Nielsen to run for legislature

Pete Nielsen, a long-time GOP stalwart in Elmore County, is again seeking election to the legislature.

Several years ago, he ran against Sen. Claire Wetherell. This time he is seeking the District 22 Seat B, and will face Tish O'Donnell-Bangeman in the May primary election.

"In the past," he said, "I chose to run because I personally volunteered (to seek office). This time, I was approached by several people to run.

"I've always had a strong desire to serve," he said, "and I feel I am competent and qualified for the position."

Nielsen, is an Idaho native and has been a resident of the area for over 34 years. He has been married to his wife, Connie, for over 43 years. They have eight children and 24 grandchildren.

While they were raising their children Nielsen noted that he was an active community supporter and coached little league baseball for over 10 years. Both he and his wife are currently working in youth programs in their church (LDS), where is a First Counselor. They also act as dance instructors teaching ballroom and round dancing in the community and the church. He said that "as a parent setting the example," his children are following in his footsteps of community support and all eight have volunteered time in their respective communities.

In 1950 Nielsen became active in Boy Scouts and attained the highest rank,Eagle Scout, in 1953. He graduated from Minico high School in 1956.

In 1964 he started in the life and health insurance field. He changed to farming and moved to Mountain Home in 1968 and bought his first farm in 1972 in Elmore County where he has since resided.

He resumed his work in the life and health insurance industry in 1989 and is currently active in both endeavors.

He has been active and served in several agricultural associations. He has been president of the Elmore-Owyhee County Association, created to resolve problems between local farmers and ranchers and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. "Those problems were resolved positively in less than one year and the organization was closed," he said.

He was a director and president of the Sugar Beet Growers Association for Elmore and Owyhee counties.

He has been active and interested in politics all his adult life. In the last 10 years he has been an active participant in the Republican Party on both the county and district levels. He has served as chairman of the Republican Central Committee and Chairman of District 20.

"I believe in fair taxes and will help to find ways to stimulate the local and state economies by working with other elected officials and polling the community for their input," he said.

"One of the best ways to accomplish this is to create opportunities for people to conduct business and commerce in a free and competitive environment. Low and fair taxes help to stimulate growth.

"In trying to help maintain our economy in the local area I have testified many times based on my experience in raising cattle directly off the end of the Mountain Home Air Force Base runway. Even during heavy flying schedules the cows were never alarmed or even remotely concerned and continued their grazing as if all was normal."

That testimony, he said, "supported the need that our Air Force is not harming wildlife or cattle in the need to fly their training sorties over the Bruneau Canyon and Owyhee Mountains."

Regarding the issue of term limits he said that "I have supported term limits on a district and state level. I do not feel that term limits are needed at the county level. "I worked with leaders of the State Republican Central Committee, who were for retention of term limits. I supported the idea proposed by Vice-Chairman Mark Stubbs, which was to let options like allowing the voters (the ability to) repeal term limits separately based on the various offices, such as, for example, local offices on one advisor vote, legislators on another and statewide office holders on a third.

"If the arguments presented (by legislators) are legitimate, and not just specious, rhetorical ones, then the legislature should have nothing to fear.

"I believe we should either keep the term limits the public has repeatedly voted for, or allow a vote on some reasonable alternatives, like listed above."

He went on to say, on the issue of water rights, that "water is the life blood of Idaho. I have participated in many meetings involving water issues for the area. I have commented and made suggestions on how the water issues can be resolved in Basin 61 in Elmore county. I will continue to work with local and state authorities on the issue of water to reach an equitable solution."

On the issue of education, Nielsen said that "having raised eight children and having 24 grandchildren I am deeply interested in the educational environment, curriculum and opportunities. The future of America lies in its youth. Their education is of the highest priority.

"I will always work with the educators and the public --parents -- to reach the best possible solutions for our children. Please voice your concerns to me."

He also addressed the issue of retirement benefits for the elderly.

"Having almost arrived there myself at the age of 64, I believe society should keep the contractual arrangements that government made for Americans to enjoy their elderly years. The commandment, 'Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother' should be practiced by families and by the church in support of our elderly citizens.

"In those cases where this does not happen, hopefully we can conduct public business in these matters to save the self worth and dignity of those elderly we help. For surely we cannot forget the elderly, their care and our concern for them is a mark of a true loving society.

"This help, if needed, needs to be done by safeguarding our principles of good government. I have had experience in this area myself in the care and comfort of my in-laws who both passed away at the age of 94. This was an enjoyable experience for both Connie and I.

"I have a firm grasp of the origins of this country and good government. I'm a firm believer in 'people before politics.' That government that governs least governs the best. "I firmly believe that the government should create opportunities for growth and expansion by providing a level playing field for all concerned. Individual rights and the right to own and control property are paramount to a free society.

"I sincerely ask for your support and vote. By listening to you and applying hard work, I will represent you in the state legislature."