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House hopefuls talk education

| April 7, 2018 1:00 AM

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Both fathers of young children, Idaho Rep. Paul Amador and his primary election challenger, Roger Garlock, weighed in heavily on education during a Friday forum.

During the Panhandle Pachyderm Club’s meeting at Red Lion Templin’s Hotel, the candidates for the House 4B seat that serves Coeur d'Alene were asked their thoughts on teacher protests in other states demanding salary increases.

"Spending does not improve education," Garlock, a business development director for an organization that helps adults with disabilities learn life skills, told the audience of 15. "There needs to be investment in teachers, but we need to get rid of tenure. Having the money follow the student would be a good start. I understand the cause, but I don't think a broad stroke (of salary hikes) is effective."

Amador, who serves on the Education Committee and is development director for the University of Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, said the state is in its fourth year of a five-year plan to fund what's referred to as a teacher career ladder to increase salaries.

"The career ladder has been on auto pilot," he said, adding there hasn't been much controversy. "The question mark we face now is, with next year being the fifth year and with a new governor, where do we go from here?"

Teacher salaries are a balancing act with an undefined mark with multiple factors, he said.

"There's a shortage of qualified teachers in rural schools," Amador said. "Some schools start without having a teacher in every classroom, and that concerns me. We know that teachers can drive 10 miles across the border to get paid more so a question we need to ask is if this (salary decision) helps us recruit and retain qualified teachers in Idaho. We have to be strategic about how we invest in education."

On the topic of recent increases in professional licensures required to perform work, Garlock said there's no indication that they improve safety.

"A free market will do that," he said, adding that the rise has created a socialist system. "The increase is hurting people trying to make a living. We don't need to burn middle-class citizens and people with felonies getting out of prison."

But Amador said such reductions should be carefully considered.

"We need to look at what the provisions are to be licensed," he said. "There are times when it's appropriate to have a person with expertise. If I'm in the hospital seeing an emergency room doctor, I want to know whether he went to medical school and if he's qualified or not."

Amador said licensure is such a massive legislative undertaking that he believes an interim committee should be formed to focus on that front.

"It's going to take time and a bunch of hearings," he said.

Garlock, a political newcomer, has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a certificate in mediation.

"I use conflict resolution on a daily basis with my job and children and will eventually in politics if I represent you in Boise," said Garlock, who is involved in his church and youth sports. "I've been involved in my nucleus — that's how a lot of conservatives live — but I want to move beyond that small circle. That word 'representative' stands out to me."

Amador, who grew up on a small family farm, has a background in education and agriculture.

He believes he's upheld his commitment to be accessible, holding about 20 public town hall forums with constituents and attending more than 300 community events during the past two years in office. He said the state has made great strides, including with wage and economic growth and the recent tax cut.

"The birth of our son seven months ago has changed my perspective on the work we do in Boise," he said. "It makes you reflect on what the future of Idaho will look like for my son and future generations."