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District 3
Question 1
What proposals would you support to promote Idaho as
a business friendly state?
Jim Connell
Idaho is a business friendly state.
State and local Chambers of Commerce must create and
dsitribute materials to provide a realistic perception on
the part of those inquiring.
The infrastructure must be ahead of the growth (much of it
isn't now), and then get government out of the way.
Retain the "Right To Work" statute.
Never penalize success.
Question 2
Do you support urban renewal districts and tax increment
financing as an economic development tool? Why or why
not?
Jim Connell
Yes, I do. The URA concept was created to deal with
blighted areas, creating employment
and affordable housing. The URA concept includes tax
increment financing and time frames. This is a very
worthwhile tool to renew blighted areas.
Developers must be monitored to assure that they deal with
blighted areas only, rather than providing economic
development of non-blighted areas, and hence abusing the URA
concept.
Question 3
Do you support giving local jurisdictions Local
Option Sales Tax authority to address community specific
issues? Under what provisions?
Jim Connell
Yes, I approve. Problems should be solved at the
lowest possible level. Community
specific issues should be addressed by the community and
solved by the community.
Taxing authority should require a super majority.
Question 4
How would you propose the state address the $240
million transportation budget shortfall?
Jim Connell
Auto license plate fees should be increased. Fees
should be bases either on weight or horsepower, since these
are the factors most effecting road damage. The same
concept should be used for trucks.
A slight increase in fuel tax is appropriate, but care must
be taken to insure that the gross cost of fuel is no greater
than in most of the adjacent states. Citizens in
adjacent states must perceive that fuel is a bargain in
Idaho.
Put available funds to work first in areas where the
infrastructure is behind growth.
Lucas Braden, Public Affairs
Manager
(208)415-0109
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