Russ Mathews Q&A with the Idaho Falls Post Register
PR: Do you support any of Gov. Otter’s plans to generate revenue for the state’s backlog of road repairs? Please be specific. Do you have different revenue ideas? If so, what are they and how much money would they generate?
RM: The state should address the backlog of road repairs with existing highway tax funding and not yield to expand our transportation system faster than we can maintain highways. This hasn’t happened yet, and we find taxes collected from road sources, going to non-road projects. Moreover, the focus has skewed towards flawed debt-financing. Specifically, I support a [. . .] long-term plan that’s transparent, auditable, and cost-effective.
PR: Several cities, including some in eastern Idaho, wish they had avenues to generate money aside from property taxes. Do you support granting local governments the flexibility to raise money, such as a local option sales tax?
RM: I support the People’s right to grant local governments the flexibility to raise money for local community needs. If it is to be so, my preference would be to have funds allocated on a project specific basis and to include a sunset provision for each project. The People’s consent in this matter is best accomplished through a constitutional amendment vote.
PR: Idaho’s prisons are overcrowded. Estimates are that the state will be short some 5,500 beds over the next 10 years. How would you rectify this problem? Would you support allowing a private company to both own and operate a private prison if public money isn’t available? Given the constraints, do you oppose new laws that would make mandatory minimum prison sentences for certain crimes?
RM: I support prison prevention. It’s evident the current policy is unsustainable. Most inmates are serving time on drug related convictions, so we must continue steadfast in combating drug abuse through rehabilitation programs like those I’ve supported previously. As a result, individuals and families are finding success.
New prison redesign for private prisons could be implemented under the right conditions.
Violent criminals must stay behind bars.
PR: During the 2008 legislative session, a proposal failed that would have paid teachers more if they met certain criteria and gave up tenure? Do you support merit pay? Is there a different system you would support?
RM: I conditionally support merit pay. Unfortunately, the proposal in the last session failed because some of the parties would not work out their differences. Although time and funding expired, I want to work with all the parties involved to reward great teachers in the spirit for excellence and fairness. And especially, I will not forget about the kids either.
PR: Last session, lawmakers and the governor were caught off guard when revenue numbers dipped below projections. It looks like more of the same for next year – Idaho’s general fund is expected to be $174 million less than anticipated. How would you approach dealing with these shortfalls? Are there specific department budgets you think could be cut? Do you have any ideas for stimulating Idaho’s economy?
RM: I am looking seriously at the Governor’s proposal for holding the line on the budget. During these times, the merits of a fiscal conservative policy are apparent. The worst time to increase taxes is during an economic downturn. It’s bad for jobs. It’s bad on the middle working class. It’s bad on business and the economy. Government resolve to live within its means is economic stimulation.
PR: Given that Idaho is in the minority of states that taxes food, do you support repealing the grocery tax? If so, how should the state make up that income?
RM: Southeastern Idaho supports tax relief. Two years ago I announced that I would introduce tax relief legislation. I kept my campaign commitments, preparing tax relief legislation, and I later co-sponsored the grocery tax relief legislation that became law. It’s successful. Monies initially not captured in grocery taxes re-circulate throughout the economy resulting in fewer taxes to make up for and a more sound tax base.