[Vision2020] candidate questionnaire--responses

Tue Aug 15 13:40:07 PDT 2006

I think questions to the coroner are important -- getting someone who as coroner is unqualified can lead to a lot of expensive unplesantries.

Do minor candidate all have to be asked questions or can we select one or more?

W.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Jennifer McFarland 
To: 'Bill London' ; 'Bruce Livingston' ; 'Donovan Arnold' ; 'Chasuk' 
Cc: 'Barrett Schroeder' ; 'Art Deco aka W. Fox' 
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 11:21 AM
Subject: RE: candidate questionnaire--responses

If we're all part of a committee to decide which questions to ask, shouldn't we all have input into which people are asked questions as well?  If I am the only one who thinks the "minor" offices are important, I don't mind the questions being omitted from the questionnaire, but shouldn't we collectively decide whether or not a position like coroner or assessor is minor, thus not meriting our attention?

--Jennifer

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From: Bill London [mailto:london at moscow.com] 
Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 15:23
To: Jennifer McFarland; 'Bruce Livingston'; 'Donovan Arnold'; 'Chasuk'
Cc: 'Barrett Schroeder'; 'Art Deco aka W. Fox'
Subject: Re: candidate questionnaire--responses

Should we ask any questions of the minor (assessor, coroner, etc) candidates?

I am sure it would be nice to do so, and in a more perfect world, I would support it

But asking all those candidates (8 people running for 4 offices) is too much work, for this committee and for Bill Moore at FSR.

We need to get the Q out soon, and at this rate we will never make it

BL

  ----- Original Message ----- 

  From: Jennifer McFarland 

  To: 'Bruce Livingston' ; 'Donovan Arnold' ; 'Bill London' ; 'Chasuk' 

  Cc: 'Barrett Schroeder' ; 'Art Deco aka W. Fox' 

  Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 2:05 PM

  Subject: RE: candidate questionnaire--responses

  I am fine with combining or rephrasing any of the questions I offered, but I really think it is important to at least extend the option to answer the questions to all people running for public offices in the County.  If that person running doesn't think it is important to respond or doesn't think the question applies to him/her, we can go from there.  While I don't think that cooperation with other officials is "more important" than the overall goals, I do think it is an important question.  Do we want someone coming into the coroner's position who plans on butting heads with the PA or the Sheriff or who thinks the Commissioners are morons?  I would want to know those things as well as know whether or not the "minor" officials plan to attend elected official meetings, etc.  Knowing how they see themselves in regard to the larger governing body is key, to me, in deciding whether I think they'd be good candidates for which to vote. 

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  From: Bruce Livingston [mailto:livi at turbonet.com] 
  Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 10:42
  To: Jennifer McFarland; 'Donovan Arnold'; 'Bill London'; 'Chasuk'
  Cc: 'Barrett Schroeder'; 'Art Deco aka W. Fox'
  Subject: Re: candidate questionnaire--responses

  I would be happy to drop question 1, but I think questions 3 and 4 (stem cells and Patriot Act) are neutrally phrased, worthwhile and ought to be kept.

  I think that Jennifer's proposed number 1 to county officials is similar to and included within my general question to all county candidates, and I would think that her third question is, too, but it might be incorporated into mine more specifically if the cooperation with other officials is more important than the overall goals of the candidate (why they are running).

  Her second question implies that our budget should be increased, though her follow-up, second part of that question makes the first part somewhat more neutral in context.  I might re-work this if there is interest.  I think this one is most appropriate to the Commissioners, not all county officials, though I can see asking it of others.  The issue is whether it is important enough to lengthen the survey.

  Bruce

    ----- Original Message ----- 

    From: Jennifer McFarland 

    To: 'Donovan Arnold' ; 'Bill London' ; 'Chasuk' 

    Cc: 'Barrett Schroeder' ; 'Bruce Livingston' ; 'Art Deco aka W. Fox' 

    Sent: Monday, August 14, 2006 8:49 AM

    Subject: RE: candidate questionnaire--responses

    I agree with Donovan regarding omitting questions 1, 3, and 4.  I, too, believe that asking questions that have already been asked and answered is rather pointless unless we have some perception that their answers will change depending on the venue.  I also think it would be valuable to ask the other County candidates (coroner, etc.) a few questions as well.  The Coroner, for example, is the only elected official who technically has authority to override a decision made by the Sheriff.  With that sort of "power," it seems a couple of "what are you planning to do in office" sort of questions might be pertinent.  Here are a few suggestions that might be interesting to know from all people running for County offices:

      1.. What expertise do you bring to the table that will enhance the office you seek? 
      2.. What do you think of current budget lines at Latah County and how do you think we could increase our budget without undue burden to residents?  Are there areas we are over-funding and others we are neglecting, etc.? 
      3.. How do you plan on working with other elected officials to make Latah County a better place to live and visit? 

    I think that it is disrespectful not to ask all of those seeking an elected position a few questions much in the same way I think it is irresponsible to vote without knowing what those running think about their potential role in County government.  Just suggestions, though.  And I will not be offended if none of mine see daylight-it is, after all, a democratic process.

    Thanks for considering these!

    --Jennifer

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    From: Donovan Arnold [mailto:donovanjarnold2005 at yahoo.com] 
    Sent: Sunday, August 13, 2006 15:02
    To: Bill London; Chasuk
    Cc: Barrett Schroeder; Bruce Livingston; Art Deco aka W. Fox; Jennifer McFarland
    Subject: Re: candidate questionnaire--responses

    My suggestion is that we only keep questions 2, 5, and 6 for the US Representatives because 1, 3, and 4 are already asked of them 20000 times or their answers are on their websites already. In place of those three questions, I think we should ask three general questions of the other local county candidates. 

    This way it addresses mine and others concerns of not any asking questions of local candidates, while at the same time not increasing Mr. Moore's number of questions that he has to post, which was a concern of Mr. London's. 

    Best,

    _DJA

    Bill London <london at moscow.com> wrote:

    I have been preoccupied with visiting grand-daughter etc, but I recognize that it is getting late for our questionaire.

    I have tried to sift responses and combine and compromise.  Here is my suggested question lists for the 3 races.

    Please respond ASAP.  We need to get moving.

    BL

    --

    For US Representative --

      1.. What are the most important issues facing our nation today?   Do you believe that addressing flag-burning or abortion, for example, is more important than addressing drug abuse or health care? 

      2.. Do you support Idaho House Joint Resolution 2 (a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Idaho) and suggest that Idaho voters approve it? 

      3.. Do you support a commitment to embryonic stem-cell research?  Why or why not? 
      4.. Does the Patriot Act, as amended, go too far or not far enough, in giving our government adequate power and ability to fight terrorism?  Explain what changes, if any, you would make and why. 

      5.. Do you suggest that Idaho voters approve Proposition 2 (the proposal that
      requires taxpayers to pay compensation to landowners if land use rules
      affect their property)? 
      6.. Please list your campaign websites, email address, and phone numbers, and add any biographical information or position statements you wish.

      ----------------------------------------------   
    For Idaho state representative

    1. Do you support giving Idaho counties and communities a local taxing option, and if so, what options would you support granting to the county or community and under what circumstances?

      2.. Do you support Idaho House Joint Resolution 2 (a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Idaho) and suggest that Idaho voters approve it? 

      3.. Do you believe that a vocal minority of residents too frequently get their way over the wishes of a less political majority? 

      4.. Do you believe that state laws requiring seat belt use in automobiles and helmets while riding motorcycles should be strengthened? 

      5.. Do you suggest that Idaho voters approve Proposition 2 (the proposal that
      requires taxpayers to pay compensation to landowners if land use rules
      affect their property)? 
    6. Please list your campaign websites, email address, and phone numbers, and add any biographical information or position statements you wish.

    ---------------------------
    Q for Latah County Commissioners:

    1. Latah County law enforcement officers earn significantly less than their counterparts in the city of Moscow.  For example, the hourly wage for a patrol deputy at the sheriff's office with 10 years of Service is $17.36, while the hourly wage for a patrol officer at Moscow with 3 years of service is $20.04.  Do you want to eliminate that pay differential, and if so, how would you plan to do that? 

    2. Do you believe that a vocal minority of residents too frequently get their way over the wishes of a less political majority? What are your thoughts and feelings on this?

    3. Do you suggest that voters approve Idaho Proposition 2 (the proposition that
    requires taxpayers to pay compensation to landowners if land use rules
    affect their property)?

    4. Do you support or oppose a county ordinance to limit the amount of light from rural yard lights? Why?

    5. What kinds of economic development should be encouraged and what kinds discouraged in Latah County?  Please respond using examples like the proposed Naylor Farms mining operation and the proposed Eid Road dairy.

    6. Please list your campaign websites, email address, and phone numbers, and add any biographical information or position statements you wish.

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