Ken Meyers

1. Idaho was devastated by the great recession and has had a difficult recovery. Compared to other states Idaho ranks near the bottom in almost every measure of the economy, we need to be serious about education and our public lands are under siege. Idaho’s poor recovery has been lead by a Republican Legislature. If Idaho is to do better we need changes in Boise. Instead of complaining I am trying to do something.

2. I came to North Idaho after a career at Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. My experience as an educator, scientist, and administrator taught me good things come about when you have a vision that improves people’s lives. That you move forward toward the goal by keeping focused on the vision, by reaching out to others, listening with respect, and by working together to build support and a consensus.

3. My three priorities are economy, education and natural resources (see q 9). Education is the key to stable long-term economic prosperity. District 7 is transitioning to a technological and manufacturing economy. This is an economy that needs properly educated and trained workers. I am concerned that North Idaho will not be able to provide properly them.

4. The economy and education are linked. Becoming serious about funding education will make the economy better. The Legislature should develop a 5-year plan that is a roadmap on how Idaho’s educational system can move forward. This plan would include studying our state funding formula, teachers issues, student evaluation, discrepancies in educational programs be- tween districts, innovative ways students can re- ceive training or educa- tion, ways to in- crease K-12 funding, and ways to control higher education costs.

5. I hope to create a legacy of the Legislature focusing on issues that make Idaho better. Items like improving the economy, providing a proper education, and protecting our natural resources while we receive economic benefit, legislators will not spend taxpayers money and their time on ideological based legislation that does not improve the well-being of all Idahoans.

6. I do not support HJR 5. Our government is built on checks and balances to ensure that one of the three branches does not become more powerful than the other. By preventing the governor’s veto, HJR 5 distorts the balance of power away from the executive and to the legislative branch of government.

7. Education is not adequately funded. Many school districts are on four-day school week. Educational opportunities in poorer districts are not the same as in more wealth districts. The go-on rate from high school to advanced training and education is low, college tuition costs are beyond many students’ means. The Idaho Legislature is addressing inadequate funding but is only funding education at the 2009 level. It is ime to get serious about funding schools.

8. In a survey published in 2010 Idaho had the poorest maintained roads in the nation. Since then the legislature has addressed this issue. Kudos to them. Idaho needs to continue focusing on improving dangerous roads and unsafe bridges. Also, effort needs to be focused on roads that are important to our economy so that we can effectively transport goods and services.

9. About two-third of Idaho are federal lands. Idaho should NOT control federal lands in Idaho. Since Idaho has become a state it has lost 40-plus percent of the lands it originally owned. For most part these lands are not accessible to the people of Idaho. Management, not control, of federal lands is the issue. The federal, state and county government should work together, with private users to insure these lands are properly maintained and preserved — while providing economic benefit.

10. Do not repeal the health insurance exchange. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides health insurance to most Idahoans including those previously uninsurable. Moving forward, fill in the Medicaid gap so that working poor have health insurance. Idahoans would receive economic benefits because of federal tax refunds to defray costs; county indigent medical care will essentially be eliminated as will the cost to hospitals due to bad debts. Use the savings to fund education and roads.

11. I support the Clagstone Meadows easement. This came about because all stakeholders (federal, state and private parties) worked together to arrive at a common solution for the betterment of all. This is the way natural resources should be managed.

12. What issue is not getting enough attention because other issues are crowding the spotlight?

Legislative effectiveness is an issue not discussed. The legislature developed a Constitutional Dense Fund to defend laws that are being challenged on their constitutionality. Boise attorneys are hired by the state to defend these challenges. They have not won a case in over 20 years. In 2015 Idaho paid over $725,000 in attorney fees and plaintiff costs. Legislators- pass constitutional correct laws, do away with this fund and use the money for roads and education.

13. It is the economy. We are at the early stages of adding technology and manufacturing to our natural resource and recreational economy. We need to provide the necessary infrastructure and qualified people to fill these new jobs, while maintaining quality of life issues that are critical in making North and North-Central Idaho a great place to live and work.

14. While Judy and I have lived here since 2005, we did not grow up here. In response to this critisism, we did experienced the great recession and have seen the recovery. We have children and grandchildren who live in the Northwest. We are able to contrast and compare Idaho’s recovery to our neighboring states. Idaho is not doing as well. I am aware of issues facing Idaho as it recovers and can be an effective advocate for District 7.

15. The county is adding manufacturing and technology to its economy. Growing this new economy requires a properly trained and educated work force. Thus, being serious about public education is a requirement if we are to participate in this 21-century economy. Other requirements are an infrastructure suitable for this economy. This includes high-speed internet access, and roads and bridges for transporting goods and services.

16. Why should you elect me to be your state senator?

I will represent all voters. I will engage them, listen with respect, build support and a consensus. I was an educator and scientist before moving to Sagle. I will base my decisions on the available facts and data, not ideology.