I think we are left with few choices when it comes to this issue. We have been trying to teach modern things with 19^th-century methods. I’m not against unions and they’ve had their place, but we need to control our own destiny and have the school boards in charge of setting wages. Public schools have been modernizing over the past decade with charter schools, online education, welcoming homeschoolers  and more innovations. Initiatives like the Luna Laws are part of that trend. We are all personally tightening our budgets at home and trying to be creative with the resources we have. I think our government should be in the same position. We have to approach education with creativity and do more with less. The model that has existed for years isn't working. If 92% of our kids are graduating, but only 42% are going on to college and an even smaller % are finishing college we have to understand why. I think it is good  we are incorporating technology into the overall educational program and preparing our children for global competition. I support teachers and understand teachers are not being replaced with technology, but rather will be teaching it and helping students with their on line courses.

We can't keep going to the same people over and over again asking for more money. The lack of funding for schools is a result of the weak economy. We need to broaden the base to support our schools. We must get people working again. My top priority would be getting the economy going again. Also, the State Tax Commission needs to go after those businesses and individuals that owe taxes and cut fewer sweetheart deals.

I do support ethics reform for everyone. Elected officials need to be accountable to their constituents in an open and honest manner. The same laws apply to everyone. Both Democrats and Republicans have recently faced some ethical challenges. To say that only one party is guilty of ethical violations is incorrect. The improper use of a state paid newsletter sent to District constituents by elected officials is as much of an ethical violation as an improper sexual advance to a staff member by an elected official. Both are wrong. I would strive to be ethical in all of my dealings. Well-publicized cases of Idaho legislators engaging in illegal and unethical behavior have gained considerable public attention, as well they should. Legislators and other public officials should be held to a high standard. And they are. Legislators found to have committed ethical or legal lapses have resigned or lost elections. I don’t doubt there’s room for improvement, but by and large, the system works.

I believe this is a matter between a woman, her husband or significant other, her religion and her doctor. I see no reason to have a State Legislator also in the room.

Even though property values have been declining, cities and other local governments are continuing to take their levy rate increases and boise City, for example, is almost at its maximum. In 2007, we had a similar population as today, yet Ada County has added 44 new county jobs this budget year. If we’ve gone with buying new cars, taking fewer vacations, cutting back on food and conserving wherever we can, then government can too. I am in favor of eliminating the personal property tax. Businesses are seriously burdened by this tax which in many cases is more difficult to conduct and administer than it is worth. I understand smaller counties may be hurt by the elimination of this tax. I would hope we would see the lost revenues replaced by something else or over time the loss could become absorbed.

We have to do a better job of managing our water. Nampa and communities downstream are having to deal with dirty water from Ada County. We need to become less reliant on foreign sources of energy and develop our oil, gas and renewable sources.