STEPHEN HOWLETT

1. The reason I want to represent Legislative District 1 Seat B is because my opponent has failed to even come close to reflecting the views of his mainstreams voters and representing the views of only a small number of the far-right tea party Republicans. His voting record is dismal. He has short funded education, healthcare, and securing funding for health insurance. He voted against fund increases for highway road and bridge repairs as well as safety improvements to road areas.

2. This question assumes a lot. Representatives are not unique, nor do we have anything special to give to our voters more than each of our voters have themselves? Candidates do have confidence in their abilities to execute the duties of a representative.

3. The main topics brought to me by voters. 1. Education funding and infrastructure. 2. Stimulating the economy along with job stimulation. 3. Health insurance and mental health issues. 4. Public land use issues.

4. Education – Raise the amount of money per student per day in the classroom. It should allow for a five-day school week on each school district.

Stimulating the economy requires both State and local governments to coordinate conditions that are favorable to business. The same conditions would apply to established businesses so they can grow and expand. Employment will increase because of these actions.

The Medicaid insurance gap issue could be solved if the supermajority legislature would accept the federal funding. By doing so would solve many State funding issues.

Public lands will remain as they are. The different agencies will design and carry out management plans that will satisfy most of the stakeholders.

5. I would like to think of myself as part of a state government that returns to a way of working together to achieve common goals and solutions that advance Idahoan economy, education and environment.

6. My position is against the proposed a- mend- ment. It is not needed in the form of an a- mendment. The Legis-lature al- ready has judicial re- views of agency rules; as well as, limiting the executive rule making. Finally, the Legislature can challenge rules through the courts.

7. Schools are underfunded. If they were receiving adequate funding, then property taxes levies would be reduced. Infrastructure and buildings are aging, requiring extensive repairs or replacement. The Legislature needs to be accountable for the budgeting of funds for these kinds of projects. The endowment is to provide the funds but it has too many sub-funds to keep up with the demands for the schools. Putting the Idaho lottery money back into the education department directly would help with keeping the funding adequate. I would accept Federal education money.

8. The transportation budget can always use more funding. For bridges that are crumbling and roads that need improvements to handle the proposed larger trucks and heavier payloads, which stimulate the economy.

9. No, public lands should remain as they are. The Forest Service is now working with the Idaho Department of Lands through the Good Neighbor Authority for restoration. Harvesting beetle killed stands, fire damaged trees and developing fuel reduction projects.

10. Should Idaho repeal its health insurance exchange? Why or why not?

No. Insurance works to prevent serious health conditions with yearly visits. The Medicaid insurance gap needs to be implemented and funded with money collected from Federal tax dollars.

11. I support the conservation easement process. The Clagstone Meadows conservation easement mess was started when uninformed officials decided to bring a challenge to the agreement. They were wrong on their thoughts like they are on so many of their decisions.

12. Issues involving veterans, the poor, homeless and affordable housing. State-wide telecommunications, Senior citizen health and security.

13. One challenge is to recognize that Legislative District 1 is comprised of two counties; Bonner County and Boundary County. Decisions made need to benefit both. District 1 residents need to work out political differences for the communities to prosper. Steady work, good health care and education of our next generation for the challenges of the 21st century.

14. I found that during my campaign; criticism or differences came when my view clashed with some of the constituents’ views on party politics. Other times, it was with the mixing of federal issues verses state issues.

15. Growth in Bonner County is expanding, both traditional jobs and new technology. Boundary County’s growth is not as rapidly expanding. Relying on agriculture, service industry, timber and manufacturing jobs. Most growth promotion is done at the local level and I would assist if given specific tasks.

16. When you win your election, what percentage of the electorate votes reflects the constituents’ view points? I think if I am pleasing 40 percent of the voters then I will have their confidence to do a good job representing them.