This afternoon I was fortunate to be able to address local business leaders at Rathdrum's Chamber of Commerce. Every free-market conservative has to enjoy visits such as these. While Idaho's economy is still sluggish, meeting with these men and women you quickly learn from where the coming expansion will sprout.
I enjoy listening to their suggestions and concerns. It's important to listen to their ideas and opinions and one of the areas we broadly agreed and that was warmly supported was my position on the improvements to Highway 95.
Hwy 95 used to be known state-wide as the road with the most deaths and this situation was justifiably outrageous. As we all know, money is tight, but our infrastructure cannot be ignored. Maintaining and improving our state infrastructure is a fit and proper role of government. Government must do certain items for all the people that which the people cannot do for themselves. Roads and bridges comes to mind in this respect.
I will always support the GARVEE road funding program because it was the only way Highway 95 was ever going to be improved, in my opinion.
Northern Idahoans deserve safe roads. Northern Idahoan businesses deserve efficient roads that allow their workers to get to and from work in a timely as well as safe fashion. Northern Idahoan goods and services depend on the improvement of Highway 95.
I was immensely pleased with the broad support I received during my visit today with business leaders for this position I have taken and of which I will always be proud. The use of GARVEE funding is a credit to the Idaho Legislature and to the men and women in the majority that voted for it.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Campaigning for the Idaho Legislature
Some of my colleagues in the Idaho Senate don't particularly enjoy campaigning and while I am not one of those types, I do understand it. There are many (most) thoughtful people in the Idaho Legislature, particularly in the Senate and while they make excellent public servants, it isn't always easy to go door-to-door or mix it up against opponents.
I thrive on being in the arena, fighting for my core beliefs and those of my neighbors. There is a lot of anger out there in other states and I admit I would find it difficult to serve in state's where there is so little common-sense conservatism present.
All the states to our west all suffer from over-government/too much government. Here in Idaho, we have (I believe) mastered the art of limited government while providing the amount of government required to meet the exploding population growth the state continues to enjoy.
Idaho is not like our sister states directly to our east. While those states enjoy the benefit of coal and oil royalties (which Idaho sadly does not), those states have not seen the sort of population growth that Idaho has. Idaho has more than double the population of Montana and the about that again over Wyoming.
Idaho is a shining beacon to those who want to enjoy a unique quality of life, but also want to stay firmly rooted in a modern, hi-tech, 21st century economy. This is great for Idaho.
As I knock on doors and chat with voters, I am amazed at how little anger there is directed at Idaho's government. The voters appreciate the leadership of Governor Otter, whom I have worked closely with over many years.
They appreciate the Legislature not voting to raise taxes this session. This was the wrong time to raise taxes on families and businesses--we must make government fit the budget of the people and not the other way around!
The voters appreciate the common-sense conservative approach I know I have always taken in the Idaho Legislature. I am proud of my service and I am absolutely enjoying my time out on the campaign trail. Listening to the concerns of my neighbors is Job One.
If you would like to visit with me or get involved in my campaign, please visit my website: www.mike4idaho.com.
I thrive on being in the arena, fighting for my core beliefs and those of my neighbors. There is a lot of anger out there in other states and I admit I would find it difficult to serve in state's where there is so little common-sense conservatism present.
All the states to our west all suffer from over-government/too much government. Here in Idaho, we have (I believe) mastered the art of limited government while providing the amount of government required to meet the exploding population growth the state continues to enjoy.
Idaho is not like our sister states directly to our east. While those states enjoy the benefit of coal and oil royalties (which Idaho sadly does not), those states have not seen the sort of population growth that Idaho has. Idaho has more than double the population of Montana and the about that again over Wyoming.
Idaho is a shining beacon to those who want to enjoy a unique quality of life, but also want to stay firmly rooted in a modern, hi-tech, 21st century economy. This is great for Idaho.
As I knock on doors and chat with voters, I am amazed at how little anger there is directed at Idaho's government. The voters appreciate the leadership of Governor Otter, whom I have worked closely with over many years.
They appreciate the Legislature not voting to raise taxes this session. This was the wrong time to raise taxes on families and businesses--we must make government fit the budget of the people and not the other way around!
The voters appreciate the common-sense conservative approach I know I have always taken in the Idaho Legislature. I am proud of my service and I am absolutely enjoying my time out on the campaign trail. Listening to the concerns of my neighbors is Job One.
If you would like to visit with me or get involved in my campaign, please visit my website: www.mike4idaho.com.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
First Debate and Our Founding Fathers
I had a rousing day; not only preparing for the campaign trail, but engaging on it as well!
A noon debate with my opponent almost immediately became an American civics and history lesson that I and most others seemed to obviously understand.
Our Founding Fathers in their infinite wisdom designed a system of government that the world has marvelled of for more than 200 years.
Except my opponent doesn't think this is such a good idea anymore. He is no doubt wiser than Jefferson, Adams, Franklin--perhaps even Washington?
It seems he doesn't like the Senate here in Idaho. He thinks the House is better. Does he not understand we have two bodies in our Legislature? I must believe he does?
But then why, one asks, does he run for the Senate? If he wants to serve in Idaho's House of Representatives (where he may or may not be eligible to run, as opposed to his own native state, where he is barred from serving in the Legislature this year), then why hasn't he sought the seat of the vacating Jim Clark?
Jim Clark should have considered him as a substitute, seeing as he missed over 150 votes during this past legislative session. Jim managed to have his picture taken with Governor Otter after the session was over, but he found it troublesome to do the People's business DURING the session. 150 votes is an appalling number of votes to miss, but this is a different story.
No matter, my opponent is adamant that the system of government our Founders devised for us is simply no good anymore. Let me be clear: this is Idaho. In Idaho we respect the wisdom of the Founders. We believe in the separation of the powers in government. We believe in two houses of a legislative body: the House of Representatives and the Senate. We believe in the rule of law. We believe the system of government the Great Men created for us is worth honoring.
I am proud to serve the people of Idaho, where I was born, in our state senate and I am sure my friends and neighbors believe in the wisdome of the Founders as well.
It was truly a good day here in northern Idaho. A great start to my campaign and a great civics and history lesson. I will be reading a selection from James Madison tonight.
A noon debate with my opponent almost immediately became an American civics and history lesson that I and most others seemed to obviously understand.
Our Founding Fathers in their infinite wisdom designed a system of government that the world has marvelled of for more than 200 years.
Except my opponent doesn't think this is such a good idea anymore. He is no doubt wiser than Jefferson, Adams, Franklin--perhaps even Washington?
It seems he doesn't like the Senate here in Idaho. He thinks the House is better. Does he not understand we have two bodies in our Legislature? I must believe he does?
But then why, one asks, does he run for the Senate? If he wants to serve in Idaho's House of Representatives (where he may or may not be eligible to run, as opposed to his own native state, where he is barred from serving in the Legislature this year), then why hasn't he sought the seat of the vacating Jim Clark?
Jim Clark should have considered him as a substitute, seeing as he missed over 150 votes during this past legislative session. Jim managed to have his picture taken with Governor Otter after the session was over, but he found it troublesome to do the People's business DURING the session. 150 votes is an appalling number of votes to miss, but this is a different story.
No matter, my opponent is adamant that the system of government our Founders devised for us is simply no good anymore. Let me be clear: this is Idaho. In Idaho we respect the wisdom of the Founders. We believe in the separation of the powers in government. We believe in two houses of a legislative body: the House of Representatives and the Senate. We believe in the rule of law. We believe the system of government the Great Men created for us is worth honoring.
I am proud to serve the people of Idaho, where I was born, in our state senate and I am sure my friends and neighbors believe in the wisdome of the Founders as well.
It was truly a good day here in northern Idaho. A great start to my campaign and a great civics and history lesson. I will be reading a selection from James Madison tonight.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Back Home and Hitting the Campaign Trail
It has been wonderful to be home from a relatively short legislative session. It was actually the second-shortest session of the past 10 years. This proves that the Legislature can actually get the People's business done in a very economical time-frame if it has the tools it requires from the start. This year, we knew exactly what we needed to do and so we got down to business right away.
It is now Election Season and I am excited to be hitting the campaign trail again. I really enjoy this part of being a legislator: You have the best opportunity to get out and speak to everyone and hear what is on the minds of your neighbors and local businesses.
I know through my long experience in this area of Idaho what the people expect from government: lowering taxes, cutting wasteful spending, keeping the corrupt ways of Washington DC away from Idaho.
Please come along and speak to me if you see me out downtown, in the supermarket or even if I am out walking our dogs.
I have my first debate on Thursday, April 7th and I am extremely excited to tell one and all of my continued efforts at making government more efficient and new efforts to create good paying jobs here in Idaho.
I ask for your support!
Please visit my website: www.mike4idaho.com.
It is now Election Season and I am excited to be hitting the campaign trail again. I really enjoy this part of being a legislator: You have the best opportunity to get out and speak to everyone and hear what is on the minds of your neighbors and local businesses.
I know through my long experience in this area of Idaho what the people expect from government: lowering taxes, cutting wasteful spending, keeping the corrupt ways of Washington DC away from Idaho.
Please come along and speak to me if you see me out downtown, in the supermarket or even if I am out walking our dogs.
I have my first debate on Thursday, April 7th and I am extremely excited to tell one and all of my continued efforts at making government more efficient and new efforts to create good paying jobs here in Idaho.
I ask for your support!
Please visit my website: www.mike4idaho.com.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Moving to Boise 2x a Year...and More...
Last session I began writing a blog for my website which tried to portray the other side of the time spent being a legislator. There are genuinely amusing and fun things that do somehow manage to take place in-between the very long hours of work. They help make the effort more worthwhile and when the session is over, it is times such as these that you usually prefer to remember.
One story I am sure I will look back on far more rosily than I do now or did three weeks ago was the epic annual task of moving Cynthia and I down to Boise. Most people move home rarely in life. Cynthia and I do it twice a year, every year—in a manner of speaking.
Since I have been in the Legislature, New Year’s Day has become much different than in years past. The first day of the year is now the day we start taking down the Christmas decorations. We try to get that done in one day. We must because the following days are spent packing all of the things we want to have with us in Boise. We then have to prepare to more or less close up our house in Hayden Lake.
Fortunately, we have for the past four years rented the same house to live in Boise. We were lucky enough to find a retired husband and wife who retreat to warmer climes during the ‘harsh’ winter months in our capital. I note that the temperature as I write this is currently 49F.
Anyway, on the morning of January 4th we were packed and ready for the almost interminable drive south. The SUV was filled to overflowing with our belongings and we were about to set off when the telephone rang. Our Boise landlords were calling to apologize, but due to unforeseen circumstances they would not be able to rent us their house for another two weeks. I could scarcely believe it.
We unpacked the SUV and reluctantly retreated to our house. I made a series of telephone calls and decided to rent a hotel room for the period required and a few days later we packed it all up again and set off; though it took some effort convincing Cynthia that staying in a tiny hotel room for two weeks was a good idea. In the end, the maid and room service did the trick.
Nonetheless, we still ended up unpacking and repacking everything twice more, all within what turned out to be somewhat less than two weeks. Here’s hoping we don’t have any flooding or problems with the furnace before the end of March rolls around…
One story I am sure I will look back on far more rosily than I do now or did three weeks ago was the epic annual task of moving Cynthia and I down to Boise. Most people move home rarely in life. Cynthia and I do it twice a year, every year—in a manner of speaking.
Since I have been in the Legislature, New Year’s Day has become much different than in years past. The first day of the year is now the day we start taking down the Christmas decorations. We try to get that done in one day. We must because the following days are spent packing all of the things we want to have with us in Boise. We then have to prepare to more or less close up our house in Hayden Lake.
Fortunately, we have for the past four years rented the same house to live in Boise. We were lucky enough to find a retired husband and wife who retreat to warmer climes during the ‘harsh’ winter months in our capital. I note that the temperature as I write this is currently 49F.
Anyway, on the morning of January 4th we were packed and ready for the almost interminable drive south. The SUV was filled to overflowing with our belongings and we were about to set off when the telephone rang. Our Boise landlords were calling to apologize, but due to unforeseen circumstances they would not be able to rent us their house for another two weeks. I could scarcely believe it.
We unpacked the SUV and reluctantly retreated to our house. I made a series of telephone calls and decided to rent a hotel room for the period required and a few days later we packed it all up again and set off; though it took some effort convincing Cynthia that staying in a tiny hotel room for two weeks was a good idea. In the end, the maid and room service did the trick.
Nonetheless, we still ended up unpacking and repacking everything twice more, all within what turned out to be somewhat less than two weeks. Here’s hoping we don’t have any flooding or problems with the furnace before the end of March rolls around…
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Lighter Side of the Legislative Session--Getting Home
A bright ray of sunshine heralded the end of the legislative session last Friday: I was able to switch my 9:50PM flight out of Boise to the 5:20. I must admit, I was so happy at this prospect; I arrived at the airport more than two hours early. For those of you familiar with Gowan Field in Boise; you can sometimes get there, check in and board the plane in less than an hour. Tells you something about my desire to get back to northern Idaho.
My first week back home has been a flat out run between handling ongoing constituent concerns and tackling the job jar that has grown fat at home. A few well-timed phone calls interspaced with trips to Lowes and the supermarket still left me in a pleasant frame of mind.
It has been a cold and rainy spring, but it has made the grass so green, I have had to have a good look at the golf clubs and schedule several rounds of golf. I look forward to them. This is my first summer since my so-called retirement and gosh darn it, I want to get out on the links just a little bit more than I have been able to in many years.
Another reason I’m glad to be home: I missed our dogs. I’m not too proud to admit that I am very firmly attached to the dogs Cynthia and I have and we spoil them rotten. It’s all part of what makes a fun, warm home and what all legislators end up missing when they are gone for so long.
Thursday we welcomed my colleague Senator Chuck Winder of Boise along with his wife Dianne to our home in Hayden Lake. They made for delightful company.
This weekend I am looking forward to refreshing old and making new acquaintances at the upcoming CSG meetings, which are being held this year in Coeur d’Alene. The Council of State Governments is an important national organization which helps people become better legislators. I have visited some of these conferences before and I have always enjoyed the company of individuals from across this great land of ours. Except this time I get to sleep in my own bed at the end of each evening! With the dogs!
My first week back home has been a flat out run between handling ongoing constituent concerns and tackling the job jar that has grown fat at home. A few well-timed phone calls interspaced with trips to Lowes and the supermarket still left me in a pleasant frame of mind.
It has been a cold and rainy spring, but it has made the grass so green, I have had to have a good look at the golf clubs and schedule several rounds of golf. I look forward to them. This is my first summer since my so-called retirement and gosh darn it, I want to get out on the links just a little bit more than I have been able to in many years.
Another reason I’m glad to be home: I missed our dogs. I’m not too proud to admit that I am very firmly attached to the dogs Cynthia and I have and we spoil them rotten. It’s all part of what makes a fun, warm home and what all legislators end up missing when they are gone for so long.
Thursday we welcomed my colleague Senator Chuck Winder of Boise along with his wife Dianne to our home in Hayden Lake. They made for delightful company.
This weekend I am looking forward to refreshing old and making new acquaintances at the upcoming CSG meetings, which are being held this year in Coeur d’Alene. The Council of State Governments is an important national organization which helps people become better legislators. I have visited some of these conferences before and I have always enjoyed the company of individuals from across this great land of ours. Except this time I get to sleep in my own bed at the end of each evening! With the dogs!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Lighter Side of the Legislative Session--Seeing Friends in Boise
Because the legislative session carried on so long, I had to move into the nearby Grove Hotel here in Boise. As the sessions have gone longer and longer, generally, I have found myself at the end of each session moving in to this hotel after my house lease expires.
The Grove is an exceptionally well staffed hotel and is popular with business travelers. I am now well-acquainted with many of the men and women on the staff. Some who work the hotel bar are quite good authorities on wine. I have known these people for these past five years and it is comforting to be familiar with them at this time of year. We’re all homesick and these people make things really helpful.
My routine now after the afternoon legislative session is finished is to go to the Grove for a change of clothes and walk down to the lobby bar and see what ball game might be on the television. If it’s a good day, I might eat there.
This past week was a bundle of good days. I had the good fortune of visiting with so many fellow northern Idahoans in that lobby bar; I felt I was actually home.
I spent a bit of two afternoons catching up with NIC President Priscilla Bell, who was in town for a conference announcing the terrific $16.5 million dollar biomedical research grant being shared by 10 higher level education institutions. She was of very good cheer and looking forward to getting in a round of golf at some point soon. I enjoyed our chats and hope Cynthia and I may golf with her and her husband this summer.
I also enjoyed an impromptu dinner with Robin Dyke of the Department of Labor, based in Sandpoint. We shared a drink the following day as well and it was so refreshing having a substantive chat in such a social setting. I was able to gain some very helpful insights about the economy in Idaho and it was heartening to hear her opinion that our unemployment situation may be improving.
In mid-week I was sent over a drink from my good friend Ron Nilson, who was in town with his lovely wife, Pam. He described for me a new massive vehicle, which I believe his firm designed and built, which is now the world’s largest ground tiller. This enormous device is built on the frame of a giant Caterpillar and is being used in gold mining in Nevada. Needless to say, his business is thriving.
Ron and his wife were enjoying their evening with Eve Knudsen, whom it was my pleasure to see again as well.
As if this wasn’t enough, I was delighted the following evening to see Dee Jameson of Hayden. It was a real surprise and pleasure to visit with Dee and hear news of his enterprises. Dee is a neighbor, but we had not had a chance to sit down of late and therefore it was a real treat to see him in Boise.
All of this because I went down to see if the Mariners were on TV…
The Grove is an exceptionally well staffed hotel and is popular with business travelers. I am now well-acquainted with many of the men and women on the staff. Some who work the hotel bar are quite good authorities on wine. I have known these people for these past five years and it is comforting to be familiar with them at this time of year. We’re all homesick and these people make things really helpful.
My routine now after the afternoon legislative session is finished is to go to the Grove for a change of clothes and walk down to the lobby bar and see what ball game might be on the television. If it’s a good day, I might eat there.
This past week was a bundle of good days. I had the good fortune of visiting with so many fellow northern Idahoans in that lobby bar; I felt I was actually home.
I spent a bit of two afternoons catching up with NIC President Priscilla Bell, who was in town for a conference announcing the terrific $16.5 million dollar biomedical research grant being shared by 10 higher level education institutions. She was of very good cheer and looking forward to getting in a round of golf at some point soon. I enjoyed our chats and hope Cynthia and I may golf with her and her husband this summer.
I also enjoyed an impromptu dinner with Robin Dyke of the Department of Labor, based in Sandpoint. We shared a drink the following day as well and it was so refreshing having a substantive chat in such a social setting. I was able to gain some very helpful insights about the economy in Idaho and it was heartening to hear her opinion that our unemployment situation may be improving.
In mid-week I was sent over a drink from my good friend Ron Nilson, who was in town with his lovely wife, Pam. He described for me a new massive vehicle, which I believe his firm designed and built, which is now the world’s largest ground tiller. This enormous device is built on the frame of a giant Caterpillar and is being used in gold mining in Nevada. Needless to say, his business is thriving.
Ron and his wife were enjoying their evening with Eve Knudsen, whom it was my pleasure to see again as well.
As if this wasn’t enough, I was delighted the following evening to see Dee Jameson of Hayden. It was a real surprise and pleasure to visit with Dee and hear news of his enterprises. Dee is a neighbor, but we had not had a chance to sit down of late and therefore it was a real treat to see him in Boise.
All of this because I went down to see if the Mariners were on TV…
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