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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.
Mike Simpson -- U.S. House of Representatives, District 2
Simpson is the incumbent candidate seeking reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives. He faces challenges from two Republican contenders in the May 15 primary with the winner of that race facing a Democratic challenger in November.
Looking at the challenges facing the nation and its economic recovery, the representative set his sights on continuing work to eliminate federal deficits. This includes adding a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
In addition to voting in favor of Congress' Cut, Cap and Balance Plan, which sought to cap federal spending as a percentage of gross domestic product, he also backs a federal budget plan outlined by Representative Paul Ryan.
"The key issues facing the American people are job creation, economic growth and deficit reduction," Simpson said. "My constituents are tired of worrying about their financial security and would like to see some indication that our economy is moving in the right direction -- that Congress is serious about getting our budget deficit under control."
Simpson also made it clear that the federal government must understand that it remains an impediment to economic growth versus than a catalyst for economic growth. He sees a need to shrink the federal government as a whole, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
"My constituents would like to see fewer onerous regulations, reduced spending (and) tax reform that includes lower overall rates... as important first steps toward economic recovery and job creation," he said. He added that the repeal of federal health care legislation, commonly known as Obamacare, is part of this plan to reduce federal spending in addition to protecting health care consumers.
"I would like to see Congress finally tackle entitlement reform and put Social Security and Medicare on a more sustainable and affordable long-term path," he said. "I would like to see a pro-growth tax code that is more simple and fair with substantially lower personal and corporate tax rates."
Looking specifically at Idaho, Simpson pledged to remain an advocate for the state's farmers, ranchers, families and businesses. His service as chairman of the subcommittee that funds the Department of Interior, U.S. Forest Service and Environmental Protection Agency has allowed him to eliminate "harmful" regulations and unnecessary spending to protect the state's interests. He highlighted his effort to de-list wolves and return them to state control, which has helped protect ranchers from unwarranted lawsuits, he said.
Meanwhile, he blocked the president's wildlands initiative while protecting Idaho ranchers from unfair lawsuits and working to protect state sovereignty over its water resources.
In addition to seeking ways to lower gas prices by better utilizing domestic energy resources, he plans to continue promoting greater use of nuclear energy and other domestic energy sources to meet the nation's growing economy in years to come.
Nicole LeFavour -- U.S. House of Representatives, District 2
LeFavour is one of four individuals running for the state's District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The lone Democrat in this race, she will face the winner of the Republican primary in November.
After serving eight years in the state legislature, LeFavour remains committed to restoring jobs and prosperity for those living in Idaho.
"Congress is not doing all it can to set our economy right," she said. "Idaho families want to feel secure about retirement, about their jobs and the opportunities their children will have. We have a job to do as a nation, and we have no time for games or partisan struggles."
Idaho lags the nation in economic recovery, she added. Food processing facilities remain closed with the state exporting much in raw materials but gaining no economic benefit or jobs in return.
Meanwhile, poor regulation in the banking industry makes it nearly impossible for businesses to get loans to reinvest in communities, she said.
"Sadly, Congress has done little to remove this obstacle to economic recovery," LeFavour added.
With four year's experience balancing the state's budget, she knows firsthand how spending cuts affect jobs, families, the economy and next year's budget.
"Some cuts don't make economic or human sense because we eliminate thousands of jobs, hurt our economy, create greater costs in our prisons or in emergency medical care," she said. "Congress needs to recognize this."
At the end of the Great Depression, America realized it had a powerful impact on jobs and the potential for economic recovery, according to the senator.
"Instead of laying people off, we put people to work across the country in communities with their own urgent needs," she said. "Today Congress has cut jobs... stifling growth and recovery. At the same time, tax cuts on the very wealthy have stayed in place, costing the nation millions in debt and in lost opportunities to put people back to work. We can do better."
As a Democrat, she believes in communities that people pull together to overcome great obstacles. As a former teacher, she emphasized that a strong public education system and more affordable college education are foundations of the American dream.
LeFavour added that the very wealthy in this nation don't create jobs. Instead, ordinary families create them.
"They create jobs when they can afford their doctor bills and can replace a broken washing machine, buy clothes for their children, eat out at a restaurant, travel or pay for a college degree," she said.
If elected, she pledged to ending outsourcing while improving wages and the economy along with creating grants to businesses to invest in processing and manufacturing facilities.
"I am excited to help restore jobs and prosperity to the people of Idaho and our nation," she said.
Nick Nettleton (R) -- Elmore County Board of Commissioners, District 1
Nick Nettleton is one of six people in Elmore County vying for the District 1 seat on the board of county commissioners. Nettleton 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.
With years of prior service with the county, including eight years as the head of the local planning and zoning commission, Nettleton emphasied that his prior public service and work experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the county in coming years.
"When I left the planning and zoning commission after serving as chairman... I was encouraged by numerous members of the community to seek this office," Nettleton said. "I decided that I can be of service to my community in this position."
Nettleton felt that the key issues affecting the county include a need to accommodate "sustainable economic growth without damaging existing uses."
At the same time, providing essential county services with limited revenue "will always be a challenge," he added.
Emphasizing that he's running for the office of county commissioner and not that of a legislator, he added that he will always listen to Elmore County citizen concerns "and do my best to make fair decisions on their behalf," he said.
R. Daniel "Dan" Collins -- Elmore County Board of Commissioners, District 1
Collins is one of six people in Elmore County vying for the District 1 seat on the board of county commissioners. Collins 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.
Having worked for the commissioners at the county courthouse the past 32 years, Collins brings with him insight and knowledge into how county government works that will help provide a level of continuity needed on the three-person board.
"I have had the opportunity to work with all the offices and have a general knowledge of what each office does and how they work together to accomplish the job of running the county and serving the public," he said.
The county's budget remains one of three issues that greatly affect voters in this county. It's a sole responsibility of the commissioners to properly budget county resources to keep the county operating effectively while providing services the public needs.
"I will strive to keep the annual budgets balanced without sacrificing any of these much needed services while keeping taxes as low as possible," he said.
Meanwhile, Collins identified residential and business growth as a vital link to fostering the county's economic health.
"As new growth issues arise, I would try to become as knowledgeable and educated on each issue and would welcome public input and comments," he said.
That growth would also raise issues with solid waste, another factor that poses concerns for this county, according to Collins.
"Solid waste in any county government will always be an issue (because) the county is tasked with disposing of the waste generated by its residents," he said. "The cities and the county need to work together to dispose of the waste in the most efficient and economical way possible."
Considering himself a hardworking, dedicated individual, he pledged to provide solutions to problems that arise in a fiscally responsible manner. These are traits that make him the ideal candidate for the board of county commissioners, he said.
"My goal is to serve the citizens of Elmore County (and) the best way to do that is to serve as a public servant," he said.