2020 CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE: Elizabeth Jacobsen

NAME: Elizabeth Jacobsen (Betty Jo Murdoch, CdA High School class of 1969)

RUNNING FOR: County Commissioner, District 2

CITY OF RESIDENCE: Dalton Gardens

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/27/1951

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies- 1999 - Midwestern University

Bachelor of Science, Biology, Minor in Chemistry 1995 - Boise State University

MILITARY EXPERIENCE: Married to a Bronze Star Army Veteran, Brian Halfhide

EXPERIENCE IN ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICES: Republican Precinct Committeeman, Phoenix, AZ

YEARS AS IDAHO RESIDENT: 15 years (6 years in grade school and high school, 9 years recently)

FAMILY: Married. Two children, 3 step-children, 11 grandchildren

HOBBIES: Camping, Kayaking, Reading, Gardening, Snorkeling, Volunteering (Hospice Thrift Store)

WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?

I have become concerned with the spending habits of the current commissioners. Commissioner Leslie Duncan tried to curb the spending in the 2020 budget but was overruled by the two commissioners up for re-election. I want to return to true fiscal conservativism. We have a significant population of retirees. I don’t want anyone to be taxed out of their home. Most people move here and live here because of the small-town, rural environment. I want to preserve that lifestyle for everyone. KC is a great place to raise children and retire. Growth should be moderate and managed carefully. New businesses should benefit our children and grandchildren, not just solicit others to move in to compete for those jobs. Property rights need to be protected. A tax burden should not be placed on all county residents for a few pet projects. Any tax should benefit all, not just a few.

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THREE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES YOU’LL FACE?

First, the county operating budget will always be the biggest issue.

Second, Law Enforcement. Keeping County Residents safe.

Third, Controlling Government Growth.

IF ELECTED, WHAT STEPS WILL YOU TAKE TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES?

Regarding the operating budget, I have several ideas. I would like to examine the current budget items and trim or eliminate those items that are not mandated by the State or Federal Government. I would like to use available technology and training to make our current county employees more efficient in order to maximize their potential. I would like to encourage and reward county employees who seek out grant monies to fund county expenses. Currently this is only 1% of the budget. I believe we can utilize grants to a greater degree, especially after the current census. Also, since we have a significant aging population, we should encourage this population to volunteer wherever feasible to assist county employees. An example is C.O.P.S (Citizens on Patrol) to help with law enforcement needs.

Law enforcement needs to be supported fully. Again, because of a significant number of somewhat vulnerable retirees, we need to equip and train law enforcement individuals with all of the tools necessary to keep our residents safe. Drugs are creeping into our community at an alarming pace and we need to stay alert and thwart this threat to our children and grandchildren. I am opposed to a Criminal Re-entry center in Kootenai County. The benefits to a few do not outweigh the risks to the thousands of residents. IDOC says the one year recidivism rate is 7%. In a facility of 130 criminals, that is 9 that will re-offend in our area every year! The rate goes up significantly each year thereafter. A re-entry center would increase the need for more law enforcement, jails, court costs--which necessitates a tax increase. So, no to the re-entry center.

Controlling Government Growth can be achieved by limiting the number of commissioners or county managers. The two commissioners up for re-election have other jobs. I have no other job but than to focus on the county. I have the time and energy to commit to being a full-time commissioner. We do not need additional commissioners. We also do not need a county manager. Each county department has a “manager.” Then there are managers under those managers. We need to utilize the managers we have. Communicate with employees in a way that encourages them to be the best they can be. It is important to find out from each manager what their needs are and how to meet those needs in the most frugal way. We should consult with other counties in the state and nation to see what works and what does not. Although KC is unique, we can learn from others in some issues.

WHAT SPECIFIC SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFY YOU FOR THIS JOB?

I was a business owner for 18 years. I managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing agent, public relations. I did it all successfully. At the same time, I was raising two children and working on my pre-med biology degree. I can multitask in demanding endeavors and achieve the best outcome. I am ready to do that for Kootenai County.

More recently, I was a Physician Assistant for 20 years. I retired in 2019. I know the importance of paying attention to detail and being very thorough. In 20 years of medical practice, I was never the target of a lawsuit. I care deeply about the welfare of people.

WHY SHOULD VOTERS ELECT YOU, RATHER THAN AN OPPONENT?

My husband and I are both 3rd generation Kootenai County residents. We have a profound concern for our county. I have 18 years of business experience, and 20 years of medical practice (people experience). I am pro-life, pro-2nd amendment. I am fiscally responsible in my own life and expect that of my leaders. I do not have another job. I personally am not a realtor or developer, although I appreciate what they do. I have no docks on the river or lake. I have no personal agenda outside of the role of Commissioner. My only objective in running is to serve the County residents without bias or outside influence. I want to serve intelligently with integrity. The current commissioners have increased the budget and almost depleted the reserve funds. KC needs new energy and new vision.