SIMS: Research indicates winner

Regarding District 4-B, State Representative candidates Kathy Sims and Paula Marano, rather than rely on hearsay, I decided to visit their websites to read what they say about themselves, relevant experience and actual results.

Marano's Site: As a teacher, her platform concentrates on education as the answer. Under "Issues/Education & Jobs-Business," she references business as how it relates to schoolbook purchases and future workforce. No how she intends to grow Idaho's economy. Devoid of economic solutions, her platform reads like a school project. I noticed many clichés about passion, devotion, partnership, "turning challenges into opportunities," as if talking to schoolchildren rather than voters. Regarding why she's running, "depth of caring and compassion and integrity" are not sufficient reasons. Feel-good words work with kids, but it doesn't pay my bills.

Sims' Site: Goals clearly-stated - job creation, accountability and reducing taxes - followed what she'll do. Her list of accomplishments and real-life results are prominently displayed. She believes that raising taxes to cover shortfalls is no answer. Nor is Sims afraid to speak out; she discusses the thorny issue with the CDA Urban Renewal District and how it collects more taxes than District 271 and North Idaho College combined. Sims wants it reversed so schools can receive this revenue (why didn't Paula mention this?).

The National Federation of Independent Business endorses Sims. In Idaho, small businesses represent 96% of all businesses, it employees half of our private sector workforce, and create two-thirds of new jobs. We need more such jobs, not more government jobs. Paula, as a public employee, overlooks this critical distinction.

Sims is pro-business, which is good for Idaho. This is why I support Kathy Sims.

D. MORGAN VERNON

Coeur d'Alene