2020 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: David Stewart
Stewart
NAME: David Stewart
RUNNING FOR: County Commissioner, District 1
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Post Falls
DATE OF BIRTH: March 11, 1963
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Coeur d’Alene High School – Class of 1981
OMC Technical Training School – Kent Washington
Real Estate - NIC ICA (Inspection Certification Associates)
MILITARY EXPERIENCE: None
EXPERIENCE IN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICES: Former Kootenai County Commissioner (2015 – 2016)
YEARS AS IDAHO RESIDENT: 41 years
FAMILY: Sons – Brandon and Derrek
HOBBIES: Motorcycle riding UTV riding Travel
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?
I believe the BOCC (Board of County Commissioners) is taking Kootenai County in the wrong direction. Instead of saving money during good economic times, the commissioners have nearly depleted our rainy day fund. Because of my experience, I believe I have the skills and am uniquely qualified to navigate Kootenai County back to prosperity.
WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THREE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES YOU’LL FACE?
- Budget 2. Property Rights 3. Lower Taxes
IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES?
Budget – Going Off The Fiscal Cliff. During my term as a Kootenai County Commissioner (2015 – 2016) the county’s budget was $81m and we had $37m in the Unassigned Fund Balance Account (savings). Currently the FY-2020 budget has increased to $101m and the fund balance account has been reduced to $7m. Property tax increases have occurred every year as well. The Board of County Commissioners continually spends more than their revenue and has been balancing their budget with fund balance dollars. This type of activity is unsustainable and must come to an end before the county runs out of money. Due to the Coronavirus, we are experiencing a downturn in the economy that will negatively impact the current budget. Instead of saving money during good economic times, the commissioners have nearly depleted our rainy day fund. Corrective action is needed now!
Property Rights – Property rights are a big issue with property owners. It is a big investment that property owners want to preserve and protect. Prior to my first term as a Kootenai County Commissioner (2005 – 2016), the ULUC (Unified Land Use Code) was close to being approved. In 2014, I entered the race for Kootenai County Commissioner so that I could vote against its passage. As your Commissioner, I will continue to do my part to protect the rights of property owners.
Lower Taxes – Low taxes will enable businesses to grow and hire more employees. Low taxes will also allow you to save or spend your money as you see fit. I believe over-taxation threatens prosperity and hinders growth to the local economy. I do not believe taxation should be used as a means to redistribute wealth. As your Commissioner, I will do my part to ensure Kootenai County operates within its budget and to not increase property taxes.
WHAT SPECIFIC SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS JOB?
• Former Kootenai County Commissioner with a proven conservative voting record.
• Business owner for more than 35 years here in Kootenai County.
• Experience managing personnel, large projects and budgets.
• Fiscally responsible. I have never filed for bankruptcy. I believe this is vitally important since this position will be responsible for the care of your tax dollars.
• I have the life experience, discipline and skills necessary to hold this position. I believe this is vitally important.
WHY SHOULD VOTERS ELECT YOU, RATHER THAN AN OPPONENT?
I am a Republican with a proven conservative voting record. I believe in less government and am fiscally responsible. I have been a business owner for more than 35 years and have managed large projects and budgets. I have a positive work history with other elected officials, chief deputies and county employees. Because of my experience, I believe I have the skills and am uniquely qualified and the best choice to be your next Kootenai County Commissioner – District 1.