PAUL SHEPHERD

Editor’s note: While the candidate did not complete questionnaire in the sent format, we are publishing his response so voters have all information available.

The single most important issue facing my constituents is the need for jobs. My position as state representative is to try and bolster the state economy by incentivizing individuals and businesses so that they will have the opportunity to work producing goods and services.

I want to eliminate or minimize regulations and permitting that impedes production and profits.

I believe the economy could go either way this coming year. It is prudent that we have a flexible plan to handle whatever comes.

The state budget problems have to be handled by prioritizing funding that represent the will and needs of the people in my district. By law, we must have a balanced budget. There-fore wise prioritizing the increases or cuts is vital.

I believe the second most important issue facing Idaho is the encroachment of federal government mandates and rulings.

As never before the federal government is exerting powerful mandates onto state governments further infringing on citizens individual rights and plunging our future generations into a morass of debt. Government bureaucracy and regulations are a great hindrance towards creating jobs in the private sector. I believe that prosperity and a high standard of living comes from efficient productivity and conservation, that excessive government hampers efficiency, reduces productivity and causes waste.

The wolves, federal health care, the illegal immigration situation all impact the citizens of Idaho. I believe the best chance to affect improvement in these and future issues with the federal government, is through a strong states rights movement.

I believe that my life’s experiences qualify me for the position of state representative. I am a third-generation Idahoan.

I married my wife, Dawn, 55 years ago. We raised nine children, six sons, three daughters.

Two sons are in construction, two are partners in our business; Shepherd Sawmill & Log Homes, Inc., one son is a partner in a law firm, one son a lieutenant in the Ada County sheriffs department.

Our three daughters are teachers and coaches. To date we have 41 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and counting.

I was raised in a logging and sawmilling family. At the age of 23, I bought my own sawmill at Stanley and started business as Shepherd and Sons Logging.

Moved to Garden Valley in 1971 developed the Middle Fork Lumber and Building Supply retail business. Since 1984 I have lived in the Riggins/Pollock area during which I had the opportunity to own and operate the Riggins Motel and The Seven Devils Steakhouse.

I presently am still active with my sons in the business Shepherd Sawmill & Log Homes, INC.

I served on the Garden Valley School Board for eight years. Also was elected to serve on two city councils. I have been a director of many local community organizations.

Through all these experiences I have learned how to deal with Government entities, dealt with rules, regulations, permits, school issues, taxes, health issues, and family issues.

That’s why voters can support me.

All of my life I have believed that in this free country, this republic, “we the people” have to be or should be informed voters and participate in our political process.

As I became aware of the assaults toward our country’s traditional Christian values and saw our resources such as timber, mining, ranching and now even some recreation being locked up and restricted I decided I needed to try and make a difference therefore I ran for the office of state representative.

I have served three terms. I have served on the Health and Welfare, Education, and Resource and Conservation Committees.

I was appointed to be vice-chairman of the Resource Committee during my third term.