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Hibbert announces run for state senate
Henry Hibbert, 64, of Glenns Ferry, has announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination in this May's primary election for the District 22 senate seat.
The seat currently is held by Republican Tim Corder, who defeated Hibbert in the general election two years ago.
"I believe it's time for a change in our representation," he said. "My opponent's brand of politics is just not working. He has failed to represent us, the people of District 22."
"I learned a lot the last time around," Hibbert said of his effort to get elected. "I've started earlier, because name recognition is important, and I learned you need money."
If elected, Hibbert said, he intends to propose two pieces of legislation.
First, he wants to eliminate the grocery sales tax for basic food products, but not for "snacks, paper towels, toilet paper or other non-edible items. Those items you'd still have to pay the tax." He said the savings could be used for people to buy prescription drugs.
Second, he said, he wants to push for a six percent corporate tax cut for small businesses over the next three years.
"I believe if we want economic recovery, we have to put money in the pockets of the people," he said.
Hibbert said he also would "lean toward" legislation that would stop Medicare and Medicaid payments for babies born to high-school students and undocumented aliens.
He wants to "crack down on fraud, waste and abuse of the public assistance programs.
He also wants to provide job training programs for people on welfare, the costs of which would be paid back after those people obtain jobs. "If they can't find a job for legitimate reasons, OK. But if they're too lazy to get one, then their benefits should be cut."
And, he said, those jobs programs could be paid for by eliminating the fraud and abuse in the welfare system.
He wants to see a "well balanced" educational system with an increased emphasis on vocational-technical programs. He also wants to see funding restored to levels that would allow elective programs, such as music and drama, restored to the schools.
"Right now, all they're doing is teaching kids to take a test. I disagree with (state Superintendent of Education Tom) Luna's plan to pay math and reading teachers more. He's forgetting half the staff, and they're important, too."
He knows that some of his ideas will cost money. "The last thing I want to do is to raise taxes, but I think that's inevitable." His preferred method of tax increase would be additional hikes in the sales tax "because that's the tax that everyone pays."
Hibbert readily admits, "I don't have all the answers. My political goal is just to be a state senator, not go after governor or U.S. senator or representative.
"If I'm fortunate to get elected, I'll be there as long as the people want me."
If elected, he said he would seek to serve on the Health and Welfare and Education committees.
Hibbert has lived in Glenns Ferry for the last ten years, after moving from Montana.
He served 21 years in the United States Air Force and while retired, currently serves as a substitute teacher for business and english classes in the Glenns Ferry School District.