I thought it might be interesting to you to find out some of my positions so as I get candidate questionaires I'll post them here.
1. In your opinion, what are the three most critical issues facing the City at the present time? Which is most important to you?
The economy, government waste, quality of life in that order. These issues are all closely related. Boise has to have the most attractive business and residential climate in the nation; this will make us the economic engine that pulls out of the down economy first.
2. What steps would you take to address these issues while in office?
First, the city has to go on sale just like struggling businesses do to increase their attractiveness to customers. Primarily accomplished by cutting fees and taxes and slashing red tape. I want consistency and simplicity at city hall, so that builders can know what to expect from P&Z. Simplicity would be accomplished by cutting more staff in this department where demand for it is so depleted. I would propose a 5 year tax cap on existing properties which are to be remodeled or replaced or renewed to incentivize new building in town, this would allow investors time to recoup moneys before the tax man comes and demands his farthing for the value of the improvements. I have lots of ideas to incentivize infill and close-in construction in Boise.
3. Research shows that impact fees increase the cost of a house by two-to-four times the amount of the fee.How would you work with the REALTOR® community to ensure the fees were implemented fairly and without overburdening the housing market?
The impact fee is a necessary evil in some situations where infrastructure does not exist to support new development. However I would propose certain situations, specifically infill, do not warrant impact fees at all. Infill should be a goal of city planning. This reduces miles driven and the need for more infrastructures to be built. Infill should have reduced sewer hook up fees which can cost over $13,000 which dwarfs the price of an impact fee relative to the house price.
4. What are our biggest transportation challenges locally? Regionally? How would you address these challenges if elected?
Urban sprawl is the issue. An utter lack of mass transit from Nampa to Boise is the cause of ALL of the transportation issues in this valley and the pollution issues and parking issues and belief that we should look like San Francisco with the Trolley Folly and the price differentials in housing between Ada and Canyon counties.
The answer is Bus-Rail. Using existing technology and average bus drivers I have an idea that will solve the problem. In brief, Union Pacific has maintanence trucks with rail wheels that drop down on the railroad and pick up to drive on asphalt. These trucks are built using the same chassis as a school bus uses. So, marry school buses to the same add- on railroad wheels as the union pacific truck, Park 50 of them at the Idaho center every morning and run them one way on the existing rail road tracks. When these busses get to the desired intersection, like Milwaukee, they pick up the wheels and deliver there charges to various bus stops or a ValleyRide terminal for further disbursement. Once empty or loaded with outbound passengers they return by way of the light traffic side of the freeway to get their next round, then in the afternoon pick everyone up and run the other direction with buses returning on the empty inbound freeway to get more passengers. These buses should be owned privately. No huge capital investment by the City required. No, no other city has thought of this yet that I know of, but in Boise we are accustomed to being leaders.
5. How will you balance our community’s needs to accommodate growth, provide housing opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect private property rights while addressing increased environmental concerns?
I believe my first 4 answers show some of my thoughts, the answer is to fill Boise first and encourage close in development along under utilized corridors like Federal way which would also be served by Bus-Rail. Foothill projects should be encouraged close in with respect for open space. Property rights are a fundamental right as an American. From property rights we derive our pursuit of happiness. I believe the Constitution has laid out what property rights are and many environmental regulations infringe on those rights.
6. What are your thoughts regarding the impact of environmental regulations on private property rights and housing affordability? Are incentives or mandates a preferred method of encouraging sustainable development and “green” building?
I hold a Responsible Person card from the city for sediment and erosion control. This is one of the stupidest, expensive, Nazi programs ever enacted. The level of over-kill is horrible when common sense will do in almost any construction situation. This must be stopped and common sense regulations written to end this burden on the home buyer at least. Other programs have similar flaws in which common sense is not applied in the enforcement of the regulation.
Obviously when attempting to change behavior carrots work better than sticks.
7. Do you support or oppose local option sales taxes? Please explain your answer.
Neutral. I could be talked into it if a Local Improvement District isn’t working to meet the needs of the people. But I oppose new taxes on principle.
We already have something like the local option tax with the LID’s and if people want a tax they should vote on it.
8. There is currently a call for more accountability in City spending. How would you propose to control costs of government and avoid over taxation? If your City budget is underfunded will you support increasing taxes or cutting program spending? Site examples.
My personal budget is underfunded. It depends on construction. I know what a dollar is worth to the common man because I am one. You don’t see me taking bids for new ambulances for the Fire Department just because the mayor wants to create more jobs where the county is already doing a fine job. City coffers will pinch tighter, much tighter. Government/ bureaucratic incompetence will decrease. This will result in lower spending and lower taxes.
9. What is the role of government on the local level? Do you feel taxes in your municipality are currently too high or low?
Government is to provide those things which cannot otherwise be provided for a profit. Infrastructure, public safety and land use regulation are the primary roles of local government. Taxes are always too high if there is a bureaucracy involved.
10. Do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS®? And if so – will you accept a PAC contribution? Please provide any of your major endorsements and contributors
Yes, I would like your support. I would prefer individual contributions from your members and the opportunity to talk to them about how I may best serve them.
My major endorsements are Lucas Baumbach and Dan Dunham, City Council candidates. Major endorsements are few when a real blue collar candidate arrives on the political scene. Feel free to be the first, Boise is accustomed to leadership.
11. Why are you a candidate for this office?
As an excavation contractor the housing collapse resulted in the construction collapse. When I figured out that incompetent government on all levels was responsible for my wife having to go to work I decided to change the government. I am competent, intelligent and fair, I realize actions have consequences, unlike most government officials. They go around wielding power to wield power. I go to be a representative of the people of Boise and their servant. I am a candidate because I wish to serve the common citizen of Boise.
Additional Comments: Here’s my Resume, Not including my many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America. I have five daughters and have been married to their mom for 19 years (poor woman). I was raised in rural Nevada. 4th generation Idahoan, moved to Boise 14 years ago because I wanted to be back in God’s country in the mountains again.
The answer is Bus-Rail. Using existing technology and average bus drivers I have an idea that will solve the problem. In brief, Union Pacific has maintanence trucks with rail wheels that drop down on the railroad and pick up to drive on asphalt. These trucks are built using the same chassis as a school bus uses. So, marry school buses to the same add- on railroad wheels as the union pacific truck, Park 50 of them at the Idaho center every morning and run them one way on the existing rail road tracks. When these busses get to the desired intersection, like Milwaukee, they pick up the wheels and deliver there charges to various bus stops or a ValleyRide terminal for further disbursement. Once empty or loaded with outbound passengers they return by way of the light traffic side of the freeway to get their next round, then in the afternoon pick everyone up and run the other direction with buses returning on the empty inbound freeway to get more passengers. These buses should be owned privately. No huge capital investment by the City required. No, no other city has thought of this yet that I know of, but in Boise we are accustomed to being leaders.
5. How will you balance our community’s needs to accommodate growth, provide housing opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect private property rights while addressing increased environmental concerns?
I believe my first 4 answers show some of my thoughts, the answer is to fill Boise first and encourage close in development along under utilized corridors like Federal way which would also be served by Bus-Rail. Foothill projects should be encouraged close in with respect for open space. Property rights are a fundamental right as an American. From property rights we derive our pursuit of happiness. I believe the Constitution has laid out what property rights are and many environmental regulations infringe on those rights.
6. What are your thoughts regarding the impact of environmental regulations on private property rights and housing affordability? Are incentives or mandates a preferred method of encouraging sustainable development and “green” building?
I hold a Responsible Person card from the city for sediment and erosion control. This is one of the stupidest, expensive, Nazi programs ever enacted. The level of over-kill is horrible when common sense will do in almost any construction situation. This must be stopped and common sense regulations written to end this burden on the home buyer at least. Other programs have similar flaws in which common sense is not applied in the enforcement of the regulation.
Obviously when attempting to change behavior carrots work better than sticks.
7. Do you support or oppose local option sales taxes? Please explain your answer.
Neutral. I could be talked into it if a Local Improvement District isn’t working to meet the needs of the people. But I oppose new taxes on principle.
We already have something like the local option tax with the LID’s and if people want a tax they should vote on it.
8. There is currently a call for more accountability in City spending. How would you propose to control costs of government and avoid over taxation? If your City budget is underfunded will you support increasing taxes or cutting program spending? Site examples.
My personal budget is underfunded. It depends on construction. I know what a dollar is worth to the common man because I am one. You don’t see me taking bids for new ambulances for the Fire Department just because the mayor wants to create more jobs where the county is already doing a fine job. City coffers will pinch tighter, much tighter. Government/ bureaucratic incompetence will decrease. This will result in lower spending and lower taxes.
9. What is the role of government on the local level? Do you feel taxes in your municipality are currently too high or low?
Government is to provide those things which cannot otherwise be provided for a profit. Infrastructure Public safety and land use regulation are the primary roles of local government. Taxes are always too high if there is a bureaucracy involved.
10. Do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS®? And if so – will you accept a PAC contribution? Please provide any of your major endorsements and contributors
Yes I would like your support. I would prefer individual contributions from your members and the opportunity to talk to them about how I may best serve them.
My major endorsements are Lucas Baumbach and Dan Dunham, City Council candidates. Major endorsements are few when a real blue collar candidate arrives on the political scene. Feel free to be the first, Boise is accustomed to leadership.
11. Why are you a candidate for this office?
As an excavation contractor the housing collapse resulted in the construction collapse. When I figured out that incompetent government on all levels was responsible for my wife having to go to work I decided to change the government. I am competent, intelligent and fair, I realize actions have consequences, unlike most government officials. They go around wielding power to wield power. I go to be a representative of the people of Boise and their servant. I am a candidate because I wish to serve the common citizen of Boise.
Additional Comments: Here’s my Resume, Not including my many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America. I have five daughters and have been married to their mom for 19 years (poor woman). I was raised in rural Nevada. 4th generation Idahoan, moved to Boise 14 years ago because I wanted to be back in God’s country in the mountains again.
The economy, government waste, quality of life in that order. These issues are all closely related. Boise has to have the most attractive business and residential climate in the nation; this will make us the economic engine that pulls out of the down economy first.
2. What steps would you take to address these issues while in office?
First, the city has to go on sale just like struggling businesses do to increase their attractiveness to customers. Primarily accomplished by cutting fees and taxes and slashing red tape. I want consistency and simplicity at city hall, so that builders can know what to expect from P&Z. Simplicity would be accomplished by cutting more staff in this department where demand for it is so depleted. I would propose a 5 year tax cap on existing properties which are to be remodeled or replaced or renewed to incentivize new building in town, this would allow investors time to recoup moneys before the tax man comes and demands his farthing for the value of the improvements. I have lots of ideas to incentivize infill and close-in construction in Boise.
3. Research shows that impact fees increase the cost of a house by two-to-four times the amount of the fee.How would you work with the REALTOR® community to ensure the fees were implemented fairly and without overburdening the housing market?
The impact fee is a necessary evil in some situations where infrastructure does not exist to support new development. However I would propose certain situations, specifically infill, do not warrant impact fees at all. Infill should be a goal of city planning. This reduces miles driven and the need for more infrastructures to be built. Infill should have reduced sewer hook up fees which can cost over $13,000 which dwarfs the price of an impact fee relative to the house price.
4. What are our biggest transportation challenges locally? Regionally? How would you address these challenges if elected?
Urban sprawl is the issue. An utter lack of mass transit from Nampa to Boise is the cause of ALL of the transportation issues in this valley and the pollution issues and parking issues and belief that we should look like San Francisco with the Trolley Folly and the price differentials in housing between Ada and Canyon counties.
The answer is Bus-Rail. Using existing technology and average bus drivers I have an idea that will solve the problem. In brief, Union Pacific has maintanence trucks with rail wheels that drop down on the railroad and pick up to drive on asphalt. These trucks are built using the same chassis as a school bus uses. So, marry school buses to the same add- on railroad wheels as the union pacific truck, Park 50 of them at the Idaho center every morning and run them one way on the existing rail road tracks. When these busses get to the desired intersection, like Milwaukee, they pick up the wheels and deliver there charges to various bus stops or a ValleyRide terminal for further disbursement. Once empty or loaded with outbound passengers they return by way of the light traffic side of the freeway to get their next round, then in the afternoon pick everyone up and run the other direction with buses returning on the empty inbound freeway to get more passengers. These buses should be owned privately. No huge capital investment by the City required. No, no other city has thought of this yet that I know of, but in Boise we are accustomed to being leaders.
5. How will you balance our community’s needs to accommodate growth, provide housing opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect private property rights while addressing increased environmental concerns?
I believe my first 4 answers show some of my thoughts, the answer is to fill Boise first and encourage close in development along under utilized corridors like Federal way which would also be served by Bus-Rail. Foothill projects should be encouraged close in with respect for open space. Property rights are a fundamental right as an American. From property rights we derive our pursuit of happiness. I believe the Constitution has laid out what property rights are and many environmental regulations infringe on those rights.
6. What are your thoughts regarding the impact of environmental regulations on private property rights and housing affordability? Are incentives or mandates a preferred method of encouraging sustainable development and “green” building?
I hold a Responsible Person card from the city for sediment and erosion control. This is one of the stupidest, expensive, Nazi programs ever enacted. The level of over-kill is horrible when common sense will do in almost any construction situation. This must be stopped and common sense regulations written to end this burden on the home buyer at least. Other programs have similar flaws in which common sense is not applied in the enforcement of the regulation.
Obviously when attempting to change behavior carrots work better than sticks.
7. Do you support or oppose local option sales taxes? Please explain your answer.
Neutral. I could be talked into it if a Local Improvement District isn’t working to meet the needs of the people. But I oppose new taxes on principle.
We already have something like the local option tax with the LID’s and if people want a tax they should vote on it.
8. There is currently a call for more accountability in City spending. How would you propose to control costs of government and avoid over taxation? If your City budget is underfunded will you support increasing taxes or cutting program spending? Site examples.
My personal budget is underfunded. It depends on construction. I know what a dollar is worth to the common man because I am one. You don’t see me taking bids for new ambulances for the Fire Department just because the mayor wants to create more jobs where the county is already doing a fine job. City coffers will pinch tighter, much tighter. Government/ bureaucratic incompetence will decrease. This will result in lower spending and lower taxes.
9. What is the role of government on the local level? Do you feel taxes in your municipality are currently too high or low?
Government is to provide those things which cannot otherwise be provided for a profit. Infrastructure, public safety and land use regulation are the primary roles of local government. Taxes are always too high if there is a bureaucracy involved.
10. Do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS®? And if so – will you accept a PAC contribution? Please provide any of your major endorsements and contributors
Yes, I would like your support. I would prefer individual contributions from your members and the opportunity to talk to them about how I may best serve them.
My major endorsements are Lucas Baumbach and Dan Dunham, City Council candidates. Major endorsements are few when a real blue collar candidate arrives on the political scene. Feel free to be the first, Boise is accustomed to leadership.
11. Why are you a candidate for this office?
As an excavation contractor the housing collapse resulted in the construction collapse. When I figured out that incompetent government on all levels was responsible for my wife having to go to work I decided to change the government. I am competent, intelligent and fair, I realize actions have consequences, unlike most government officials. They go around wielding power to wield power. I go to be a representative of the people of Boise and their servant. I am a candidate because I wish to serve the common citizen of Boise.
Additional Comments: Here’s my Resume, Not including my many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America. I have five daughters and have been married to their mom for 19 years (poor woman). I was raised in rural Nevada. 4th generation Idahoan, moved to Boise 14 years ago because I wanted to be back in God’s country in the mountains again.
The answer is Bus-Rail. Using existing technology and average bus drivers I have an idea that will solve the problem. In brief, Union Pacific has maintanence trucks with rail wheels that drop down on the railroad and pick up to drive on asphalt. These trucks are built using the same chassis as a school bus uses. So, marry school buses to the same add- on railroad wheels as the union pacific truck, Park 50 of them at the Idaho center every morning and run them one way on the existing rail road tracks. When these busses get to the desired intersection, like Milwaukee, they pick up the wheels and deliver there charges to various bus stops or a ValleyRide terminal for further disbursement. Once empty or loaded with outbound passengers they return by way of the light traffic side of the freeway to get their next round, then in the afternoon pick everyone up and run the other direction with buses returning on the empty inbound freeway to get more passengers. These buses should be owned privately. No huge capital investment by the City required. No, no other city has thought of this yet that I know of, but in Boise we are accustomed to being leaders.
5. How will you balance our community’s needs to accommodate growth, provide housing opportunities, ensure economic vitality, and protect private property rights while addressing increased environmental concerns?
I believe my first 4 answers show some of my thoughts, the answer is to fill Boise first and encourage close in development along under utilized corridors like Federal way which would also be served by Bus-Rail. Foothill projects should be encouraged close in with respect for open space. Property rights are a fundamental right as an American. From property rights we derive our pursuit of happiness. I believe the Constitution has laid out what property rights are and many environmental regulations infringe on those rights.
6. What are your thoughts regarding the impact of environmental regulations on private property rights and housing affordability? Are incentives or mandates a preferred method of encouraging sustainable development and “green” building?
I hold a Responsible Person card from the city for sediment and erosion control. This is one of the stupidest, expensive, Nazi programs ever enacted. The level of over-kill is horrible when common sense will do in almost any construction situation. This must be stopped and common sense regulations written to end this burden on the home buyer at least. Other programs have similar flaws in which common sense is not applied in the enforcement of the regulation.
Obviously when attempting to change behavior carrots work better than sticks.
7. Do you support or oppose local option sales taxes? Please explain your answer.
Neutral. I could be talked into it if a Local Improvement District isn’t working to meet the needs of the people. But I oppose new taxes on principle.
We already have something like the local option tax with the LID’s and if people want a tax they should vote on it.
8. There is currently a call for more accountability in City spending. How would you propose to control costs of government and avoid over taxation? If your City budget is underfunded will you support increasing taxes or cutting program spending? Site examples.
My personal budget is underfunded. It depends on construction. I know what a dollar is worth to the common man because I am one. You don’t see me taking bids for new ambulances for the Fire Department just because the mayor wants to create more jobs where the county is already doing a fine job. City coffers will pinch tighter, much tighter. Government/ bureaucratic incompetence will decrease. This will result in lower spending and lower taxes.
9. What is the role of government on the local level? Do you feel taxes in your municipality are currently too high or low?
Government is to provide those things which cannot otherwise be provided for a profit. Infrastructure Public safety and land use regulation are the primary roles of local government. Taxes are always too high if there is a bureaucracy involved.
10. Do you feel it is important to have the support of REALTORS®? And if so – will you accept a PAC contribution? Please provide any of your major endorsements and contributors
Yes I would like your support. I would prefer individual contributions from your members and the opportunity to talk to them about how I may best serve them.
My major endorsements are Lucas Baumbach and Dan Dunham, City Council candidates. Major endorsements are few when a real blue collar candidate arrives on the political scene. Feel free to be the first, Boise is accustomed to leadership.
11. Why are you a candidate for this office?
As an excavation contractor the housing collapse resulted in the construction collapse. When I figured out that incompetent government on all levels was responsible for my wife having to go to work I decided to change the government. I am competent, intelligent and fair, I realize actions have consequences, unlike most government officials. They go around wielding power to wield power. I go to be a representative of the people of Boise and their servant. I am a candidate because I wish to serve the common citizen of Boise.
Additional Comments: Here’s my Resume, Not including my many years of service in the Boy Scouts of America. I have five daughters and have been married to their mom for 19 years (poor woman). I was raised in rural Nevada. 4th generation Idahoan, moved to Boise 14 years ago because I wanted to be back in God’s country in the mountains again.
