The race for State Senate

Tim Corder

GOP -- Incumbent

State revenues are expected to be down next year. What programs do you believe should have priority funding, and why? What programs do you believe should face major cuts, and why?

The Governor has chosen to take an across the board approach. I support that approach as an initial response until the legislature is in session and the extent of the recession may be better understood. Beyond that, I believe priority spending should be given to education and other preventative programs that have positive immediate social benefits as well as long term positive fiscal benefits for families and the state.

Better mental health and substance abuse programs are examples as well as job training and relocation information. Such programs keep people invested and involved in a future that promotes pride and independence. Beyond the social programs the need for highway funding to protect existing infrastructure is also critical and cannot be ignored for the long term economic stability of the state.

Programs that reward state dependence and move people from self reliance, initiative and self motivation should be the first scrutinized.

What legislation do you hope to introduce during the next legislative session?

As you know introduction of legislation takes many forms. Some are simple and success is probable. Other legislation takes planning and multiple years to succeed. I will have legislation in each of the various stages fitting into the following categories: child care facility licensing, safer highways, fair taxation, protection of business small and large, economic stability, confidence in government and others. I expect great success on some this year and for others the opportunity to build bridges to future success.

What legislation do you think is needed to improve the state's economy?

It is hard to legislate common sense in borrowing and spending habits. The state may not be able to enact legislation to deter the effects of a national recession but we can take steps to assist Idahoans. A conservative fiscal approach across the board as outlined in question 1 above is a good start. Agriculture, forestry and small business have always been the stabilizing force of Idaho. We allowed our forestry to be stolen from us. Some were convinced we would not notice the difference because tourism would make up the difference.

Tourism is great but it is volatile. We must protect and enhance our natural resource stabilizing industries from additional deterioration.

We must protect rural Idaho and mom and pop stores and downtown everywhere because that is the source of our quality of life, our stability and our durability.

Tax exemptions do not provide stability. Big businesses thrives on rural stability and they are extremely critical and important but Idaho must not give away the farms and forests to compete with global economies we can't control from Idaho.

What legislation will accomplish that? I cannot yet define it but I will continue to pursue it.

G. Rustyn Casiano

Democrat -- challenger

No reply to the mailed questionairre was received by deadline.