Candidate Profile-James Stivers

  Birth date: 1959

    Profession: painting contractor

    Educational background: seminary

    Public service (elected or appointed offices): precinct committeeman

    Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): board member Idaho Liberty Coalition

    How many years as a resident of your city: 11

    Marital status: married

    Family: seven children

    Hobbies: the study of Christian antiquities

    Why are you running for office?

     North Idaho is experiencing economic decline.  New ideas are needed in Boise to promote economic growth.

    What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?

    First is the need to protect the right of property owners from agencies like Panhandle Health which prevent them from developing and using their properties.

    Second is the need to roll back occupational licensing restrictions and heavy property taxes which prevent the unemployed from starting home-based businesses they need to survive.

    Third is the need for a state bank to fund government so that it is not competing with the private sector for much needed capital.

    If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?

    The statutes already exist.  They need to be amended to achieve the results identified above.

   What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?

    I have worked in the private sector my entire life and understand how the free market works.  I also was a member of an international trade exchange for ten years which gives me unique experience in alternative economic systems.

    Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?

    I have two opponents: one who has worked for the government his entire life; the other is the incumbent.  I am the only real alternative if people want a fresh start in Boise.