W. LANE STARTIN
DEMOCRAT FOR IDAHO GOVERNOR

2010 Exploratory Site

 

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ON THE ISSUES

 

Abortion

 

I’m pro-choice, with an emphasis on choice. I support women’s reproductive rights, but I also support making the choice of adoption easier. Adoption worked for me.

 

Bipartisanship

 

While I don’t apologize for strong opinions, I also don’t pretend to have all the answers. As governor, I will seek the advice of Democrats, Republicans and independents statewide in order to formulate the best policy possible for the issues facing Idaho.

 

Education

 

Parents and teachers both deserve better from our education system. Teachers should be paid what they’re worth, but parents should also be confident in those who teach their children. I support pay increases along with higher standards for teacher certification.

 

Teachers aren’t parents, and shouldn’t be expected to be parents.

 

We should recognize the individual needs of all Idaho children, including homeschooled, gifted and disadvantaged students. The GED – and immediate and fully recognized high school graduation upon passage – should be available to any 16- or 17-year-old with parental consent, and to anyone 18 and older.

 

As governor, I will support community colleges statewide, as well as the creation of a full medical school at Idaho State University.

 

Eminent Domain

 

Eminent domain is only appropriate to facilitate completion of public works projects that benefit all citizens, and only then if a fair market price is offered. I categorically oppose the use of eminent domain for private development purposes.

 

Energy

 

As governor I will support cutting red tape to unlock alternative energy sources. Private individuals should have the means to generate and sell solar and wind power. I oppose the proposed nuclear plant in Owyhee County; such a proposal is simply not in Idaho’s long-term interest.

 

Ethanol is a work in progress, especially when considering its impact on corn as a commodity. I support efforts to perfect its manufacture using non-food components and improved, more efficient technologies.

 

Family Values

 

We call them “family values” for a reason, not “government values.” I strongly believe teaching my daughter morals and values is my job as a parent, not the government’s. I oppose well-meaning but misguided proposals to enforce morality by statute. As governor I will bring this philosophy to the Statehouse.

 

Families in which both parents work are commonplace in Idaho. Mine is one of them. Idaho parents should be able to choose child care without having to worry about substandard conditions. As governor I will support stronger yet sensible child care licensing requirements.

 

Fiscal Issues

 

The Republican Legislature says it supports smaller government, but I beg to differ. I support curbing “rainy day” funds such as the Budget Stabilization Fund and the Economic Recovery Reserve Fund – now in excess of a quarter of a billion dollars – through tax cuts.

 

I support an across-the-board sales tax cut, as well as the elimination of sales tax on groceries.

 

As governor, I will support eliminating the Idaho State Liquor Dispensary in favor of industry privatization with a much smaller government oversight. This will save Idaho taxpayers a minimum of $15 million/year while creating a multi-million dollar industry in Idaho overnight.

 

Growth

 

Growth is inherently good for Idaho, but shouldn’t come at the expense of our environmental and agricultural heritage. Urban interests need to recognize our traditional economic bases, while rural interests need to recognize our changing demographics. Both need to work for common ground now to avoid ugly court decisions later, especially with respect to water.

 

Gun Rights

 

I support Second Amendment gun rights. Even without taking the Constitution into consideration, I believe gun control is a band-aid – and a poor one at that – for problems with much more fundamental causes.

 

Jobs

 

Government should work to attract high-paying jobs to Idaho, and then get out of the way once it’s successful in doing so. Promoting a diverse economy is the single most important thing we can do for Idaho’s future.

 

Labor

 

Private companies and labor unions should have the right to negotiate “closed shop” contracts in Idaho if they so choose.

 

Native Americans

 

I support continued local autonomy for Idaho's Native American tribes with respect to day-to-day issues on the reservations. Native Americans in Idaho should be free to engage in their own revenue building initiatives, including gaming if they so choose.

 

REAL ID Act

 

I categorically oppose the REAL ID Act and will oppose any attempts to implement it in Idaho.

 

Welfare

 

Welfare should be limited to an absolute minimum, both at the individual and corporate levels. Initiative and innovation should be the driving force across the board.

 

 

Authorized by Startin for Idaho