Part 2 of a two-part series on District 26 state legislature campaigns
By Eric Valentine
Editor’s Note: What follows is the second of two articles on the District 26 state legislature race up for grabs this year. Two Republican candidates and one Democratic candidate and one Independent candidate have filed and will now campaign until Election Day, Nov. 8. Rather than do traditional campaign stories that sometimes feel more like a marketing piece than reporting or commentary, Wood River Weekly opted to send candidates a link to a Google Form with a simple list of questions about state issues. Here are the responses from Republican Eric Parker and Democrat Ron Taylor.
Which bill (or new law) if signed by Gov. Little would impact the lives of District 26 residents most POSITIVELY and how so?
Taylor: SB 1373 Funding for Full Day Kindergarten. Early childhood literacy is proven to enhance academic achievement, higher graduation opportunities, and workforce skills as an adult. While District 26 does provide for all-day kindergarten, the Idaho Constitution requires a fair and equitable education to be provided for all of Idaho’s children.
Parker: Grocery tax repeal. Gas tax cut. The working-class families need relief from inflation and high prices.
Which bill (or new law) if signed by Gov. Little would impact the lives of District 26 residents most NEGATIVELY and how so?
Taylor: H741 Increases the state sales tax from 6% to 7.85%, which would make the base sales tax the highest in the country. Adding local resort taxes on top would be extraordinarily prohibitive in an already difficult economic period. Taking away property tax revenue to local governments, but not school bond and levy debts, would increase hardship for local governments to function and provide emergency services.
Parker: This new Rice tax plan will kill business and with levies and bonds you will still end up with property tax and almost 2% higher sales tax.
Which bill (or new law) is an example of unnecessary, partisan politicking that you would avoid ever sponsoring and why?
Taylor: HCR 51 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
This is an example of a bill that failed due to partisan politicking that I would have sponsored. This simple resolution celebrates the SNRA’s majestic beauty and honors those who have worked to protect this public access for all people to enjoy.
Parker: HB436 (Little’s “tax cut”) because it does nothing for regular Idahoans and it was just politicking in an election year.
If you could only sponsor one bill (proposed already or not), what would it be and why?
Taylor: It is a little early for me to say what I would sponsor. I intend to listen to the voters this summer and hear what their concerns are.
Parker: Grocery tax repeal. It’s wanted by most Idahoans and nonpartisan.
If you could only attend three (3) of the following Valley events, which ones would you choose?
Taylor: Fourth of July Parade, Trailing of the Sheep, Writers’ Conference
Parker: Fourth of July Parade, Labor Day Parade, Trailing of the Sheep
Check five (5) of the following general areas in which you will be most effective and/or most focused during the next two-year term.
Taylor: 1st Amendment rights, Education, Fire, Healthcare, Water
Parker: 1st Amendment rights, 10th Amendment rights, Criminal justice, Education, Housing, Water