be used to fund the state system with little if any state funds involved,” he said. The candidates both said they recognize the need for change in the way mental health issues are addressed — mostly by the legal system. Walser said the supports the idea of metal health facili-

Richard Walser n Age: 65 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Family farm between Potlatch and Viola n Family: Married, one daughter n Occupation: Latah County Commissioner n Education: Bachelor of architecture degree, University of Idaho

Kurt Obermayr n Age: 61 n Affiliation:

Democrat n Lives in: North of Moscow n Family: Married n Work:

Self-employed n Education: Attended Idaho State University and the University of Idaho

ties in the area, regardless of the initial cost. “I’m always aware we’re using taxpayer dollars and we have to be accountable for that,” be said, adding he believes the investment would pay off. “If we can help people stay out of trouble and give them support, that’s going to cost something initially, but in the long term, the taxpayers will be better off. We’ll all be better off.” Obermayr agreed. “Our justice system and jails are the biggest providers of mental health services in Idaho due to cuts in funding by the Legislature,” he said, recommending that the Legislature restore funding and return mental health service to a service-based clinic model instead of spending the money on jails and courts. “Medicaid expansion and reform will go a long way to providing the services our most vulnerable need,” he said. Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.

Race to replace Stroschein Lamar and Greene vie for seat at commissioner’s table By Terri Harber Daily News staff writer

Both candidates for the District 2 seat on the Latah CountyBoardofCommissioners have long histories of community involvement. Tom Lamar has been on the Moscow City Council since 2007, while Shirley Greene was on the county commission during the early- to mid-1990s. Lamar helped establish the Latah Trail Foundation, served on former Idaho Gov. Phil Batt’s carbon sequestration team and the Moscow Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Lamar is also a founding member of the Moscow Transportation Commission. Greene has served on the public health board for 20 years and the National Association of Local Boards of Health, and was recently appointed to Moscow’s Farmers Market Commission. She’s also active in the chamber of commerce, is the community service coordinator for Rotary and has been instrumental in organizing an array of different missions for the Moscow Church of the Nazarene. She spearheaded church efforts to help residents of the Syringa Mobile Home Park. District 2 includes areas south Moscow and Genesee. The seat is being vacated by longtime Commissioner Tom Stroschein, a Democrat who opted not to run again. Lamar, also Democrat, and Greene, a Republican, are both highly community-minded but hold differing views on a variety of issues pertinent to county residents. Lamar hopes Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Idaho legislators will give serious consideration to expansion of Medicaid during this upcoming legislative session. Idahoans best described as working poor aren’t able to qualify for health care coverage in the state, he explained.

TOM Lamar n Age: 54 n Affiliation:

Democrat n Lives in: Moscow n Family: Three daughters, one

grandson n Occupation: Executive director of Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute. Also taught conservation leadership for six years at the University of Idaho n Education: Master’s degree in environmental science, Washington State University; Bachelor’s in biology and anthropology, University of Delaware

Shirley Greene n Age: 66 n Affiliation:

Republican n Lives in: Rural Latah County n Family: Married, two children, six

grandchildren n Occupation: Retired businesswoman and community volunteer n Education: Bachelor’s degree in public communication with a minor in public administration, University of Idaho

The federal funding that would come with the expansion could remove the county’s funding burden because counties have been responsible for indigent medical care costing $800,000 to $900,000 annually. “That’s one heart attack away from a million dollars,” he said. Greene doesn’t want to expand Medicaid because she believes the federal funding would disappear at some See Commissioner, Page 20

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Vote

Kurt â&#x20AC;&#x153;Samâ&#x20AC;? Obermayr for Latah County Commissionerâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;District 1, to keep Latah County a great place to live. www.ObermayrForCommissioner.com Facebook/ObermayrforLatahCountyCommissioner

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 15

Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2021;Â?Â&#x201E;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; ÍśÂ&#x2013;Â&#x160; Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013;

Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; For State Representative, Seat 5A

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PAULETTEJORDANFORIDAHO.COM *Paid for by Kurt Obermayr. Jennifer Barrett Treasurer.

WALSER

Experience:

â&#x20AC;˘ Farmed wheat, barley and lentils, 1973-2004; also raised cattle and hay, 1973-2014 on family farm, Walser Land & Livestock, Inc. â&#x20AC;˘ Vice-President of Walser Land & Livestock, Inc., 1973-2004 â&#x20AC;˘ Latah County Grain Growers Board of Directors, (two years as President), 1981-1990 â&#x20AC;˘ Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) County Committee, 1981-1990 â&#x20AC;˘ Palouse Grain Growers Board of Directors, 2001-2004 â&#x20AC;˘ Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee, 2002-2005 â&#x20AC;˘ Part-time hardware sales at Tri-State in Moscow, 2007-2012 â&#x20AC;˘ President of Walser Land & Livestock, Inc. 2004 - present

Education:

â&#x20AC;˘ Potlatch High School - 1967 â&#x20AC;˘ Bachelor of Architecture Degree, University of Idaho - 1972

Personal:

â&#x20AC;˘ Age - 65 â&#x20AC;˘ Married, one grown daughter â&#x20AC;˘ Years in area - 65

(208) 892-4005 â&#x20AC;˘ richardwalser49@gmail.com Paid by the Committee to Elect Richard Walser David Strong, Treasurer

Â&#x192;Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D; Â&#x201E;Â&#x203A; Â&#x2013;Â&#x160;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2026;Â&#x2018;Â?Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2021;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2026;Â&#x2013; Â&#x192;Â&#x2014;Â&#x17D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2021; Â&#x2018;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2020;Â&#x192;Â?ÇĄ Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x192;Â&#x2022;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D;ÇŚ Â&#x2021;Â?Â?Â&#x2039;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2021;Â&#x201D; Â&#x192;Â&#x201D;Â&#x201D;Â&#x2021;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2013;

Latah County Commissioner

FOR RE-ELECTION District 1 Republican

Dear Voters of Latah County, Thank you for the confidence a majority of you placed in me, by electing me as one of your county commissioners in November of 2012. That election was for a 2-year term, and that term is nearly up. The job of commissioner involves, to a large degree, good judgment in the budgeting and oversight of all county governmental offices. My goal has been, and continues to be, to reach decisions by taking the time to gather and review all information available before coming i tto any conclusions. l i I hope my experience and record of service in this office will help you in deciding your vote as to whether I continue as one of your county commissioners. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve you. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

16 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Voters to decide on Two firearms bills on the smaller class sizes Washington state ballot Pullman High official says I-1351 requirements not easy to meet By Shanon Quinn Daily News staff writer

Pullman High School Superintendent Paul Sturm says lowering class sizes — as Initiative 1351 would require — is a good idea, but should be done systematically and phased in over time. The measure, which will be turned over to voters Nov. 4, would direct the Legislature to allocate funding for smaller class sizes — 15-17 students per classroom — in grades K-12 in defined high-poverty schools and grades K-3 in all schools statewide. The ballot summary states state revenues will not be affected, but spending will increase by approximately $4.7 billion through 2019 as a result of funding districts for class sizes, staffing levels and levy equalization payments. “Unfortunately, there seems to be several factors that were not anticipated or addressed by I-1351,” Sturm said. “There is no funding accompanying the initiative for the additional support staff that would be required with more teachers — instructional specialists, principals/supervisors, custodians, food service, transportation and such.” Funding for additional infrastructure needed also isn’t addressed, he said. “The cost of new construction or purchase/lease of modular classroom would mostly fall on local taxpayers, with increases in taxes or reductions in other educational services — it is doubtful that the Legislature will raise taxes to construct new schools since they have not shown the political will to raise taxes to meet the con-

“

There is no funding accompanying the initiative for the additional support staff that would be required with more teachers.” Paul Sturm Pullman High School superintendent stitutional requirement to fund basic education according to the McCleary decision,” Sturm said. Sturm said the district is seeking to acquire property to accommodate future building needs, but it has not identified any suitable at this time. “We continue to anticipate population growth in Pullman and therefore the need for additional classroom space will be accelerated by three converging factors: population growth, I-1351 and all-day kindergarten,” Sturm said. All-day kindergarten will be a state requirement by 2018. The Seattle Times weighed in on the issue, commenting that the plan of spending billions without a funding source was similar to Initiative 728 in 2000. Also a class size reducer, it was impossible to fund and was ultimately repealed, according to the Times’ editorial. Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.

Stricter enforcement or less interference By Samantha Malott Daily News staff writer

Washington voters will have to decide on two firearms initiatives in the upcoming election. Both Initiatives 594 and 591 address rules for gun purchasing and ownership, but they ultimately are the complete opposite of one another. One calls for more background checks, while the other calls for less government interference, unless a national standard is created. If approved, I-594 will require criminal and public safety background checks to be undertaken on all sales involving firearms, even those at guns shows and online. The initiative spells out certain transfers that would be exempt from a background check, such as those involving antique guns, gifts between immediate family members, loans at authorized shooting ranges or on hunting grounds, or when someone’s life is in immediate danger, among others. Zach Silk, campaign manager for Yes on I-594, said people buying a firearm from a private seller or at a gun show do not have to go through the same background checks as they would if purchasing from a licensed seller. “We know that this is how criminals and other dangerous people buy guns,” Silk said. This initiative, he said, would make it harder for those dangerous people to buy guns. “We believe closing this background check loophole will save lives and reduce crimes,” Silk said. Opponents to the bill stress that I-594 is falsely being sold as a means of keeping Washingtonians safer,

Associated Press

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords pumps her fist Jan. 28 as she testifies before a Washington state House panel in Olympia. Giffords began a nine-state tour in Maine on Oct. 14 to advocate for tougher gun laws she says will help protect women and families. said Andrew Arulanandam, managing director of public affairs for the National Rifle Association. “We share the same position as the Washington Association of Cops and Sheriffs ... that this is an 18-page document that makes criminals out of law abiding citizens, without making Washingtonians safer from criminals or from those who are dangerously mentally ill,” Arulanandam said. He said the focus should be on making sure children are protected, criminals are being properly prosecuted, firearms are kept of the hands of dangerous people and that law enforcement has all the necessary tools and resources they need to do these things. “This proposition does nothing of that sort,” he said. While Arulanandam said their side is being exponentially outspent, he said the NRA is focused on getting the truth and facts to the people. The other firearms initiative up for a vote in Washington, I591, also concerns gun ownership rights in the state. The

bill is commonly referred to by its supporters as the “Protect Our Gun Rights Act.” “It’s a basic bill to support gun rights in Washington state,” said Ryan Watson, campaign treasurer and volunteer for Vote Yes on I-591. The bill as proposed would prohibit various government agencies from taking firearms from citizens without due process. It would also state that the government cannot require background checks unless a uniform national standard is required. As far as the opponents to the bill, Watson said, they are not putting out any clear message as to why people should vote no. “I haven’t heard much of an argument other than they say that it would stop background checks, but they never give an example,” he said. “They’re just sort of trying to be a little bit vague and are not being very specific.” Samantha Malott can be reached at (208) 883-4639 or by email to smalott@dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Vote Nov. 4 for

Gary IDAHO House 5B Proven Leadership and Experience 6FKRRO %RDUG 0HPEHU \HDUV DQG &KDLUPDQ \HDUV 6RLO &RQVHUYDWLRQ %RDUG &KDLU 7UR\ 5XUDO )LUH 'HSDUWPHQW PHPEHU DQG )LUH &RPPLVVLRQHU ,GDKR 6WDWH :DWHU 4XDOLW\ %RDUG UG *HQHUDWLRQ )DUPHU 6XSSRUWV (GXFDWLRQDO IXQGLQJ -RE JURZWK DQG UHWHQWLRQ (TXDOLW\ DQG UHVSHFW IRU DOO 0HGLFDLG 5HIRUP $ EHWWHU IXWXUH IRU ,GDKR Paid for Gary Osborn for Idaho; BJ Swanson, Treasurer

Vote for

Shirley Greene

for Latah County Commissioner

District 2 Republican Paid for by Committee to Elect Greene Commissioner, L. Lucas Treasurer.

Please vote - your vote really does make a difference!

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 17

18 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Why You Should Vote

Economy, job creation is focus of Congressional 5th District race Moscow-Pullman Daily News

McMorris Rodgers seeks her sixth term against Democrat Pakootas By Anthony Kuipers Daily News staff writer

Job creation is at the top of the priority list for the two 5th District Congressional candidates on the ballot this year. Incumbent Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash) and Democrat challenger Joe Pakootas both say voters in eastern Washington are concerned about the economic stability of the region. “That seems to be what’s resonating throughout the whole district,” Pakootas said. McMorris Rodgers said she wants to improve the economy so young people “don’t feel like they have to move away to find a good-paying job.” Pakootas, who is the CEO of the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation, said he would like to spend federal dollars on funding jobs to repair eastern Washington’s “crumbling infrastructure.” He said many roads and bridges have existed past their life expectancy. This past year, McMorris Rodgers looked to hydropower to help create jobs in the area. In May, President Barack Obama signed a bill she sponsored intended to increase jobs by reducing regulations that limit small hydropower projects. Additionally, both candidates are in favor of training more physicians to work in Washington, especially in the rural areas. They both support Washington State University’s plans to build a medical school in Spokane. “As I travel around eastern Washington, the need is real,” said McMorris Rodgers, who co-chairs the Congressional Rural Health Care Coalition. Pakootas said he believes the economy can be helped through

Joe Pakootas n Affiliation: Democrat

n Age: 57 student loan reform that would n Occupation: CEO, Colville Tribal Federal allow students to refinance at Corporation a lower interest rate. He said n Lives in: Inchelium nearly 15 percent of loans have n Years lived in area: 50 been defaulted on. n Education: Executive master’s of business McMorris Rodgers said she administration, University of Washington has worked to protect the fedn Community involvement: Coached and mentored eral government’s low-interest high school and grade school children for 35 years Perkins loan and to set a cap n Previous elected office: 16 years on the Colville tribal council on loan interest rates. including as chairman When it comes to their n Family status: Married, four children, six grandchildren Geoff Crimmins/Daily News views on the economy and n Website: PakootasforCongress.com other issues, both candidates Joe Pakootas speaks Sept. have been influenced by their 24 at the Foley Institute at Cathy McMorris Rodgers past experiences. Washington State University. Pakootas, who was born in n Affiliation: Republican Inchelium, Wash., said he grew n Age: 45 up in poverty on the Colville challenge of trying to convince n Occupation: House of Representatives 5th District Reservation. He said 1 in 6 voters to reelect a member n Lives in: Spokane eastern Washington residents of an unpopular Congress. A n Years lived in area: Nine live below the federal poverty n Education: Bachelor’s degree in pre-law, Gallup Poll in early September level and 1 in 5 receive food showed Congress had a 14 perPensacola Christian College; Executive master’s of stamps. The problem, he said, cent approval rating. business administration, University of Washington is getting worse. n Community involvement: Longtime Farm Bureau McMorris Rodgers said vot“Our homeless shelters are member ers want to see greater bipartistarting to become saturated n Previous elected office: Washington House of Representatives from san efforts in Congress, and she and bursting at the seams,” 1994-2004 noted two bills she sponsored he said. n Family status: Married, three children that drew Democratic support He has previously stated he n Website: McMorris.house.gov and were signed by Obama. wants to reduce tax breaks to Pakootas said he underthe state’s wealthy to increase stands the frustration aimed revenue. toward Congress and said votAs CEO, he said, he brought ers want to know their leaders the Covill Tribal Federal are paying attention, which is Corporation out of millions of what he intends to do. dollars in debt in four years, “Their voice is not heard and now it is $2.3 million in today” he said. the black. Between January and the McMorris Rodgers, who end of September, McMorris is running for her sixth Rodgers has received nearly term in Congress and is the $2.4 million in campaign confourth highest-ranking House tributions and has spent nearRepublican, grew up in Kettle ly $2.1 million in campaign Falls, Wash., as daughter of expenditures, according to an orchard owner. She was the Federal Election Commission first in her family to graduate data. Pakootas has received college and, in 1994, was electnearly $150,000 and spent Associated Press ed to the Washington House of $113,000 in the period. Representatives. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers speaks to her supporters Nov. 6, For more information, visit McMorris Rodgers, wife of 2012, at a Spokane hotel. fec.gov. a Navy veteran and mother of a child with Down syndrome, Congressional Down Syndrome these two populations. Anthony Kuipers can be reached co-chairs the Congressional Caucus intended to educate Like all incumbents, at (208) 883-4630, or by email to Military Caucus and Congress about issues facing McMorris Rodgers faces the akuipers@dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

Whitman assessor must make do with what’s available Incumbent Joe Reynolds faces challenge from his chief appraiser, Jim Hawkes By Anthony Kuipers Daily News staff writer

Whoever wins the Whitman County Assessor’s race will face the pressing challenge of having to work with a shrunken staff. Incumbent Joe Reynolds, seeking his sixth term as assessor, said he had 13 staff members when he first took office more than 20 years ago. Due to budget cuts, that number is down to five. “We can’t go any smaller in the office,” he said. With the county’s financial problems, it is hard to imagine staff levels increasing anytime soon. So, in the meantime, Reynolds said, the Assessor’s Office needs to manage its resources carefully. To cut down on gasoline costs, for example, the office is no longer sending appraisers from one end of the county to the other in a day. Now, they’ll split up their visits to one area at a time. He also wants to make his employees’ jobs easier by educating the public on taxing law, property values and what exemptions they may qualify for. Reynolds said he speaks to the public “all the time” on this topic, including on trips to senior groups and retirement centers around the county. Reynolds said he makes several dozen of these trips each year, and it’s always a learning experience for the audience. “It’s surprising how little some of the public knows about their own situation,” he said. Jim Hawkes, Reynolds’ chief appraiser and challenger in the election, said he’d

like to put that information online. To better prepare their short supply of employees, he wants to provide online training with information on tax assessments and exemptions. This would be available for the public as well. “My whole focus is to try to get as much data on the Internet as possible so people can access that,” he said. Hawkes also wants to develop a manual detailing answers to the most commonly asked questions by the public. The manual would be placed public libraries and City Halls. “We get the same 50 questions all the time,” he said. When it comes to property values around the county, both Reynolds and Hawkes are cautiously optimistic about the future. Reynolds believes the lingering effects of the recession are coming to an end. “Now we’re back on the upswing,” he said. “Properties are selling again.” Hawkes acknowledged the growth of Pullman, but he said other taxing districts in the county are still struggling finding tax revenue. “I don‘t think this economy is out of the woods,” he said. No matter what challenges are ahead, both candidates feel they are experienced enough for the task. Reynolds said he still enjoys his job and believes he is the most qualified to do it. “I feel I am the most qualified, partly because I’ve been doing the job for the last 20 years,” he said. Hawkes said he benefits from being one of the

Jim Hawkes Affiliation: Republican Age: 59 Occupation: Whitman County chief appraiser Lives in: Pullman Education: Bachelor’s degree in communication and business, Washington State University n Community involvement: Past president of Community Living, a nonprofit that provides residential services for developmentally disabled citizens around Washington n Family status: Single n n n n n

Joe Reynolds Affiliation: Republican Age: 65 Occupation: Whitman County assessor Lives in: Colfax Education: Studied accounting and psychology, WSU and Eastern Washington University n Community involvement: Past member of Kiwanis club, Junior Chamber of Commerce, County Board of Adjustments n Family status: Married, one daughter, one grandson n n n n n

“

We can’t go any smaller in the office.”

Now we’re back on the upswing. Properties are selling again.”

Joe Reynolds Whitman County assessor

Jim Hawkes Whitman County assessor candidate

few staff members who has worked out in the field meeting with taxpayers on a faceto-face basis. Reynolds’ tenure has not been without its rough patches. Reynolds had to appear in court this summer as a result of allegations from county property appraiser Brenda Arthur claiming Reynolds had harassed her

by making sexually-based comments, gestures and physical advances. Reynolds denied all of the accusations, and the district court jury in Spokane dismissed the allegations. Anthony Kuipers can be reached at (208) 883-4630, or by email to akuipers@dnews.com.

| Friday, October 17, 2014 | 19

Colton, Palouse to decide on regular levies Staff report

Palouse residents will vote on two annual tax levies to maintain city roads and the city pool this election. On the ballot is a $44,000 excess property tax levy to fund street improvements and street oiling for 2015. This amount is the same as last year’s proposed levy. It equates to an estimated 76 cents per $1,000 in assessed taxable value, City Treasurer Joyce Beeson said. Beeson said the levy is on the ballot every year and helps the city take on projects such as rebuilding streets. The city does not have a specific project in mind at this point, but the money will help the city address street repairs as needed, Beeson said. Also on the ballot is a $28,000 levy for operation and maintenance of the city’s public swimming pool. Like the street improvement levy, this is another regular ballot item for residents. It costs an estimated $.48 per $1,000 of assessed value. Beeson said the levy pays for necessities such as lifeguards and making sure the pool boiler is up to par. In Colton, voters will decide on a $30,000 excess tax levy for general operations and improvements for the city’s streets, water and sewer system. This equates to $1.20 per $1,000 and is the same amount as last year’s levy, which passed. The money has been used for street and sidewalk repairs, as well as other city projects, including repainting a city water tank.

20 | Friday, October 17, 2014 |

Commissioner from Page 14 point. She also wants to ensure that the Student Health Insurance Program remains in place so Latah County taxpayers aren’t responsible for the medical expenses of University of Idaho students. Some university systems across the country have considered dropping similar plans because of an Affordable Care Act requirement allowing parents to include adult children on their family plans until they reach age 26. Both candidates have keen interest in fostering countywide economic development, and they each agree the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport’s improvement project merits county funding and involvement. Greene and Lamar each mentioned the need for partnership with area universities and other regional economic organizations to recruit and attract employers. Greene would like to see the county provide a business friendly environment to attract companies that would pay “a living wage.” Lamar expressed concern about repeated state legislative efforts to undermine local urban renewal operations. The director of Moscow’s URA, who found employment elsewhere, “spent up to 25 percent of his time on legislative issues,” Lamar said. “That seems crazy because that’s how much more time he could have been spending on local needs.” Both pointed out how important such efforts are to Latah County. The percentage of poverty-striken residents is higher than Idaho’s overall percentage. Note: Shirley Greene submitted written responses to a series of topics and was interviewed before and after the primary. Tom Lamar was interviewed over the phone. Online resources also were used to complete this article. Terri Harber can be reached at (208) 883-4631, or by email to tharber@dnews.com.

Why You Should Vote

Moscow-Pullman Daily News

First-time candidate challenges Whitman County sheriff Three-term sheriff, Myers, faces Colfax man, Assenberg By Anthony Kuipers Daily News staff writer

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers, who is being challenged for office by first-time candidate and Colfax medical marijuana advocate Adam Assenberg, is seeking his fourth term as county sheriff. Myers, 44, has served 12 years as sheriff and is the longest-tenured law enforcement head in the Quad Cities. He’s seen advancements in law enforcement technology and a move toward “intelligence-based policing,” but he said the fundamentals of law enforcement should remain. “The primary focus is maintaining the quality of life that we’ve come to enjoy and expect and relatively low crime rate that we have,” he said. Myers’ goals include finding ways to expand and modernize the Whitman County Jail as more capacity is needed. He has asked for money to modify cells and add bunk space to accommodate more inmates in April. To alleviate overcrowding, more needs to be done, he said. He admits it won’t be easy to use the county’s limited budget. “The demands have never been higher and the constraints have never been tighter financially,” he said. But it’s necessary to keep the jail in good shape for the next decade, Myers said. “The more we can stay on top of it, the more we can control those costs,” he said. He said his department will also continue to empha-

size curbing property and drug crimes, which are often related. They are two of the most common crimes in the area, and ones that leave residents feeling unsafe and violated in their communities, he said. As sheriff, he wants to continue “making sure we send a message that this is still important to us,” he said. Assenberg, 54, said residents have told him the department is not doing enough to stop property crime. Assenberg said he wants the residents to speak for themselves about issues, and as sheriff, he plans to travel around the county holding public meetings so residents can discuss what problems they would like the department to address. Assenberg is also concerned where taxpayer dollars are being spent. He wants to ensure open access to the department’s resources, so the public can see where money goes. “I would see to it every dime the county spends is accounted for,” he said. Particularly he wants to publicize the dollars being spent on drug raids, many of which are not conducted ethically, he said. Assenberg claims that law enforcement aggressively goes after growers and sellers to earn profits off the property they seize. He labels this “policing for profit” and said he has been on the wrong end of such a raid. In January, Whitman County Prosecutor Denis Tracy dropped four felony charges related to Assenberg’s home-based medi-

Position B from Page 12

ladder so experienced teachers can earn more money. “Over the past decade, the University of Idaho’s budget has been decimated and student enrollment has remained relatively flat. For both the region and the state, this has been an exercise in killing the goose that lays the golden egg,” she said.

Adam Assenberg n Affiliation: None n Age: 54 n Occupation: Retired, former security guard in

California n Lives in: Colfax n Education: High school graduate n Community involvement: Advocate for the disabled, gun rights and medical marijuana rights. Supporter of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition n Previous elected office: none n Family status: Married, one son, one daughter n Website: adam4sheriff.org

Brett Myers n Affiliation: Republican n Age: 44 n Occupation: Whitman County sheriff n Lives in: Pullman n Education: Master’s degree in public

administration, Andrew Jackson University; Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Washington State University n Community involvement: Church, local events n Previous elected office: Whitman County sheriff n Family status: Married, two daughters n Website: myersforsheriff.com

cal marijuana dispensary, which was raided by the Quad Cities Drug Task Force in May 2011. Now, Assenberg is seeking $3.5 million in damages from the raid with a civil lawsuit against the county, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force for allegedly violating his rights. This case spurred Assenberg’s decision to run for sheriff so he can assure staff acts appropriately and dollars are not being wasted, he said. Assenberg has previous experience in law enforcement. Assenberg said he served as a security guard near Los Angeles until a work-related injury ended his career in 1985. He retired, but is ready to put a

Osborn said, having served on the Troy School Board for 10 years, he’s been in a lot of classrooms and has seen first hand the work teachers do. “Our teachers do a wonderful job,” he said. “The new tiered certification is just another thing for teachers to worry about, and they have enough to worry about.” That includes the fact that 95 out of 115 school districts in Idaho are currently forced to regularly pass supplemental levies to remain in operation. “We need to do our duty at the state level

uniform on again. “I would like to put my life on the line once more to protect the public of Whitman County,” he said. Myers said he looks forward to maintaining an “excellent partnership” with other law enforcement agencies while continuing to work with his “highlytrained and skilled” staff, Most of the staff, he said, have around 15 years of experience serving the county. “I think that people of Whitman County can rest assured they have very excellent staff,” he said. Anthony Kuipers can be reached at (208) 883-4630, or by email to akuipers@ dnews.com.

and fund these schools,” he said.

Campaign Contributions Troy’s total campaign contributions were $13,180 and total expenditures were $10,716. Osborn’s total campaign contributions were $6,124 and total expenditures were $6,904. Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.