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Election 2012: Local candidates highlight issues
In the weeks leading up to the May 15 primary election, the Mountain Home News will spotlight those running for local, state and federal office. Information on each candidate is based on questionnaires submitted by the newspaper staff to each individual.
Tim Corder -- Idaho Senate, Legislative District 23
A four-term member of the state legislature, Corder is one of two incumbent Republican candidates vying for the District 23 seat. The move is tied to the state's legislative redistricting plan, which placed both candidates into the same legislative district. The winner of the May primary will remain unopposed in the November general election.
A member of the state legislature since 2004, Corder emphasized that the senate has unfinished business he aims at resolving. Among them are preserving public education and funding public university research "to preserve the public interest," he said.
"I will continue to speak for and vote for a strong educational system from early childhood through higher education and research, particularly agriculture research," Corder said.
The senator also emphasized the need to control the size and responsiveness of government and their fiscal responsibility as a way to restore public confidence in government.
"I will continue to prevent the increase and the shift of taxes and pursue equitable and fair taxation... and continue to listen to all constituents," he added.
As chairman of the local government and taxation committee, he emphasized that he will continue to be the guardian of tax and local government policy. At the same time, he will support private property rights as well as the individual rights of every Idaho citizen.
He also highlighted his record of responsiveness to constituents and his willingness to listen to help solve their problems. Corder also emphasized his willingness to follow the will of the majority.
"I consistently and systematically work through each issue and take constitutional positions without regard to ideology."
In other issues, he sees a need to promote needed infrastructure improvements to state highways and bridges while pursing plans to support local highway jurisdictions as well as city and county governments.
"I have demonstrated that I can and do act to protect our county and city governments as well as our volunteer emergency and other local districts," he said.
Franklin "Bud" Corbus -- Elmore County Board of Commissioners, District 1
Franklin "Bud" Corbus is one of six people in Elmore County vying for the District 1 seat on the board of county commissioners.
Corbus is one of five Republican candidates that will face off during the May primary with the winner of that race facing the sole Democratic challenger in the November general election.
A fourth generation resident of Elmore County, Corbus emphasized that stagnant business and job growth represent a significant issue affecting those who live in this part of the state.
"These are very tough economic times with jobs, taxes, city and county relations being a priority," he said. "Most important is the economic development currently funded by the city, which is in need of incentives to bring jobs to Mountain Home, Glenns Ferry and our other small communities."
As the owner of a business he helped create, Corbus emphasized that these business skills carry over into elected position like the board of county commissioners.
"I am confident in my leadership roles and capable of making smart decisions that will enhance the community," he said. With his proven work history and his involvement in the Mountain Home community for more than 25 years, he understands the importance of many of today's current issues, Corbus said.
"I listen to what people have to say and am open minded and available at any time to hear concerns from the public," he said. "I was born and raised in this community and have raised a family of my own. This gives me an understanding of what people are going through and allows me to relate with the community."
If elected, Corbus emphasized his pledge to incorporate input from local voters and employees before deciding on any critical issues brought before the board of county commissioners.
"It is important to me that the community have a voice in all matters," he said.
Matthew Bundy -- Idaho House of Representatives, Legislative District 23-B
Bundy is one of four people running to become a representative with the Idaho House of Representatives with Legislative District 23's representative "B" seat.
One of three Republicans running for the seat, the winner of the May 15 race will face the sole Democratic candidate during the November election.
A former Air Force officer with years of experience in national and foreign relations, he sees a need to keep government from becoming too large and cumbersome.
"In our concept and understanding of limited government, (it) has only those powers give it by the citizens," he said. "We need to ensure a responsive and disciplines approach to legislation and government activity."
As an educator, Bundy emphasized the importance of providing quality education for students of this state.
"Teachers in our school districts continually work to provide the best education possible," he said. "We need adequate funding to ensure that we also can maintain activities that will continue to benefit the community."
He added that extra-curricular outlets, including athletics, drama, music and debate also need support since they benefit local communities.
Encouraged by the efforts to promote the economic development of places like Mountain Home, he sees a continuing need to foster this type of growth "to make our legislative district the type of area where people want to live and do business," he said.
Bundy sees the Idaho Legislature as a "citizen legislature" with his campaign representing the movement of an average citizen wanting to make life better for those who live here.
"I know the community and the citizens," he said. His prior military experience allows him to understand the unique needs and challenges associated with these men and women. As an educator, he's helped foster the great ideas introduced by his students as they seek to become successful community leaders in the future.
"I pledge to respond to questions and be active in listening to the needs and desires of our community," he said.