Candidate Profile- Jim Hammond
Birth date: June 18, 1950
Profession: Consultant
Education: BA in Education, MA in Public Administration
Public service: Post Falls City Council, 1980-1989, Post Falls Mayor, 1990-1996, Idaho State Board of Education 1997-2002, Chairman of Idaho State Charter School Commission, 2002-2006, State Senator District 5, 2006-2010, Vice Chairman of Idaho State Building Authority, Statewide Interoperability Executive Council, Catastrophic Fund Board
Community service; served on United Way Board, Jobs Plus Board, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce Board, Post Falls Community Volunteers Board, Post Falls Education Foundation Board, Panhandle Area Council
How many years as a resident of your city: 35
Marital status: Married to Cyndie Hammond
Family: 3 sons, 4 grandchildren
Hobbies: wood working, cooking, travel, boating, biking, golf
Why are you running for office?
I am an effective communicator, conservative in my views, accessible to constituents, knowledgeable about the legislative process, respected throughout the state, and acutely aware of the issues facing Idaho. My education, my work experience, my community service and my elected experience give me a perspective that is crucial to state governance. Those skills effectively serve District 5 and Idaho.
What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
1) Improve Idaho's economy, 2) diminish the role of federal government in Idaho, and 3) provide Idaho residents with essential government services such as public safety and education as we move out of this recession.
If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
1) Economy: There are three primary efforts the legislature must undertake to improve Idaho's economy: a) avoid any effort to raise taxes, b) continue efforts to recruit new businesses and jobs to Idaho, and c) work with our current businesses to assure their success.
2) States' Rights: We must continue to send the consistent message to the Federal Government that they have overstepped their constitutional authority. Idaho must continue to push back even to the point of legal defiance.
3) Essential Services: Idaho revenues are expected to lag in FY11, thus, the legislature may need to make strategic cuts in order to balance the budget. It is critical that Idaho residents are safe and that we provide an adequate education system. My voice is heard and respected among budget writers, committee members, and state leadership. I will continue to represent the viewpoints of my constituents.
What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
1. Four years experience in state budget development. 2. Three decades of effective professional and political communication experience. 3. Twenty years of experience in local and state government. 4. State-wide respect as a consensus-builder and as an honest and trustworthy man.
Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
Experience and knowledge. North Idaho’s District 5 has been my home for 35 years. I volunteer in this community, work side-by-side with folks, and I know my constituency. I listen. I effectively use economic development to improve revenue. I believe passionately in individual and state’s rights and will continue to work to diminish the federal government's intrusion in Idaho. I have a proven track record of working on jobs and tax relief.