Candidate Questionnaire: 2020 General Election

We believe strongly in informing the community about candidates running for public office. As part of our commitment to this effort, we present this questionnaire for candidates running for office. SandpointOnline.com is also a great resource for election information, as well as the Bonner County Elections Page. Finally, don’t forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 3 if you haven’t voted by mail already. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

——Idaho Legislative District 1 – State Senator——

Jim Woodward, Republican (incumbent)

Sen. Jim Woodward

Age: 49

Birthplace:  Born on an island in the Pacific (Anacortes, Wash.), although I grew up in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry.  We’ve lived in the same spot in Sagle for 20 years now since we moved home after serving in the Navy.

How many years lived in Bonner Co.?: 

I’ve been in Bonner County a total of 24 years and in Boundary County for about 12 years.

Government service: Seven years of active Navy service / 14 years of reserve service. Two years as Legislative District 1 state senator.

Profession: Small business owner in the heavy construction industry

Education:  B.S. mechanical engineering.

Family: Spouse – Brenda, a science teacher at LPOHS, Two children.

Fun fact: My aunts, Liz Stephenson and Bev Kee, teenagers at the time, took me to Dub’s when I was about 6-years-old and said I could have whatever I wanted. They ran out of money before I finished!

1. What are your top three priorities for the next year? How will you help achieve those priorities?

One, I am going to push for two transportation improvements; the first being the south end of the Long Bridge at Lakeshore Drive and the other the long-awaited McArthur Lake curve project.  Another priority is to continue the shift of education funding from property tax dollars to state General Fund dollars to reduce the need for local supplemental levies.  I will again be on the Education Committee and the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee to advocate for this shift. Finally, I will do whatever is in my sphere of influence to return some sense of normalcy after what most will describe, at a minimum, as a challenging year. We’ve always used the statement that hindsight is 20/20, but perhaps 2020 will be better in hindsight.

2. At the conclusion of the special session this summer, Idaho Republicans released a 10-point list of actions they intend to take during the next regular Legislative session – many of which propose to limit the power of the executive branch and expand the power of the legislative branch. Do you agree with this way forward? Why or why not?

I am agreeable to reviewing the many sections of Idaho Code which came into play this year. The pandemic tested some sections of the law which have not been scrutinized in years or decades. I understand the frustration and the weariness from the pandemic restrictions this year, but I do not believe the law has been broken. We, the citizens of Idaho, put in place all the code that we are living under now. If we desire to change the law, we must use the law to do so. I also want to make clear that I believe the legislature is a policy setting body, versus the executive branch which acts upon policy set in Idaho Code. If proper policy is in place, there are very few situations that require convening the Legislature outside of the normal session.

3. Regarding the special session, where activists such as Ammon Bundy were arrested for their actions at the Statehouse, how do you propose to cultivate an atmosphere where civil discourse is promoted over extremist rhetoric?

Civil discourse comes through respecting other people and their viewpoints. It is both important and informative to hear all sides of a conversation, especially in the legislative process.  

4. The Idaho Legislature has in the recent past spent much of its time on ideological debates and bills that frequently result in adverse legal judgments for the state. Do you see weighing in on these issues as the role of the Legislature? Why or why not?

I will maintain my focus on the business of state government.  We have an agreement amongst ourselves to provide a public education system. We all concur in the need to have a road network throughout the state. A judicial system is a necessity. The list of what we have agreed to do together is fairly long, but I am still a minimalist in terms of what I think we should accomplish through government. Let’s do together what we cannot do alone but maintain our freedoms and independence by individually taking care of our own needs.

5. It has been another active wildfire season in North Idaho, although the biggest impact has been smoky skies from out-of-state fires. How do you propose to ensure North Idaho doesn’t see the widespread wildfire damage that the West has experienced? What role do you believe climate change and forest management have on the severity of these fires?

Management of our local and regional forests is a feasible goal for state government. As our population grows, we continue to build homes further and further into forested areas previously unpopulated. The strategy of letting wildfires burn themselves out becomes less acceptable the closer they are to us. If the natural fire cycle is not acceptable, we must manage the forests to prevent fuel loading buildup. The Idaho Department of Lands participates in the Good Neighbor Authority program with the U.S. Forest Service such that IDL can manage not only state land, but also some federal ground. I support IDL participation in the program and look forward to a change in the administrative side of the program to return more of the timber proceeds back to local schools and county road and bridge departments.   

Vera Gadman, Democrat

Publisher’s note: Vera Gadman is on the ballot, but is not actively campaigning, according to the Bonner County Democrats.

Idaho District 1A Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard.

——Idaho Legislative District 1 Representative Seat A——

Heather Scott, Republican (incumbent)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE

Publisher’s note: Incumbent Heather Scott did not respond to questions sent by the Sandpoint Reader.

Gail Bolin, Democrat

Publisher’s note: Gail Bolin is on the ballot, but is not actively campaigning, according to the Bonner County Democrats.

——Idaho Legislative District 1 Representative Seat B——

Sage Dixon, Republican (incumbent)

District 1B Rep. Sage Dixon. File photo.

Age: 51

Birthplace:  Born Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; resides in Samuels area.

How many years lived in Bonner Co.?: 

18 years.

Government service: I have served as a representative for six years.

Profession: Financial services.

Education: San Jose State University.

Family: Wife and seven children.

Fun fact: Played bass in an alternative-country band.

1. What are your top three priorities for the next year? How will you help achieve those priorities?

1) Addressing the multiple issues with our current emergency declaration statutes to ensure that elected representation has a voice in decisions that are affecting the entire state.

There is already an effort started to affect theses changes, and I am confident we will see them happen.

2) Property taxes

Because this is such an important topic throughout the state, there will be a host of different legislative ideas to wade through. I am favorable to a plan to hold property taxes at a static level, especially for people on a fixed income. I also am intrigued by a plan that would remove property taxes entirely, with an increase in sales tax to make up for the lost revenue.

3) There are a host of minor issues that are possible to attend to, but do not always rise to the top. Human trafficking and spending reform are two topics that I am interested in pursuing further.

2. At the conclusion of the special session this summer, Idaho Republicans released a 10-point list of actions they intend to take during the next regular Legislative session – many of which propose to limit the power of the executive branch and expand the power of the legislative branch. Do you agree with this way forward? Why or why not?

The list put forth by the Senate coincided with many of the items the House listed as reasons for passing the bill to end the emergency order. As I stated as one of my top priorities, affecting many of the changes cited on this list is imperative to restoring the voice of the elected representation in decisions that are clearly in the purview of the legislative branch. The executive branch needs to act quickly in an emergency, but only for a short duration, and not at the expense of the elected voice of the people.

3. During the last legislative session, you were a vocal proponent of restricting the ballot initiative process for Idahoans. Are you planning to continue that effort this year? Why or why not?

With the other large issues that need to be addressed this year, I don’t think we will see much effort to further improve the ballot initiative process. Protecting the voice of Idaho voters, and the law-making process, will continue to be important to me and I hope more action will be taken in the future.

4. After three terms in the Legislature, what have you learned about Idaho politics? What have you learned about your constituents?

I have learned that, no matter how well you know a topic, there is always more information to consider, that some stereotypes about government are true, and some are false, and that honesty, respect and building relationships is how to be an effective legislator.

5. Regarding the special session, where activists such as Ammon Bundy were arrested for their actions at the Statehouse, how do you propose to cultivate an atmosphere where civil discourse is promoted over extremist rhetoric?

I am known for treating everyone with the same respect, and for encouraging open, honest dialogue amongst everyone in the Capitol, as well as at home. The deterioration of civil discourse is troubling and will hopefully pass soon, although I am not optimistic that it will.

Stephen Howlett, Democrat

Age: 69

Stephen Howlett.

Birthplace:  Malden, Mass. Resides in Bonners Ferry.

How many years lived in Bonner Co.?: 

50 years.

Government service: Serving for 18 years as Boundary County, Naples precinct captain.

Profession: Building and remodeling contractor, licensed and bonded.

Education: High school graduate.

Family: Married.

1. What sets you apart from your opponents in this race? What would be your goals if elected as representative?

I believe that the only legitimate purpose for government is to provide for the safety, education, health and happiness of human life that individuals can’t provide for themselves. I hold the sanctity of the constitution as the road map of government law. The incumbent has on numerous occasions voted for and sponsored legislation that’s been challenged and found to unconstitutional by both state and federal supreme courts. The write-in candidate has said that he would support a more federalist approach to government.

2. District 1 contains a large majority of registered Republian voters. How do you, as a Democrat, propose to speak to this large majority of voters who aren’t in your political party?

I am appealing to the voters who can see and follow what is being done in our state as it tears down the very fabric of freedom and democracy. Treading on the freedoms of others. Radical factions are tearing down the integrity and moral character of the Republican Party.

3. At the conclusion of the special session this summer, Idaho Republicans released a 10-point list of actions they intend to take during the next regular Legislative session – many of which propose to limit the power of the executive branch and expand the power of the legislative branch. Do you agree with this way forward? Why or why not?

The balance of powers is divided evenly between the executive, judicial, and the Legislature. One is not more important than the other. The idea of lessening the executive and giving more influence to the Legislature is unconstitutional and seditious. I would side with the State Constitution.

4. The Idaho Legislature has in the recent past spent much of its time on ideological debates and bills that frequently result in adverse legal judgments for the state. Do you see weighing in on these issues as the role of the Legislature? Why or why not?

No. Any legislator has the obligation and right to propose laws. Law proposals are reviewed by the state attorney general’s office for conformity to the constitution. Some legislators are so arrogant that they disregard the ruling and pass them anyway; only to have them challenged in court at the tax payer’s expense. All the while claiming to save tax dollars; only so they can waste them court challenges.

5. Regarding the special session, where activists such as Ammon Bundy were arrested for their actions at the Statehouse, how do you propose to cultivate an atmosphere where civil discourse is promoted over extremist rhetoric?

There will always be fanatics and activists trying to impress us, but their course is usually unlawful. Law and order is the strength of democracy in that the people follow it or are subject to the consequences.

Dan Rose, Republican (write-in)

Age: 55

Dan Rose.

Birthplace:  Boston, Mass.

How many years lived in Bonner Co.?: 6.5 years.

Government service: Veteran Desert Storm-Desert Shield (SWA-Iraq), Mass. National Guard (10 years), Mass. State Police (22.5 years), Bonner County poll worker and judge (four years), Republican precinct committeeman (four years), Pend Oreille Hospital District Trustee (three years), Disabled American Veteran bus driver (two years), SPOT bus driver (one year), LPOSD substitute bus driver.

Profession: Retired MA State Police, Small business owner; snow-plowing service, gun storage, Youth hockey and baseball coach, (12 seasons).

Education: M.A Criminal Justice – Anna Maria College Paxton, MA; B.S. Finance-Investments Babson College Wellesley, Mass.

Family: Wife – Kathy, three children.

Fun fact: Harvesting firewood – love it, water sports, firearms familiarization, skiing.

1. Why are you running as a write-in candidate in this race? What sets you apart from your opponents?

Rep. Dixon has failed to uphold his Oath of Office and has irreparably violated the trust of District constituents across the ideological spectrum and businesses across the state, since the state representative entry deadline date of March 13, 2020.  

Dixon is responsible for a continued environment of Regulation without Representation. A Separation of Powers principle has been conceded to the Governor. As Business Committee Chairman he conspired to not be present on 6/23/20 and again remained silent to his legislative authority under the Idaho Constitution, Article III, section 27(2) on 8/26/20.

I supported Sheriff Wheeler and Rep. Scott in a letter-to-the-Editor, in the first weeks of April, to reconvene the legislature. Separately, I said the same by email to the Reader on 4/13/20. The eventual disruptions were as foreseeable as will be the turmoil beyond the Nov. 3rd election date.    

As the Business Committee Chairman, I would have voted NO to adjourning on March 20th, as I have at a 2/13/19 www.pendoreillehospitaldistrict.org meeting. I would have attended on June 23rd having told constituents ‘when I obtain leadership I’ll be able to impact a conservative agenda.’ Have the past 6 months been a conservative agenda? I would have stood on the House floor, on August 26th and boldly declared we shall not pass any of the 3 bills created by the Governor until the Senate votes on HCR001, pursuant to Art. III, sect, 27(2).

That is what a write-in “Dan Rose” offers that others do not.

2. If elected, what would be your biggest priorities in representing North Idaho?

a. Vote for a House Speaker other than Bedke, $1,500 says Sage won’t. 

b. Terminating the state-wide covid19 emergency disaster and the ancillary effects as the first order of business.

c. The Espinoza v. Montana SCOTUS decision in combination with the very recent Idaho “Strong Families, Strong Students” $50M funding grant, has opened the door for school funding changes to benefit all educational learning. I will sponsor a bill to create student voucher and tax credit funding that follows the student.  

d. I will advocate with the redistricting committee that legislative district 1 absorb legislative district 7 in Bonner County. 

e. The federal appointment of a conservative SCOTUS justice will open the door for over-turning Roe v. Wade.

f. A write in “DAN ROSE” is a vote for a proven and courageous advocate of non-establishment, non-career politician character.

3. At the conclusion of the special session this summer, Idaho Republicans released a 10-point list of actions they intend to take during the next regular Legislative session – many of which propose to limit the power of the executive branch and expand the power of the legislative branch. Do you agree with this way forward? Why or why not?

The Idaho legislature is the only part-time branch of Idaho government, and most importantly, the people’s voice. The covid19 experience of anointing Little as King, proves why there needs to be three working branches of government during emergency situations.

Pro Tem Hill had the authority on June 23rd and August 26th to do all that he claims will be done in his 10 points…, after he is gone in January 2021.    

I believe an opportunity was missed in not considering a Supreme Court challenge to the violated Constitutional Separation of Powers under Articles I, II, and III.

4. Regarding the special session, where activists such as Ammon Bundy were arrested for their actions at the Statehouse, how do you propose to cultivate an atmosphere where civil discourse is promoted over extremist rhetoric?

We need elected officials and media who understand basic God-given and Constitutional rights and who engage in the weighing of facts and honest open-minded communication as servants and not masters. Dixon failed us by recently stating we should just “obey.” Moscow Singers, playground mom, and Bundy’s statehouse peaceful civil disobedience is the result of a collective dissatisfaction with the loss of liberty. American society is often on a razor’s edge in times of crisis or prolonged mismanagement and it has a definitive term of peaceful existence.   

Political officials need to be sensitive to their vocational shortcomings. I suggest it be wise to engage in town hall meetings to listen and take advise from, or connect with, the citizens regarding their desire of representation before the next legislative session.   Secondly, I would be engaged with the senior administrators of executive agencies within the District.  Caution, sympathy, understanding and wisdom of the citizen’s plight, not the Boise establishment, is required at this time.   

The Reader is aware of my 3/30/19 email supporting Representatives Scott and Giddings in their vote to oppose Dixon’s HB1159 (initiative petition) law changes. I commented against HB1159 at the Republican Central Committee a year ago as well. My June Letter-to-the-Editor on “Vigilantism” again demonstrates an understanding of common ground.

5. The Idaho Legislature has in the recent past spent much of its time on ideological debates and bills that frequently result in adverse legal judgments for the state. Do you see weighing in on these issues as the role of the Legislature? Why or why not?

The legislative function of making law inherently takes into consideration ideological differences. The abortion and LGBT issues to which you refer, are state right issues. It is my contention that government involvement is most proper when limited to situations where the rights of one come into conflict with the rights of another.  

At times standing for conservative or liberal principles requires court action. The liberal agenda has had support in the constitutional framework of the court system for decades.  I suggest the current disposition of the federal courts is changing.  

As a constitutional conservative, I’ve observed that the system works to the expectation for which it is comprised, which hardens my confidence that, as imperfect as it may be, there is hope as it weaves along.