Stephen F. Howlett (D), 65 Candidate for Idaho State District One Representative position B Self-employed building and remodeling contractor
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.
The Medicaid insurance gap issue could be solved if the supermajority legislature would accept the federal funding. 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. Researching issues and responding to constituent’s questions. It is hard to give details as a newly elected Legislator, but I expect long hours and days filled with committee meetings.
7. Legislative committee appointments:
Transportation, Health & Welfare, Department of Environmental Quality, Parks & Recreation Department.
Learning the methods of the Legislature. Review the agenda for the upcoming session.
Meet with the Governors’ Appointed Board members that I know, as well as other mentors that will help me.
8. 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.
9. Issues involving Veterans, the poor, homeless and affordable housing. State-wide telecommunications, Senior citizen health and security.
10. 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.
11. Voting is the way we make changes in the direction that our government works. If you do not vote, then you’re working against our own best interests. We must keep an open dialogue with all people of all views to make progress in community divisions.
12. When you win your election, what percentage of the electorate votes reflects the constituents’ viewpoints? I think if I am pleasing 40% of the voters then I will have their confidence to do a good job representing them.