Tom Trail |
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(candidate for Idaho State Representative, Position A) |
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1. Do you support giving Idaho counties and communities a local taxing option, and if so, what options would you support granting to the county or community and under what circumstances? |
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Legislation has already provided counties with putting before voters a local option tax to vote on to build jails and law enforcement facilities (Nez Perce and Kootenai Counties) I support granting counties this option. It would require 2/3rds majority for the tax to be approved. I support the notion that monies should be for a specific project and be sunset after 5 or 10 years. 1/2 of the monies collected should go for property tax relief. |
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2. Do you support Idaho House Joint Resolution 2 (a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Idaho) and suggest that Idaho voters approve it? |
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In the 2004 election cycle all state candidates agreed that the constitutional marriage protection amendment was bad public policy so it became a non issue in terms of the candidates’ positions. I oppose HJR 2 and voted against it in the last Legislative session. We already have sufficient legislation on the books. |
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3. Do you believe that a vocal minority of residents too frequently get their way over the wishes of a less political majority? |
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At the state level, a small number of power brokers appears to exert great power in terms of legislation that gets passed. Much of this legislation is to the disadvantage of the average citizen. The solution is to elect candidates who support correcting the situation. |
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4. Do you believe that state laws requiring seat belt use in automobiles and helmets while riding motorcycles should be strengthened? |
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Yes!! Several years ago I introduced such legislation and it was defeated in the House Transportation Committee. Conservative committee members said that we should rely on personal responsibility instead of imposition a state law. Idaho loses over $2.5 million a year in federal highway funds because of the failure to have this law on the books, and both counties and states pay the bill for many of the uninsured motorcycle riders’ hospital bills. |
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5. Do you suggest that Idaho voters approve Proposition 2 (the proposal that requires taxpayers to pay compensation to landowners if land use rules affect their property)?
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No. During the past legislative period, we passed a number of eminent domain bills that further help protect private property. Laws are already in place that provide for compensation of private property taken through the eminent domain process. Prop. 2 is somewhat similar to laws enacted in Oregon over 10 years ago and have resulted in pure chaos. |
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6. Please list your campaign websites, email address, and phone numbers, and add any biographical information or position statements you wish. |
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e mail: ttrail@moscow.com
phone: 882-6077
website: www.infotrail.com/idaho
Served 10 years in the legislature.
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