Candidate profile: State Rep. Dist. 2, Position A: Vito Barbieri (R)
Birth date: 10/22/51
Profession: Small Business owner, Retired attorney
Education background: AA, BS, JD
Public service (elected or appointed offices): Represented District 3 for term 2010-2012
Community Service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Board Chair, Open Arms Pregnancy Center & RCC, Coeur d'Alene; Youth leader in AWANA at our local church
How many years as a resident of your city: 8 years
Marital status: Married 21 years to my lovely wife Joy
Family: 3 wonderful teenagers
Hobbies: Guitar (Learning); gardening; reading.
1. Why are you running for office?
As a member of this community, I believe that it is my responsibility to contribute to our community my God given talents and faithfully use those talents to represent my community in Boise.
2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you'll face?
Stopping the implementation of Obamacare. Legislation was passed by the House and Senate in the last term limiting Obamacare in Idaho but the Governor vetoed that legislation and issued an Executive Order. Another area is mitigating or eliminating the power of the EPA in the State and taking control of the state's natural resources.
3. If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
As a first term representative, I actively worked for my constituents against Obamacare and will continue to do so in the next session. Additionally, the heavy burden of Federal Regulations and control has stifled job growth in our area and I will work to streamline this process. North Idahoans deserve strong, reasoned and articulate representation in Boise.
4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
As a husband, father and an active member of this community, I support strong families and jobs. I have worked in the Legislature for two years now, and believe that experience is a valuable asset in representing the citizens of North Idaho. It is important to me to listen to my constituents about issues that impact their daily lives and act to deal with those issues.
5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
Idaho is a conservative state that believes in the principles of the Constitution. Fiscal responsibility and limiting government intrusion into personal lives is very important to Idahoans. Obamacare is an example of that intrusion by forcing additional taxes to be paid. The battle for individual freedom from bureaucratic over-regulation is important to north Idaho people.
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." — Thomas Jefferson