REXBURG — Two opponents are campaigning this year to secure a position as Idaho Representative Seat B for District 34. Incumbent Britt Raybould is running against Larry Golden. This is a two-year term. Both candidates are Republican. EastIdahoNews.com sent the same eight questions to each county candidate. Their responses, listed below, were required to be 250 words or less. EastIdahoNews.com is publishing the answers in their entirety, and without any grammatical or style editing. The primary election is May 21.
– Equitable Assessment: We must ensure that property taxes are assessed fairly and transparently. This includes regular reviews to prevent undue burden on homeowners. Property taxes should not be raised just to allow for more spending. We need to ensure that every dollar spent has a direct and needful purpose. 2. Sales Tax:
– Balancing Revenue and Consumer Burden: While sales tax generates revenue, we need to strike a balance. Essential items (like groceries) should be exempt or have reduced rates.
– Support Local Businesses: Encourage local spending by promoting small businesses and reducing sales tax on their products. 3. State Tax:
– Efficient Use of Funds: Prioritize essential services (education, healthcare, infrastructure) while scrutinizing unnecessary expenses.
– Budget Transparency: Ensure citizens have access to clear information about how their tax dollars are allocated. 4. Frivolous Spending:
– Accountability: Review government spending rigorously. Eliminate wasteful projects and focus on initiatives that directly benefit Idahoans.
– Engage the Community: Seek input from residents to prioritize spending effectively. 5. Balancing the Budget:
– Prudent Financial Management: We should avoid deficit spending and maintain a balanced budget.
– Prioritize Essential Services: Allocate resources where they have the most significant impact on Idaho’s well-being.
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Tell us about yourself — include information about your family, career, education, volunteer work and any prior experience in public office.
Raybould: Since 2016, I’ve served as the CFO of our third-generation family farm. I manage the farm alongside my dad and brother, handling the business finances and human resources. I’m very luck to live and work in the community where I was born and raised. During college, I worked as an intern in Gov. Kempthorne’s office. From 2015-2020, I then served as the Madison County Youth Committeeperson. I also served as secretary for the Region 7 Republicans from 2016-2018. I currently represent District 34 in the Idaho House. From 2010-2020, I served on the National Potato Council (NPC) Board of Directors. This grower-based trade group works to improve national ag policy. Potato growers work hard, and I’ve loved representing the men and women I’ve met. In 2020, I was the first woman to serve as president. I also run a consulting business I started 17 years ago. It focuses on strategy and marketing for small business owners. Starting a business from scratch offered an incredible opportunity to help other dedicated folks who dream big. After attending Sugar-Salem High School, I graduated from Boise State University with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Technical Communications Emphasis. In 2003, I graduated from Westminster College with a Master of Professional Communication. In 2021, I started a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration, focusing on water and natural resource issues. Golden: I am not a career politician. Instead, I am an individual who stepped up to contribute to keeping Idaho Free. My approach is levelheaded, analytical, and logical—I rely on data to inform my decisions. My life has been shaped by my stepdad, a Vietnam Vet, who instilled in me a strong work ethic and a commitment to protecting others. After joining the Navy straight out of high school and experiencing the world, I settled in Washington State, served in the reserves, and eventually became a police officer. An opportunity at Microsoft led me to start at the bottom and work my way up. When Microsoft downsized, I seized the chance to establish my own successful construction company. Recently, I moved to Idaho and now serve as the Director of Operations for a family-run company based in Atlanta, GA. My volunteer work includes 8 years with The Pierce County Beekeepers Association, where I taught Master Beekeeping in partnership with OSU. I also spent 2 years as President and currently serve on the board of directors for the Rexburg Farmers Market. Despite my varied experiences, I have never held a position in public office.Why are you seeking political office? Briefly explain your political platform.
Raybould: The next decade will determine the long-term success of Madison County and our state. I’m running to ensure Idaho takes full advantage of this moment. We have so much potential. With the right approach, we can avoid the mistakes of Oregon and Washington, which allowed significant gaps to grow between its urban and rural communities. I’m focused on making our public schools work for students and families. The changing demands of technology and the growing need for practical skills mean rethinking how we approach education. From retaining excellent teachers in the classrooms to building our career-technical programs, students need us to innovate and look for ways to make our K-12 program meet their needs. We also need to build and maintain Idaho’s infrastructure. Our roads keep us connected and our economy moving. A safe and sustainable water supply matters for people and crops alike. By continuing to develop high-speed internet throughout our state, we can deliver vital services and opportunities from the panhandle to the Eastern Snake Plain. Finally, we must keep our communities safe. Growing access to drugs and exposure to the violence that follows needs our attention. Idaho must continue to prioritize eliminating illegal drug use and reducing the likelihood of becoming a part of everyday lives. Golden: My primary goal is to preserve Idaho’s freedom. As a Conservative, I witnessed the erosion of our God-given rights in Washington State. These rights were gradually stripped away, while more privileges were extended to criminals and others illegally entering our country. My mission is to safeguard what I can and ensure that Idaho doesn’t veer off course. I stand against those who align with Democrats and advocate for their hidden agenda. Let’s work together to uphold the principles that matter most. God, Family, and Freedom.What are the greatest challenges facing people and communities in your district? What is your plan to meet those challenges?
Raybould: Madison County faces significant growth and the challenges that come with growth. We can encourage sustainable and smart growth. But we must balance that growth without losing what attracts people to Idaho in the first place. I’m proud of my state. Living here has led to many incredible opportunities for me. I want to ensure we promote policies that offer similar options to others. For instance, property tax remains a critical concern for many Idahoans. The tax relief provided for H292 in 2023 represented a good first step. Homeowners received tax relief, and additional funds sent to school districts helped offset some of the costs associated with bonds and levies. We must continue looking for ways to reduce the tax burden on our community members. We also can’t ignore that growth places greater demands on every part of our community. Every new home that appears requires power, water, and sewer. Every new family expects seats for their children in our classrooms. Every new business needs access to a trained workforce. We need to continue making smart investments that meet the needs of our community without forgetting our existing commitments. Golden: Taxes indeed play a crucial role in shaping our communities. 1. Property Taxes:– Equitable Assessment: We must ensure that property taxes are assessed fairly and transparently. This includes regular reviews to prevent undue burden on homeowners. Property taxes should not be raised just to allow for more spending. We need to ensure that every dollar spent has a direct and needful purpose. 2. Sales Tax:
– Balancing Revenue and Consumer Burden: While sales tax generates revenue, we need to strike a balance. Essential items (like groceries) should be exempt or have reduced rates.
– Support Local Businesses: Encourage local spending by promoting small businesses and reducing sales tax on their products. 3. State Tax:
– Efficient Use of Funds: Prioritize essential services (education, healthcare, infrastructure) while scrutinizing unnecessary expenses.
– Budget Transparency: Ensure citizens have access to clear information about how their tax dollars are allocated. 4. Frivolous Spending:
– Accountability: Review government spending rigorously. Eliminate wasteful projects and focus on initiatives that directly benefit Idahoans.
– Engage the Community: Seek input from residents to prioritize spending effectively. 5. Balancing the Budget:
– Prudent Financial Management: We should avoid deficit spending and maintain a balanced budget.
– Prioritize Essential Services: Allocate resources where they have the most significant impact on Idaho’s well-being.