Election 2010 Questionnaire

Background:

Name James Stivers

Party affiliation Republican

Education Seminary, business

Address: DeSmet, Idaho

Family Married 25 years, seven children

Web site: www.jamesstivers.com

Age 50

Phone number 699-4574

Questions:

1. Give us an example of what you will do to make the state government more open, accessible and/or accountable.

I think we need to pursue a comprehensive transparency plan on all government agencies and functions, and especially include a sweeping addition of sunset legislation on many existing statutes and programs.

2. Cities in the region are putting more information online to make documents more accessible and reduce costs. Would you try to encourage more of the same at the state level? Why or why not?

The Internet is a dream-come-true for our democratic institutions. We should fully utilize this technology to inform the electorate.

3. What is the most pressing short-term issue facing North Idaho and how would you go about facing it?

The lack of investment capital in Idaho. It is being sucked out of the Idaho economy by the banking system. We need a state bank to stop this outflow and keep it at home for the people of Idaho.

4. What is the most pressing long-term issue facing North Idaho and how would you go about facing it?

Monetary reform. Idaho has perhaps the largest, single concentration of silver ore in the world. Idaho needs a state bank that will purchase silver coins minted in Idaho and issue them into circulation as money. It would stimulate the Idaho economy and provide a sound currency alternative.

5. What do you think the biggest challenges facing your district in the next four years will be? How will you solve them?

In a depressed economy, people need the freedom to start their own businesses from their homes without regulatory harassment and heavy taxation. I will attack every government interference with a person's right to labor and make a living.

6. How can you get people to become more engaged in issues?

I think real-time Internet coverage of the legislature, committee hearings, and agency proceedings would be immensely beneficial in keeping the people engaged in the issues.

7. What would be your approach to balancing the budget?

Banking is where the money is. North Dakota has had a state bank for many years. It is currently the only state reporting a budgetary surplus. North Dakota uses the monetary authority to supplement tax revenues to fund government operations. Idaho should do the same thing.

8. Do you think the state should revise its existing tax breaks? Why or why not.

Abolish the state income tax. It is a tax on labor and is fundamentally unjust. Tax consumption, instead, with appropriate exemptions, such as food. The personal property tax on business is counterproductive. A tax on the tools of production is a disincentive to retooling for an economic recovery.

9. Do you agree with the state's decision to challenge federal health care reform? Why or why not.

The only way we can escape a federal health care system is if the state has its own. A state bank would provide the underwriting necessary for a state health care system.

10. What can or should the state do in regards to school funding?

I believe a state bank would provide the money needed at low-interest or no-interest rates for capital improvements in the state. The savings and profits can be deposited in the general treasury and help fund our existing educational programs. A state bank could also offer low-interest student loans.