Election 2012: Local candidates highlight issues

In the weeks leading up to the May 15 primary election, the Mountain Home News will spotlight those running for local, state and federal office. Information on each candidate is based on questionnaires submitted by the newspaper staff from each individual.

Jack Chappell -- U.S. House of Representatives, Legislative District 2

Chappell is one of four people vying for the state's District 2 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. A Democrat, he faces a challenge from a second challenger in the May 15 primary with the winner of that race facing one of two Republicans in the November general election.

A long-time political activist, Chappell said he stepped forward to run for office over his growing disdain of incumbent politics. It's his desire to fill the seats of these career politicians with those willing to get the state and country moving in the right direction.

"It's the only logical choice," Chappell said regarding the reasons why people should cast their votes for him.

Among his main issues, he sees the state's agricultural resources -- what he called "agri-nomics" -- as a key concern facing state residents.

"The second (legislative) district is the agriculture belt, and I intend to represent it well," he said.

In addition, a majority of state land is largely public land, and private rights on this land represent "a key issue and a huge concern," he added. He sees similar concerns with the state's fish and wildlife management and feels that "serious revisions" in federal management policy are warranted and wanted.

"If elected, I intend to re-write the Endangered Species Act and re-draft the Federal Lands Management Policy Act to ensure that private rights on public lands are reinstated, and that multiple-use management of public lands is enforced," he said.

Nationally, he sees trillions of dollars of federal money being wasted on unneeded and unwanted projects and entitlements. Among them is Planned Parenthood, which he feels should not gain federal funding.

Chappell said he's equally concerned on border security, adding that most people in the district are equally concerned. He sees a need to assign border security to the U.S. military.

Pam Chiarella -- Idaho House of Representatives, Legislative District 23, Representative B

Chiarella is one of four people running to become a representative with the Idaho House of Representatives with Legislative District 23 in the representative "B" seat.

The sole Democratic candidate running for the seat, she will run unopposed in the May 15 race and will face the winner of the Republican primary during the November election.

"I am running for office to make a difference, not for fame or fortune. I want to listen to the people in my district and try to make their lives better," she said.

Chiarella highlighted the state legislature's unfinished work as one reason for her candidacy. She sees an urgent need for a stronger ethics bill and education reform. In addition, House Bill 464, which forbids local governments from enacting ordinances to prohibit oil and gas drilling, "seems irresponsible" since ranching and farming communities lack control over their own land, she said.

As an educator, she wants to ensure her children and others across the state have the best possible education while guaranteeing they have the best opportunities to find employment within the state.

"I will continue to be an advocate for education and preserve our lands for all Idahoans and future generations," she said. "I would support and champion ethics reform to bring back the trust of the people. I would also champion a job's initiative to put people to work."

In addition to education and ethic concerns, Chiarella sees the state's economic recovery and concerns over health care as the main issues affecting voters here.

"We need elected officials that will ensure that education, both academic and vocational, is properly funded and invest in Idaho," she said. "We need to preserve our personal freedoms and push back government encroachment on our personal liberties by keeping decisions about our health care between doctor and patient."

In addition, Chiarella wants to ensure the state promotes a strong middle class by enacting fair taxation.

"I believe that hard work and integrity is the backbone of this state and the people who live here," Chiarella said. "We need a strong educational system in this state that supports both academic and vocational programs to put people to work."

She hopes to bring that attitude back to government "to represent the voice of the people," she said.

Larry Jewett -- Elmore County board of commissioners, District 1

Jewett is one of six individuals running for the district one seat on the Elmore County board of commissioners. An independent candidate, he will run unopposed in the May 15 race but will face the winner of the Republican and Democratic primaries in the Nov. 6 general election.

Citing his past political ties and connections to communities across the county, Jewett wants to play a role in fostering the county's economic development and establish good growth here. He wants to see the county grow and become a place where his children and grandchildren can live and enjoy.

"With the uncertainty of our economy the county and cities need to work together to create productive and beneficial development for all of Elmore County," said Jewett as he highlighted the main challenges facing this part of the state.

His years of experience coordinating and negotiating with individuals and businesses to complete various construction jobs, combined with his civic involvement, remain strengths Jewett feels would benefit the board of county commissioners.

"I believe with my career experience I will be able to discuss, address and solve problems to the best of my ability," he said.

If elected, he plans to hold coordinating meetings with county employees and local communities "to see what are some of the development concerns and work to provide solutions," he said.