Please vote for Bob Hassoldt for Idaho House, Seat 6B

Statement of Candidacy

As a candidate for State Representative its my desire to utilize the knowledge and experience I've acquired to see that our concerns, values and district are well represented in the Idaho legislature. I'll be working for the greater prosperity and freedom of all county residents with a program that will help all Idaho citizens. We're a great county in a great state and as we advance further into the 21st century Idaho can lead the way in the prosperity, freedom and well being of its citizens. I'd appreciate your vote so that together we can make that happen.

I'd like to hear from you. Please feel free to email me at id4ster@yahoo.com

Issues and Positions

  I'm a firm believer in the second amendment and your right to own and bear arms. I hunt, trap, fish and target shoot and am absolutely against gun control. My opponent thinks differently which is why the NRA has endorsed me during this election. The NRA has given me an "A" rating on gun ownership and 2nd amendment protection and my opponent a "D minus".

  I believe in the US Constitution as written and not as a "living document" to be interpreted according to the whims of current political polls. I'm also a states rights advocate and strongly believe that the federal government should get out of a lot of areas that the Constitution reserves to the states. We would be far better off if we had less regulations that stifle small business development and prosperity along with less litigation that is brought forth by those individuals that refuse to be responsible for their own actions.

I also firmly believe that the only reason for obtaining an elected office is to use your knowledge and energy to better the lives and opportunities of the citizenry and that a representative should represent all the people not just special interest groups. We may not always agree on all the issues but you will be well represented in Boise as a resident of District 6.  

Legislative Agenda

1) Increase academic requirements and standards for all public school graduates.
We live in a world economy and in order to compete and prosper successfully we need to educate our students to a standard that is equal to or better than the countries and states that we deal with. Oregon has already increased their academic requirements in the math and sciences and Montana is considering additional requirements. There are several models in other states, Florida and Colorado for example, that we can build on or modify for our educational programs here in Idaho. If we do not equip our children with an adequate education we're short changing them and the taxpayers that fund public education. The changes need to start in the elementary grades and continue through junior high and high school but our children are capable of rising to an academic challenge. It is up to us to implement it and make an Idaho High School diploma a respected and meaningful document in both the academic and business worlds. 

  2) Increase the importance and spending on Vo-tech and Vo-ag education and expand the community college concept.
There is a large demand for workers trained in the trades. These are high paying, living wage, family supporting jobs with guaranteed employment for graduates in these fields. We need to increase our educational commitment in these areas so that we can have the people necessary to keep our economy going. Not all students need or want a four year degree. Introducing all students into trade coursework and apprenticeships in high school and providing community colleges where new and returning workers can upgrade their skills will provide more economic opportunities and a more diversified and prosperous workforce that benefits all of Idaho.

3) Promote advanced generation biomass gasification plants for power production.
Biomass gasification plants can go a long way towards meeting our current and future energy needs. The technology exists and is already being adopted by Australia, Washington and Montana. We can produce green power that stabilizes consumer electric rates, helps with solid waste disposal and is on line in 2-3 years. These plants can be fueled with leftover logging slash and agricultural debris along with solid waste in a manner that can reduce air pollution and solid waste disposal fees. I'll work to enact the necessary regulations and eliminate obstacles so that local governments can readily adapt this technology for the benefit of all Idaho.

4) Ensure private property against eminent domain takings for private gain.
I'll work to strengthen laws against the taking of private property by government entities through the use of eminent domain. Private property ownership is the bedrock of our Republic. Except for the eminent domain takings detailed in the Idaho Constitution no private property owner should have to be subjected to having their property taken by the government so that it can be turned over to another private party. In 2008 the legislature passed a law strengthening your private rights. I don't believe that it went far enough and there is still the real threat of a road being forced through your property to provide access to another landowner. Your property ownership is sacrosanct and I'll work to keep it that way.