Jim Woodward

Questions:

1. What inspired you to run for elected office?

2. What unique qualifications would you bring to office that no one else could match?

3. What are the most important issues facing the community? Why?

4. How do you plan to address these issues?

5. If elected, what legacy would you hope to create? Why?

6. What do you most look forward to after you are elected?

7. What are your views on public education in Idaho and Bonner County? Do you think the state should provide more or less funding for public education?

8. What are your views on the proposed Newport silicon smelter?

9. What are your views on Proposition 1 to authorize betting on historic horse racing?

10. What are your views on Proposition 2 to expand Medicaid in Idaho?

11. Is there anything the county can do to ensure fairness in tax assessments?

12. Do you agree with the county’s handling of damaging boat wakes?

13. Do you agree with the county commission’s ongoing efforts to simplify land use codes and processes?

14. Do you support the county’s road-maintenance approach or would you like to see something different?

15. What’s the harshest criticism you expect to face on the campaign trail and how would you respond to such criticism?

16. If you could only get one thing across to voters during your campaign, what would it be?

Name: Jim Woodward

Office you are seeking: Idaho State Senate, Legislative District 1

Education: BSME, University of Idaho

Occupation: Small business owner/heavy construction

Family: Spouse, Brenda, a teacher at LPOHS and Farmer's Market vendor; two children, Avery and Anna

Address: Sagle

Website: jimwoodwardforsenate.org

1. I believe in our system of representative government and the participation it requires. Whether you are voting, voicing your opinion during a public decision-making process, working on a campaign, or running for office, you are taking part in our government which is still the best system in the world.

2. My unique qualifications are the combination of my Idaho upbringing, engineering education, government experience serving in the U.S. Navy, and the perspective of a small business owner and employer in the community. I am focused on arriving at a solution as a business owner, determined to get the correct answer as a nuclear power trained Navy submariner, and not afraid to delve into the technical details to get there.

3. Growth is the most significant issue in North Idaho for the foreseeable future. It requires that we not only maintain our transportation infrastructure and educational system, but upgrade capacity. Growth also requires a well thought-out plan for zoning and development. We’re all here in Idaho for the natural beauty, clean air, and clean water. We don’t want to ruin what makes Idaho so special.

4. At the state level, we will continue the commitment to education. I am hopeful that as we finish the fifth year of the teacher career ladder, we can develop another strategic plan for five or more years and move forward with it. In the transportation arena, we must start looking for efficiencies in construction. With my background in heavy construction, I hope to be a part of that effort.

5. I would like to take my turn serving in public decision making, hopefully avoiding politics as often as possible. I will focus on the basics of state government which are the projects that we can’t take on as individuals. We’ll work on making improvements to our highways as our population continues to grow and we’ll make sure that we’re preparing for the future through a robust education system.

6. Continuing to meet more people and hear their views here in Bonner County and Boundary County. Having lived here 37 of my 47 years, I thought I knew quite a few people. The election process proved that idea wrong. If you have a group or organization that you’d like me to know of, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

7. Funding for education as a percentage of our state budget has gone down while funding for corrections and health and welfare are growing as a percentage. Helping a person out after a problem exists costs seven to ten times as much as educating them beforehand and preventing a problem down the road. I am an advocate for education and the good life that results from informed, responsible choices.

8. I have my concerns about the proposed project. We live in Idaho because of the pristine environment. However, I respect the right of a private company to apply for a permit to operate. The public process is playing out.

It is clear the majority don’t want a smelter here. Idaho DEQ will continue to work with Washington state to ensure Idahoans have a voice in the decision.

9. I am against Proposition 1. Our Idaho Constitution does not allow gambling which is a decision for the good of the whole. Historic horse racing is a misnomer, as the proposed machines appear and act like slot machines.

10. I see the healthcare gap in Idaho as a problem that must be taken care of. Expansion of Medicaid is a solution, but not my preferred solution. However, I will honor the votes cast in the citizen ballot initiative.

11. This question does not apply to state.

12. This question does not apply to state.

13. This question does not apply to state.

14. This question does not apply to state.

15. I have heard a few times that I speak too softly on stage and people sometimes mistake that for a lack of confidence. Remember President Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “Speak softly and carry a big stick”.

16. I am asking to serve and ready to listen.