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Priscilla Giddings

| May 13, 2016 1:00 AM

1. While deployed overseas, I realized the significance of our constitutional freedoms in America and felt that while I was trying to help garner freedoms for the Afghanis, those same freedoms were being lost here at home. I chose to move back home to fight for our freedoms here in Idaho.

2. I attribute many of my capabilities to my education at the Air Force Academy where I further developed the values of honor, character, integrity, hard work and leadership.

My fighter pilot mentality along with my avid reading, writing and public speaking skills differentiate me from most.

3. 1. Excessive regulations are strangling the economy and hurting our rural communities.

2. Restricted rights to acces rivers, roads and forests are straining our tourism and prosperity.

3. High unemployment rates are choking our tax base, which negatively affects local services, including schools.

4. 1. Push for accountability within state agencies and stop federal regulations at the state legislature level.

2. Be a strong voice in the resistance to regula- tions. Our state legislature must be al- lowed to rein in regulations by unelected agencies.

(Note: There will be an Idaho constitutional amendment on the November ballot — vote for keeping legislative authority over administrative regulations.)

3. Audit current state regulations and initiate legislation that would deregulate employer hardships.

5. A legacy of competency and strength. We face challenging times and it will take strong, proactive people to serve responsibly and demand accountability from our government.

6. 1. Improve District 7 unemployment rate because it is currently the worst in the state. 2. Clean up the excessive fuel on the forest floors to provide employment, protect the wildlife, property, and homes in rural communities. 3. Improve rural schools that are challenged with low graduation rates.

7. 1. Deregulation and support businesses through free market fundamentals. 2. Implement SB 1338 (law effective July 1) with District 7 sheriffs/commissioners to identify forest “nuisance areas” endangering local communities. 3. Promote kindergarten programs to prepare children for learning in grades 1 through 3 — the basic literacy foundation. Increase opportunities for high school vocational programs, which will dramatically improve both graduation and unemployment rates.

8. I know from experience, that days at the capitol are filled with back-to-back meetings. I foresee myself taking a proactive approach by listening, learning, connecting ideas, and communicating those with constituents and colleagues. My technology expertise will maximize productivity so that I can focus on strategic plans instead of just reacting to the schedule.

9. Having access to information resources and interacting with other like-minded leaders who are willing to put in the effort to improve government.

10. I see our communities challenged by fear. fear of terrorism, fear of losing rights and freedoms, and fear of an unpredictable government. Stability provides security, and we need that from leaders. Simplify taxes, reduce regulations, and reduce the overall complexity of governance in Idaho.

11. Even though we have a balanced budget requirement in our state constitution, Idahoans should know that the state is $3.6 billion in debt and the federal government pays for more than 30% of our annual expenditures. That kind of dependence makes fighting for limited government more challenging.

12. Although some may see my age as a limitation, in this case, I see it as a strength and advantage because of my technology skills, mental and physical stamina, and optimistic attitude.

13. Each one of us needs to step up in our communities to preserve our way of life. Our constitutional republic is the greatest form of government ever seen by this world – we have to work to keep it alive and well. Apathy is the enemy.

14. What’s the difference between you and your opponent? I’m a well-educated, well-spoken conservative who is self-motivated and goal-oriented in working toward finding creative solutions to complex problems. I’ve never been one to sit back and just vote “no”; I like to proactively lead from the front in accomplishing a mission.